Quick Answers
Playdough should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. It will last for several months when properly stored. Exposure to air causes playdough to dry out. Storing in the fridge can extend its shelf life. Do not freeze playdough. Freezing will cause the oils in playdough to separate, resulting in a grainy texture when thawed.
What is the best way to store homemade playdough?
The best way to store homemade playdough is in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Since homemade playdough contains ingredients like flour, salt, cream of tartar, and oil, it is perishable and can spoil when exposed to air, heat, or moisture over time. Storing in an airtight container prevents drying out and extends the shelf life significantly.
Glass or plastic containers with tight sealing lids work best for storing playdough. Make sure there is no air trapped inside before sealing the lid. Rectangular plastic containers or mason jars allow for flattening and stacking of multiple playdough containers.
Room temperature storage in the range of 60-75°F is ideal. Refrigeration at 40°F or below will keep homemade playdough fresh even longer – up to 6 months. The cool environment retards spoilage.
Playdough stored at room temperature should be used within 1-2 months for best results. Refrigerated playdough can last 4-6 months. It will stiffen up when cold so let it come back to room temperature before use.
Avoid storing playdough in garages, attics or basements which experience temperature extremes in summer or winter. Fluctuating temperatures can cause condensation inside the container leading to mold growth.
Tips for homemade playdough storage
– Allow playdough to firm up completely before storing
– Knead in a few drops of lemon juice to help preserve and whiten
– Wrap completely in plastic wrap if not storing in airtight containers
– Place wax paper between portions to prevent sticking together
– Label containers with date for easy reference
– Inspect periodically and discard if drying, cracking, or moldy
How should you store store-bought playdough?
The storage recommendations are similar for store-bought playdough.
Store in an airtight plastic container or ziplock bag by removing as much air as possible. Room temperature or refrigerator storage both work well. The packaging store-bought playdough comes in is not airtight so transferring it to a container is recommended.
Unopened containers of playdough have a shelf life of about 2 years from the manufacturing date if stored properly. After opening, refrigerate and use within 3-4 months for best quality. Discard any hardened or dried out portions instead of mixing back in.
Pay attention to the playdough container label. Avoid freezing or storing in hot places like garages or cars. As with homemade playdough, store-bought versions will last longer when kept out of temperature extremes.
Benefits of proper playdough storage
– Maintains soft, pliable texture longer
– Minimizes drying and cracking
– Prevents mold growth
– Retains color vibrancy
– Extends shelf life
– Allows for future play sessions
What causes playdough to dry out?
Exposure to air is the main culprit when playdough dries out. Improperly sealed containers or storage bags allow moisture loss over time. The oils in playdough also oxidize when in contact with air, causing hardening.
Low humidity environments can accelerate drying of playdough left out in the open. Playdough left out on a table or playset will stiffen up and crack much faster than properly stored dough.
High temperatures also degrade playdough. Heat speeds up evaporation of moisture. Storing playdough in hot places like a garage, attic or closed car in summer promotes drying.
Overhandling and reshaping repeatedly can damage the internal structure of playdough. The oils get worked out, causing a gritty or crumbly texture that continues to dry out quickly.
Using too much baking powder, starch or flour in homemade recipes can result in playdough that hardens faster. Too little oil content will also make it dry and brittle after molding.
Signs of dried out playdough
– Surface cracks and crevices
– Difficult to reshape
– Won’t stick together
– Has a scratchy sandy texture
– Loses vibrancy in color
– Appears faded and discolored
– Feels stiff and brittle
Can dried out playdough be saved?
It is difficult to reverse dried out playdough but adding a few drops of vegetable oil and kneading vigorously can sometimes restore some flexibility.
For store-bought dough that has dried past revival, it is best to discard and replace. Hard, stiff playdough does not provide a good play experience.
With homemade playdough, you can attempt salvaging slightly dried portions by combining with fresh playdough. Knead together 50/50 with new moist dough. This should improve the texture, making it usable again.
If the entire batch has dried extensively, it is better to start over with a fresh recipe. Rehydrating will often result in a gritty, greasy texture. Dried out playdough may also contain more bacteria growth.
Prevention is key – airtight containers and reasonable storage times minimize drying. Rotate your stored playdough by making fresh batches to replace older ones.
Tips for reviving playdough
– Add 1-2 tsp vegetable oil and knead
– Combine with equal parts fresh playdough
– Add a few drops lemon juice or vinegar
– Work in a damp paper towel while kneading
– Use within a couple days for best results
Should playdough be stored in the fridge or freezer?
The refrigerator is an ideal storage place for playdough. Cold temperatures between 35-40°F keep playdough pliable and extend shelf life. The downside is that refrigerated playdough will be harder and will need a short time at room temperature before use.
The freezer, however, should be avoided. Freezing causes the oils in playdough to separate. This leads to a permanently grainy, crumbly texture when thawed. The color pigments can also separate and bleed, creating an unappealing look.
For short term freezer storage under 2 weeks, playdough may still be salvageable. Knead vigorously after thawing to re-emulsify separated oils. But texture and consistency will likely deteriorate with increased time in the freezer.
Refrigerating playdough has none of the disadvantages of freezing. The cold environment simply slows down chemical changes that lead to spoilage. For maximum shelf life, the refrigerator is best for both homemade and store-bought playdough.
Benefits of refrigerated storage
– Slows mold growth
– Prevents drying out
– Keeps oils from separating
– Maintains original texture
– Retains color and shape
– Minimizes bacteria proliferation
– Extends shelf life significantly
How long does playdough last?
The shelf life of playdough depends largely on storage methods. When stored in airtight containers at room temperature or in the fridge, playdough can last:
– Unopened store-bought: Up to 2 years from manufacturing date
– Opened store-bought: 3-4 months
– Homemade: 1-2 months at room temp, 4-6 months refrigerated
If exposed to air, high heat, humidity or freezing temperatures, playdough will degrade much faster – sometimes only lasting a couple weeks before drying and hardening.
The recipe also impacts longevity. More oil and cream of tartar extends shelf life. Too much baking powder or starch shortens it. Properly combining ingredients ensures maximal time for molding and play.
With responsible storage practices, both homemade and commercial playdough can remain soft and usable for months. Refrigeration provides the best environment for extending the shelf life.
Maximizing playdough longevity
– Store in airtight containers
– Keep away from heat and humidity
– Refrigerate for longer shelf life
– Ensure homemade recipe has enough oil
– Avoid over-handling and reshaping
– Knead in lemon juice or vinegar
– Keep unused portions wrapped in plastic wrap
What causes mold to grow on playdough?
Exposure to moisture is the primary cause of mold growth on playdough. The flours and starch used in standard recipes provide a perfect medium for mold to thrive.
Leaving playdough uncovered allows absorption of ambient humidity in the air. In just a couple days, visible mold colonies begin establishing on exposed playdough.
Wet or damp conditions also promote mold. Playdough left out after play sessions can get contaminated by juice or water spills. Storing playdough in a humid environment like a bathroom cabinet leads to quicker mold growth.
Using low quality ingredients with higher moisture content introduces more mold spores into homemade dough. Old flours and starches are more prone to contamination.
Finally, warm temperatures accelerate mold growth. Playdough stored in hot garages, cars or attics reaches optimal conditions for mold resulting in fuzzier surfaces and discoloration.
Recognizing moldy playdough
– White, green or black fuzz
– Web-like tendrils
– Surface discoloration
– Potent musty odor
– Soft wet spots
– Change in texture
Is it safe to play with moldy playdough?
No, it is not considered safe for kids to play with moldy playdough. Exposure poses potential health risks, especially for children with asthma or comprised immune systems.
Inhaling mold spores can trigger allergic reactions, asthma flare-ups, and respiratory irritation. Hands-on play also risk skin irritation or eye inflammation from contact.
The types of mold that grow on perishable foods like playdough can produce mycotoxins. Ingestion of these toxic compounds through hand-to-mouth transfer could cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other temporary symptoms.
Finally, moldy playdough has an extremely unpleasant smell that only gets stronger. The overall quality is greatly diminished and normal pliability is compromised. For these reasons, it is best to discard and replace mold-ridden playdough.
Safety precautions
– Discard moldy portions immediately
– Ensure hands are washed after touching
– Clean storage containers thoroughly
– Use within recommended timeframe
– Never mix old playdough into fresh batches
How can you prevent mold growth on playdough?
Proper storage is key to preventing mold growth on playdough. An airtight container protects against humidity and airborne contamination.
Refrigeration at 40°F or below inhibits mold spores from germinating. Freezing playdough is not recommended however as the thawed texture will deteriorate.
When making homemade playdough, use fresh ingredients within their expiration dates and avoid adding too much water. This minimizes existing mold spores.
Work on clean surfaces and tools when mixing and kneading dough. Avoid adding food coloring straight from contaminated bottles.
Discard any overly dried or crumbly portions instead of reworking them into playdough. Dried dough harbors more mold spores.
Limiting playdough storage time also reduces mold risk. Use within 1-2 months at room temperature or 3-4 months refrigerated for best quality.
Tips for mold prevention
– Store in airtight containers
– Refrigerate dough for longer life
– Use fresh ingredients when making dough
– Work on clean surfaces
– Avoid excessive humidity
– Discard excessively dried portions
– Follow recommended storage times
Can you microwave playdough to kill mold spores?
Microwaving is not an effective method for salvaging moldy playdough. The high heat may kill mold spores on the surface, but microwaves do not penetrate deeply enough to heat the entire interior and eradicate the root threads.
Partial microwaving also produces hot spots that can cook raw ingredients like eggs or dairy in homemade recipes, creating unpleasant textures and smells.
For commercial dough with mold growth, it is still advisable to discard and replace the container. Even if microwaving appears to improve appearance, mold residues may remain in the dough and spores could reactivate once cooled.
With homemade recipes, the ingredients are too perishable after mold contamination, so microwaving is futile. There is also potential for microwaved playdough to harbor bacteria that could lead to food poisoning.
Overall, it is not worth the health risks to try and revive moldy dough. A fresh batch is a better and safer option. Proper storage remains key to prevent mold in the first place.
Reasons microwaving is ineffective
– Does not penetrate deep enough
– Can partially cook raw ingredients
– May leave residual spores and threads
– Can spur more bacteria growth
– Makes dough unpleasant and rubbery
– Safer to discard and replace
Conclusion
To maximize playdough shelf life and minimize mold growth, the optimal storage is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Homemade or store-bought dough will last for months when kept chilled and controlled from air exposure. Any sign of mold or drying necessitates discarding and replacing for safety and quality. With responsible storage habits, both children and adults can enjoy the timeless magic of molding and creating with playdough for hours of edifying fun.