Long Lasting Play Dough Recipe with Crayons

Last Updated on October 25, 2023 by ellen

This long-lasting play dough recipe really is the easiest playdough recipe you can make. Make a batch for the kids today.

Long Lasting Play Dough Recipe

Summer is the perfect time to get the kids interested in crafting. They have extra time because they aren’t in school. And, you could probably use a few minutes break while they’re entertained.

This brightly colored play dough will last for several months in the refrigerator. It’s very easy to make and the result is bright jewel-toned playdough that the kids will have loads of fun playing with.

One of the biggest problems with homemade playdough is that it doesn’t last that long. Thankfully, this long lasting play dough recipe stays good for several weeks as long as you store it properly. 

How do you make playdough last longer?

It’s very important that you store your playdough in an airtight container with a tightly fitting lid. You want a container that is roughly the size of the amount of playdough you have.

If you use a container with a lot of empty space, your dough is more likely to dry out and get crumbly. If you have an old container that held store-bought playdough, that’s a perfect size.

How long can homemade playdough last?

This dough will last at least two months but if it’s properly stored, it can last for longer. Always be sure to store it in an airtight container.

And, be sure that your child’s hands are clean before you allow them to play with it. Dirt and oil from your child’s hands or the surface they play on will make the dough go bad more quickly.

Why do I need cream of tartar in playdough?

This playdough recipe uses cream of tartar. I see a lot of people searching for playdough recipes without cream of tartar. But, the cream of tartar acts as a preservative.

And, it helps your dough stay smooth and more elastic. If you want a long lasting playdough recipe, chances are it will have cream of tartar in it.

What does salt do in playdough?

Just like the cream of tartar, this long lasting play dough recipe contains salt. Salt is another preservative that will help your dough last longer. And, it helps to keep it moist but not sticky or tacky.

Does playdough go bad?

So, how long does homemade playdough last? Playdough doesn’t really go bad. And, provided you store it properly, it should be good for quite a while. As long as the dough isn’t dry, it is fine to play with.

It is important to store it in the refrigerator in between uses to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.

Cooked playdough recipe ingredients

• 1 tablespoon cream of tartar
• 1 ½ cup flour
• ¾ cup of salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 crayons, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup of water 

Long lasting play dough recipe instructions

It’s easy to make this soft playdough recipe in just a few minutes. Scroll to the end for a printable copy of this recipe.

1. In a medium bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, cream of tartar, and salt.
2. Stir in water, vegetable oil, and food coloring.
3. In a medium, nonstick pot over medium heat, add the oil and crayon. Stir constantly until the crayon is melted.
4. Add the water to the pot and expect the wax to separate from the water but continue to stir, adding the dry ingredients to the pot.
5. When the dough comes together as a ball and the liquid has absorbed, transfer the dough to waxed, freezer, or parchment paper.
6. While the dough is still warm but cool to touch, knead the dough until smooth, about 2 minutes.
7. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two months or at room temperature for 3 days.

Tips for using this long lasting play dough recipe

If you have your child use this dough on a mat rather than directly on the table, you may find it’s easier to keep clean.  The mat can be washed in between uses.

And, it isn’t as likely to trap foreign materials. This mat set contains 11 different playdough mats which will keep the kids occupied for quite a while.

If you enjoy playing with playdough as much as we do, you might want to try this gingerbread playdough recipe next. You won’t believe how good it smells!

This cinnamon playdough recipe requires no cooking and take sonly 5 minutes to put together. This is a great idea for a Thanksgiving playdough theme.

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• Fun things to do with food coloring
• Best home laser tag
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Yield: 2

Long Lasting Play Dough Recipe with Crayons

Print

Long Lasting Play Dough Recipe with Crayons

Prep Time 15 minutes

Active Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Difficulty easy

Estimated Cost 5.00

Materials

• 1 tablespoon cream of tartar
• 1 ½ cup flour
• ¾ cup salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 crayons, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup water

Tools

• Stove

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, cream of tartar, and salt. Stir in water, vegetable oil, and food coloring.
2. In a medium, nonstick pot over medium heat, add the oil and crayon. Stir constantly until the crayon is melted.
3. Add the water to the pot and expect the wax to separate from the water but continue to stir, adding the dry ingredients to the pot.
4. When the dough comes together as a ball and the liquid has absorbed, transfer the dough to waxed, freezer, or parchment paper. 
5. While the dough is still warm but cool to touch, knead the dough until smooth, about 2 minutes.
6. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two months or at room temperature for 3 days.

Did you make this project?

If you make this, tag me on Instagram so I can see (@ellenblogs)