How To Make Play Dough Without Cream Of Tartar: 14 Steps - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Make Play Dough without Cream of Tartar PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Liz Park and Amber Crain

Last Updated: April 15, 2025 Approved

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  • Using Conditioner and Cornstarch
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  • Using Flour, Salt, and Oil
    • |
  • Ingredients
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  • Video
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  • Expert Interview
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  • Q&A
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  • Tips
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This article was co-authored by Liz Park and by wikiHow staff writer, Amber Crain. Liz Park is a Slime Expert. She owns and operates Slimey Pallets, an independent online marketplace that sells slime, slime-making supplies, fidget toys, and other fun knick knacks for all ages. They are known for their signature SuperClear slime, glitter slimes, water slimes, and slimes that resemble a variety of popular foods, including mochi, fried eggs, and sushi. Slimey Pallets has built an online community of slime enthusiasts that includes 100K Instagram followers and 71K TikTok followers. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 86% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 422,378 times.

Making play-dough without cream of tartar is both fun and easy! The most traditional recipe calls for flour, salt, water, and oil. However, you can also use cornstarch and conditioner to make play-dough. Food coloring or powdered Kool-Aid will add color and fragrance to your project.

Ingredients

Using Conditioner and Cornstarch

  • 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) of conditioner
  • 1 cup (120 g) of cornstarch
  • Food coloring
  • Glitter (optional)

Using Flour, Salt, and Oil

  • 1 cup (120 g) of all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (75 g) of table salt
  • 3⁄4 cup (180 ml) of water
  • 3 tablespoons (44 ml) of lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of vegetable oil
  • 4-5 drops of food coloring or 2 packages of powdered Kool-Aid mix

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 2:

Using Conditioner and Cornstarch

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  1. Step 1 Pour 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) of conditioner into a bowl. 1 Pour 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) of conditioner into a bowl. Pick something that smells nice to you. Your play dough will also turn out the same color as the conditioner, so choose wisely.[1] If you want to make your own color, choose white conditioner.

    You can use any brand of conditioner. Cheap brands work the best.[2]

  2. Step 2 Add some food coloring, if desired. 2 Add some food coloring, if desired. Start with 1 to 2 drops. Stir them in, then add more if you want to.[3] If your conditioner is already colored, and you want a deeper color, make sure that you use the same color of food coloring. Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Add some glitter for sparkle, if desired. 3 Add some glitter for sparkle, if desired.[4] You can use the same color of glitter as your conditioner or food coloring, or you can use a different color. Extra-fine glitter will look the best, but you can use the regular, chunky kind too. Start with a pinch of glitter, then add more if desired.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Play Dough without Cream of Tartar 4 Stir in 1 cup (120 g) of cornstarch. The dough will be crumbly at first, but then it will turn smoother the longer you work with it. Once it starts to look like frosting, transfer it to a smooth counter or cutting board.[5]
    • If you can't find any cornstarch, try cornflour instead.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make Play Dough without Cream of Tartar 5 Knead the dough, adding more cornstarch if needed. The longer you knead the dough, the more solid it will become. Plan on kneading it for about 1 minute. If the dough feels too sticky while you are kneading it, you can always add more cornstarch.[6]

    If the play dough seems too firm or too dry, squeeze a dollop of conditioner into the mixture and continue kneading.

  6. Step 6 Store the dough in a plastic container. 6 Store the dough in a plastic container. This will help keep the dough soft when you are not playing with it and prevent it from drying out.
    7. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 2:

Using Flour, Salt, and Oil

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make Play Dough without Cream of Tartar 1 Mix the water, lemon juice, and oil together in a large pot. Measure out 3⁄4 cup (180 ml) of water and pour it into a medium sized pot. Stir in 3 tablespoons (44 ml) of lemon juice. Then, stir in 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of vegetable oil.[7]

    You can use fresh lemon juice or bottled lemon juice. If you are using fresh lemon juice, be sure to strain out the pulp and seeds!

  2. Step 2 Heat the mixture over medium-low heat until it's just about boiling. 2 Heat the mixture over medium-low heat until it's just about boiling. Put the pot on your stove burner and turn the heat to medium-low. Let the mixture heat up slowly.[8]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Play Dough without Cream of Tartar 3 Stir the food coloring or powdered Kool-Aid into the mixture. You can stir in 4-5 drops of food coloring to add color to the play-dough. If you want to add color and fragrance, whisk in 2 packages of powdered Kool-Aid. If you want an extra vibrant hue, you can use both![9]
    • You can adjust the amount of food coloring or Kool-Aid you use to alter the shade.
    • Be sure to use unsweetened Kool-Aid, otherwise the play dough will turn out too sticky.[10]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Play Dough without Cream of Tartar 4 Mix the flour and salt together in a separate bowl. Pour 1 cup (120 g) of all-purpose flour into a mixing bowl. Add ¼ cup (75 g) of table salt. Stir them together with a spoon.[11]
    • Use white, all-purpose flour, not whole wheat.
    • Use table salt, not rock salt or sea salt.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make Play Dough without Cream of Tartar 5 Add the flour mixture gradually to the hot liquid mixture in the pot. Make sure you pour slowly and stir continuously as you pour. This will keep hard, uneven lumps from forming in your play-dough![12]
  6. Step 6 Keep stirring until the mixture forms a dough ball. 6 Keep stirring until the mixture forms a dough ball. As you stir, the dry ingredients will absorb the wet ingredients and form into a dough ball. Once all of the liquids have been absorbed, you can stop stirring.[13]
    • If the mixture seems too sticky, flatten the dough on the bottom of the pot and let it sit for a few seconds. Then, flip it over and do the same for the other side. You can flip back and forth until you reach your desired consistency.
    • Be sure not to overcook the dough! Keep in mind that it will get firmer once it cools down.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Make Play Dough without Cream of Tartar 7 Knead the dough ball for 1-2 minutes to finish combining it. Turn the dough ball out onto wax paper. If it's too hot to touch, let it cool down for a few minutes. Then, knead the play-dough for 1-2 minutes to complete the process.[14]
  8. Step 8 Allow the dough to cool off before storing it in the fridge. 8 Allow the dough to cool off before storing it in the fridge. Once the dough has cooled off, you can store it in a plastic container with an air-tight lid in the fridge. 1 batch makes enough to fill a 16-ounce plastic container.[15]
    • You don't have to store the play-dough in the fridge, but it will last longer that way.
    9. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question What are some good substitutes for cream of tartar? wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer Lemon juice and white vinegar can both act as substitutes for cream of tartar. Lemon juice will give your playdough a more pleasant scent than vinegar. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 11
  • Question Can I use baking powder in place of cream of tartar? wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer Baking powder is a combination of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and cream of tartar. It should work as a substitute for cream of tartar, but you may need to play around with the amount to get the texture you want. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 8 Helpful 15
  • Question What does cream of tartar do to playdough? wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer The cream of tartar helps give the playdough a stiffer, stretchier texture, as well as a bit of added volume. It also acts as a natural preservative and stabilizer, helping your dough last a bit longer before it becomes crumbly or starts to go bad. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 8
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Reader Videos

Tips

  • If you are allergic to gluten, you can try using rice flour instead. Be aware that the dough may not have the same texture, however.[16] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Cocoa powder will make the dough smell like delicious chocolate. Keep in mind that it will make the dough turn brown, just like chocolate![17] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • For extra fragrance, add some essence or extract, such as strawberry, lemon, or vanilla.[18] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Show More Tips Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Do not use glitter in dough that will be handled by small children. Thanks Helpful 15 Not Helpful 3
  • All play dough will eventually harden or expire. If your play dough starts to smell or look off, throw it out and make a new set. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
  • When making play dough with kids around, it's best to stick with of non-cook versions that don't contain any toxic ingredients. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
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Things You'll Need

Using Flour, Salt, and Oil

  • Mixing bowl
  • Pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Air-tight plastic container

Using Conditioner and Cornstarch

  • Mixing bowl
  • Spoon
  • Plastic container

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Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about sensory development toys, check out our in-depth interview with Liz Park.

References

  1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wQFsAC1_KM
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pt97zl_gwnk
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wQFsAC1_KM
  4. ↑ Liz Park. Slime Expert. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pt97zl_gwnk
  6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wQFsAC1_KM
  7. ↑ https://funlearningforkids.com/easy-play-dough-recipe-without-cream-tartar/
  8. ↑ https://funlearningforkids.com/easy-play-dough-recipe-without-cream-tartar/
  9. ↑ https://funlearningforkids.com/easy-play-dough-recipe-without-cream-tartar/
More References (9)
  1. ↑ http://www.food.com/recipe/kool-aid-play-dough-14788
  2. ↑ https://funlearningforkids.com/easy-play-dough-recipe-without-cream-tartar/
  3. ↑ https://funlearningforkids.com/easy-play-dough-recipe-without-cream-tartar/
  4. ↑ https://funlearningforkids.com/easy-play-dough-recipe-without-cream-tartar/
  5. ↑ https://funlearningforkids.com/easy-play-dough-recipe-without-cream-tartar/
  6. ↑ http://www.food.com/recipe/kool-aid-play-dough-14788
  7. ↑ http://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/just-for-kids/allergy-free-play-dough-recipes.aspx
  8. ↑ http://www.learning4kids.net/2014/04/08/neapolitan-ice-cream-scented-play-dough-recipe/
  9. ↑ http://www.learning4kids.net/2014/04/08/neapolitan-ice-cream-scented-play-dough-recipe/

About This Article

Liz Park Co-authored by: Liz Park Slime Expert This article was co-authored by Liz Park and by wikiHow staff writer, Amber Crain. Liz Park is a Slime Expert. She owns and operates Slimey Pallets, an independent online marketplace that sells slime, slime-making supplies, fidget toys, and other fun knick knacks for all ages. They are known for their signature SuperClear slime, glitter slimes, water slimes, and slimes that resemble a variety of popular foods, including mochi, fried eggs, and sushi. Slimey Pallets has built an online community of slime enthusiasts that includes 100K Instagram followers and 71K TikTok followers. This article has been viewed 422,378 times. 23 votes - 86% Co-authors: 25 Updated: April 15, 2025 Views: 422,378 Categories: Putty Dough and Slime Article SummaryX

To make play dough without any cream of tartar, start by pouring ½ cup of hair conditioner into a bowl. Make sure to pick a conditioner that has a scent you like, since that’s how your play dough will end up smelling. If you want to make your play dough a bright color, choose white conditioner and stir in 1 to 2 drops of food coloring. For sparkly play dough, add a pinch of glitter. Once your conditioner looks the way you want it to, stir in 1 cup of cornstarch. The mixture will be crumbly at first, but keep stirring and it will eventually get smoother. When the play dough looks like frosting, take it out of the bowl and knead it on a smooth, flat surface until it isn’t sticky anymore. For more advice, like how to make play dough from flour, salt, and oil, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Monica Pitts

    Monica Pitts

    Mar 24, 2020

    "The salt, flour and oil recipe worked great. Used coconut oil instead of vegetable oil and it still turned out! ..." more Rated this article:
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Liz Park Co-authored by: Liz Park Slime Expert Co-authors: 25 Updated: April 15, 2025 Views: 422,378 86% of readers found this article helpful. 23 votes - 86% Click a star to add your vote Monica Pitts

Monica Pitts

Mar 24, 2020

"The salt, flour and oil recipe worked great. Used coconut oil instead of vegetable oil and it still turned out! ..." more Rated this article: Jenny Oys

Jenny Oys

Oct 8, 2018

"It worked very well. Instead of using vegetable oil, I used baby oil. It worked perfectly and kept my hands moist." Tannia Miland

Tannia Miland

May 18, 2016

"The steps and tips helped, as it was my first attempt at making play dough." Kailey Shepherd

Kailey Shepherd

Jan 10, 2017

"I liked the no-bake play dough, because it is so easy." Savage Flower

Savage Flower

Apr 27, 2017

"Wow! Me and my friends love this! So cool!" Rated this article: Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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