Why put salt in play dough? Can I make it without salt?

Answer 1

Salt strengthens gluten in bread dough, providing uniform grain, texture and dough strength. With salt present, gluten holds more water and carbon dioxide, allowing the dough to expand without tearing.

Answer 2

Salt Play Dough

Answer 3

Ingredients 4 cups flour 1 cup salt 1-1/2 cups hot water (from tap) 2 teaspoons vegetable oil (optional) Mix the salt and flour together, then gradually add the water until the dough becomes elastic. (Some recipes call for 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil at this point.) If your mixture turns out too sticky, simply add more flour. If it turns out too crumbly, simply add more water. Knead the dough until it’s a good consistency—then get out rolling pins, cups, bowls, straws, cookie cutters, plastic utensils, and let the fun begin! If you want colored dough, mix food coloring, powdered drink mix, or paint into the water before adding it to the dry ingredients. Or you can paint your creations after baking them at 200 degrees. Baking times will vary depending on the size and thickness of the object, but make sure that all of it is hard. If the dough starts to darken before cooking is complete, cover with aluminum foil. Painted keepsakes will need to be sealed on all sides with clear varnish or polyurethane spray. You can store your salt dough in a sealed container in the refrigerator, but usually not more than a couple of days.

Answer 4

here are three recipes for making different dough that I use all the time...the only one that doesn't have salt is modeling clay.

play-dough
1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
3 tsp. powdered alum
1 cup boiling water
2 tbsp. oil
food coloring
heat the water to boiling
while the water is heating mix the flour, salt and powdered alum in a bowl. add the boiling water and oil. stir well and knead with your hands. divide dough into as many parts as the number of colors you want. add the coloring and knead well. store in a plastic sip lock bag. this will last for months.


jewelry dough
3/4 cup flour
1/2 cup corn starch
1/2 cup salt
warm water
measure and mix all ingredients in a bowl except water. add warm water very slowly to make a very stiff dough (if you add too much just add more flour) form into desired shaped and let dry.

modeling clay
1 cup corn starch
2 cups baking soda
1 1/4 cups cold water
mix starch and soda together in a saucepan. add the cold water and stir. cook the mixture over medium heat stirring all the time until it is like mashed potatoes. put the mixture onto a plate, cover with a damp cloth and wait until mixture is cool enough to handle. knead until smooth. store in an airtight container until ready to use.

I wasn't sure which type you wanted so I gave you all three!

Answer 5

The salt helps hold the moisture in it, keeps it from drying out and getting hard.

Answer 6

if you dont want to use salt, you could use a real fine sand, but it wouldnt turn out quite the same way.

Answer 7

The salt is in there to prevent spoilage and discourage eating it.