Play-Doh

Composition

Hasbro says the compound is primarily a mixture of water, salt, and flour. Its 2004 United States patent indicates it is composed of water, a starch-based binder, a retrogradation inhibitor, salt, lubricant, surfactant, preservative, hardener, humectant, fragrance, and color. Play-Doh also contains lubricants such as mineral oil or vegetable oil, surfactants to decrease stickiness, fragrances for smell, and pigments for color. A petroleum additive gives the compound a smooth feel, and borax prevents mold from developing.

Play-Doh contains wheat and may cause allergic reactions in people who are allergic to wheat gluten. It is not intended to be eaten. Play-Doh should be stored in airtight containers to keep it from hardening.

History

It was a pliable, putty-like substance concocted by Noah McVicker of the Cincinnati-based soap manufacturer Kutol Products. It was devised at the request of Kroger Grocery, which wanted a product that could clean coal residue from wallpaper. Following World War II, the demand for wallpaper cleaning putty shrank substantially.

Tien Liu reduced Play-Doh's salt content, which allowed models to dry without losing their color. In 1958, Play-Doh's sales reached nearly $3 million. In 1960, the Play-Doh Fun Factory, a toy press that extrudes the compound in various shapes, was invented by Bob Boggild and Bill Dale. In 1964, Play-Doh was exported to Britain, France, and Italy. By 1965, Rainbow Crafts received a patent for Play-Doh. In 1991, Hasbro acquired Tonka and became the owner of Play-Doh.

Scent

Hasbro says the smell of Play-Doh has always been synonymous with childhood and fun.

Explore all seven extraits in the Discovery Set.

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