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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>Suggestions For Play-Doh Mess Control
EntropyControlSpecialist 03:20 PM 06-27-2012
I feel like we have tried everything we know to keep the Play-Doh mess under control when we bring it out for the 20 minutes of tabletop play at the end of the day. It gets everywhere, but is the most requested item for tabletop play so I can't avoid it (nor do I want to).
Is there a certain way that you contain the mess that is Play-Doh?
I'm going to try it in a big sensory bin as a last ditch effort to see if we can contain some of the 348934893 little crumbs that come off of it and get ground into the tile.
Is there a certain way that you contain the mess that is Play-Doh?
I'm going to try it in a big sensory bin as a last ditch effort to see if we can contain some of the 348934893 little crumbs that come off of it and get ground into the tile.
spud912 04:11 PM 06-27-2012
I treat it like a meal. The kids have to sit at the eating table in their booster seats and they need to let me know when they are done. That way, it's contained in the same way a meal is contained. In the end, I spray off the table, wipe, and sweep up the floor.
EntropyControlSpecialist 04:13 PM 06-27-2012
Originally Posted by spud912:
I treat it like a meal. The kids have to sit at the eating table in their booster seats and they need to let me know when they are done. That way, it's contained in the same way a meal is contained. In the end, I spray off the table, wipe, and sweep up the floor.
Maybe some of my children are too squirmy. Their seats don't stay right up next to the table and it ends up everywhere. These are not infants or toddlers.I treat it like a meal. The kids have to sit at the eating table in their booster seats and they need to let me know when they are done. That way, it's contained in the same way a meal is contained. In the end, I spray off the table, wipe, and sweep up the floor.
daycare 04:14 PM 06-27-2012
I can't get away from the mess either. I just don't allow for the kids to take out more than one color at a time. So each kid can have one can and that is it. If they want another one, they have to put it away first. It still gets on the floor and when I see it on the floor I say....everyone stop and floor clean up.
All of the kids stop to clean it up and if you don't, then you won't get to play with the play dough anymore.
All of the kids stop to clean it up and if you don't, then you won't get to play with the play dough anymore.
littlemissmuffet 04:21 PM 06-27-2012
I find homemade is less messy and crumbly than store-bought.
What about putting a shower curtain or table cloth (dollar store) UNDER the work table and chairs... when the kiddos are done, shake it off outside, fold it up and store in a drawer until next time!
What about putting a shower curtain or table cloth (dollar store) UNDER the work table and chairs... when the kiddos are done, shake it off outside, fold it up and store in a drawer until next time!
spud912 05:30 PM 06-27-2012
Originally Posted by littlemissmuffet:
I find homemade is less messy and crumbly than store-bought.
What about putting a shower curtain or table cloth (dollar store) UNDER the work table and chairs... when the kiddos are done, shake it off outside, fold it up and store in a drawer until next time!
I bet that's it. I only use homemade playdoh and only one color at a time (I know, I'm no fun I find homemade is less messy and crumbly than store-bought.
What about putting a shower curtain or table cloth (dollar store) UNDER the work table and chairs... when the kiddos are done, shake it off outside, fold it up and store in a drawer until next time!
). The kids all clean up their mess when they are done (they pat the table with their playdoh to pick up scraps, put it in the tupperware container, then put their tools in the zip-loc baggy). The eating table I have is actually my dining table. Most kids use a booster seat except for one who is tall enough to reach on her own. They are all scooted in and have to let me know they are done before they get down.
EntropyControlSpecialist 05:52 PM 06-27-2012
Is there a recipe for homemade that you would suggest? 
We use the actual Play-Doh brand. It is a mess!
We use the actual Play-Doh brand. It is a mess!
littlemissmuffet 06:17 PM 06-27-2012
Originally Posted by EntropyControlSpe******t:
Is there a recipe for homemade that you would suggest?
We use the actual Play-Doh brand. It is a mess!
Yes Is there a recipe for homemade that you would suggest?
We use the actual Play-Doh brand. It is a mess!
1 cup flour
1 cup water
2 tbsp oil
2 tsp cream of tartar
1/2 cup salt
food coloring, optional
Mix all ingredients over medium heat in a large saucepan until ball forms and leaves the sides of the pan. Store in air-tight container once cool.
jojosmommy 06:38 PM 06-27-2012
You can actually just add another dab of oil to it if it starts to dry out. I think it works way better than the playdough brand. That stuff is a waste of money.
In the winter I do it at the table with a tablecloth. All kids must stay in their seat during playdough time. When finished I use my dirt devil vac to suck up the leftovers.
In the summer I toss the same tablecloth out on the deck and the kids play it out there. Then the birds/squirrels get the remainders and I don't feel guilty since its food based.
I have also made playdough with rice flour for those gluten free kiddos. Does not last as long but it helps to include everyone. Google it, Im sure there is a recipe somewhere. I can't remember mine.
In the winter I do it at the table with a tablecloth. All kids must stay in their seat during playdough time. When finished I use my dirt devil vac to suck up the leftovers.
In the summer I toss the same tablecloth out on the deck and the kids play it out there. Then the birds/squirrels get the remainders and I don't feel guilty since its food based.
I have also made playdough with rice flour for those gluten free kiddos. Does not last as long but it helps to include everyone. Google it, Im sure there is a recipe somewhere. I can't remember mine.
originalkat 07:02 PM 06-27-2012
Originally Posted by littlemissmuffet:
Yes
1 cup flour
1 cup water
2 tbsp oil
2 tsp cream of tartar
1/2 cup salt
food coloring, optional
Mix all ingredients over medium heat in a large saucepan until ball forms and leaves the sides of the pan. Store in air-tight container once cool.
This is the recipe I use as well. I can't stand store bought play dough. I only put out one color at a time as well. If the kids are getting blobs on the floor then I make everyone stop and pick up the crumbs. It is still a mess even with my best efforts, but I guess that's just part of early childhood.Yes
1 cup flour
1 cup water
2 tbsp oil
2 tsp cream of tartar
1/2 cup salt
food coloring, optional
Mix all ingredients over medium heat in a large saucepan until ball forms and leaves the sides of the pan. Store in air-tight container once cool.
cheerfuldom 07:11 PM 06-27-2012
I am going to try the homemade play doh, but I dont seem to have a huge problem with the Play doh brand stuff.
Hunni Bee 07:12 PM 06-27-2012
Originally Posted by littlemissmuffet:
Yes
1 cup flour
1 cup water
2 tbsp oil
2 tsp cream of tartar
1/2 cup salt
food coloring, optional
Mix all ingredients over medium heat in a large saucepan until ball forms and leaves the sides of the pan. Store in air-tight container once cool.
I use this one as well. When I make it. I've been too lazy lately. I suggest adding a few drops of rubbing alcohol to the water to make.it keep longer. It makes it inedible, but my kids know not to eat playdough anyway. Yes
1 cup flour
1 cup water
2 tbsp oil
2 tsp cream of tartar
1/2 cup salt
food coloring, optional
Mix all ingredients over medium heat in a large saucepan until ball forms and leaves the sides of the pan. Store in air-tight container once cool.
I also found that limiting the number of colors available helps to cut down on the mess, because they're not constantly taking it out and putting it back. I only allow one color per kid.
My Lil' Monkeys 04:52 AM 06-28-2012
Originally Posted by littlemissmuffet:
I find homemade is less messy and crumbly than store-bought.
What about putting a shower curtain or table cloth (dollar store) UNDER the work table and chairs... when the kiddos are done, shake it off outside, fold it up and store in a drawer until next time!
This is what I do I find homemade is less messy and crumbly than store-bought.
What about putting a shower curtain or table cloth (dollar store) UNDER the work table and chairs... when the kiddos are done, shake it off outside, fold it up and store in a drawer until next time!
I've found that using a tablecloth contains the mess and then when all the kids are done I fold it up and shake outside then store for another day
Meyou 04:59 AM 06-28-2012
I use the same recipe but add a package of koolaid without sugar to each one. You get vibrant colors and it smells yummy.
MyAngels 05:51 AM 06-28-2012
I use that recipe as well and use cake decorating colors to make really nice, bright colors. It doesn't smell as nice as when I use the Kool-Aid, though.
cheerfuldom 06:03 AM 06-28-2012
What kind of oil? just regular vegetable cooking oil?
Blackcat31 07:13 AM 06-28-2012
I use a 3 ingredient play-doh recipe:
1/4 cup salt
1 cup flour
1/4 cup water
I also do the show curtain/table cloth thing as it works wonderful. I also skip the chairs and have the kids stand at the table as standing offers them a bit more mobility and control over their movements which in turn helps them not drop as much on the floor. I would definitely suggest having them stand and see if it makes a difference.
Here are a couple other really fun recipe's for dough-type play:
Play Clay:
2 cups baking soda
1 cup corn starch
1 and 1/4 c of water
Put ingredients in a saucepan and cook over medium heat stirring continuously until it is the consistency of mashed potatoes. If you would like, you can separate it into smaller batches and add a few drops of food coloring. Put the dough onto a plate to cool. You can use it to make animals, people, shapes etc. Let dry over night and then paint.
*******************************************************
Fun Putty
1 part liquid starch
2 parts white school glue
Pour the tarch into the glue a little bit at a time. Knead together. Add more starch to make it less sticky. Cover and refrigerate over night.
********************************************************
Slime
1 tsp Metamucil
1 and 1/4 cups water
Put ingredients into a jar and cover. Shake for a couple minutes. Pour into a microwave safe bowl and add a few drops of food coloring. Microwave on high for 3 minutes. Cool for 3 minutes. Microwave again for 5 minutes. The mixure will be VERY hot! Let cool for atleast one hour before playing with it.
All of these recipes are fantastic for sensory play and they are also a great activity for any age!
*a word of warning though.....if you at all have issues with textures, don't try to make the slime recipe as it has the consistency of snot
1/4 cup salt
1 cup flour
1/4 cup water
I also do the show curtain/table cloth thing as it works wonderful. I also skip the chairs and have the kids stand at the table as standing offers them a bit more mobility and control over their movements which in turn helps them not drop as much on the floor. I would definitely suggest having them stand and see if it makes a difference.
Here are a couple other really fun recipe's for dough-type play:
Play Clay:
2 cups baking soda
1 cup corn starch
1 and 1/4 c of water
Put ingredients in a saucepan and cook over medium heat stirring continuously until it is the consistency of mashed potatoes. If you would like, you can separate it into smaller batches and add a few drops of food coloring. Put the dough onto a plate to cool. You can use it to make animals, people, shapes etc. Let dry over night and then paint.
*******************************************************
Fun Putty
1 part liquid starch
2 parts white school glue
Pour the tarch into the glue a little bit at a time. Knead together. Add more starch to make it less sticky. Cover and refrigerate over night.
********************************************************
Slime
1 tsp Metamucil
1 and 1/4 cups water
Put ingredients into a jar and cover. Shake for a couple minutes. Pour into a microwave safe bowl and add a few drops of food coloring. Microwave on high for 3 minutes. Cool for 3 minutes. Microwave again for 5 minutes. The mixure will be VERY hot! Let cool for atleast one hour before playing with it.
All of these recipes are fantastic for sensory play and they are also a great activity for any age!
*a word of warning though.....if you at all have issues with textures, don't try to make the slime recipe as it has the consistency of snot
Kiki 07:31 AM 06-28-2012
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
*a word of warning though.....if you at all have issues with textures, don't try to make the slime recipe as it has the consistency of snot
We made the slime here a couple of weeks ago and the kids referred to it as 'the babies boogers.' *a word of warning though.....if you at all have issues with textures, don't try to make the slime recipe as it has the consistency of snot
We use home made here as well, it really doesn't crumble as much as the store bought.
spud912 08:38 AM 06-28-2012
Yeah I definitely don't allow standing. My group is extremely active and standing = walking around = running around = putting playdoh throughout the playroom. It gets out of control within seconds. Anytime I need complete control of the situation, to the table we go.
Blackcat31 08:51 AM 06-28-2012
Originally Posted by spud912:
Yeah I definitely don't allow standing. My group is extremely active and standing = walking around = running around = putting playdoh throughout the playroom. It gets out of control within seconds. Anytime I need complete control of the situation, to the table we go.
The standing method works really well for me because we have a shower curtain/table cloth on the floor and they know they cannot leave the mat on the floor. If they do, they are done. Makes it simple here. Yeah I definitely don't allow standing. My group is extremely active and standing = walking around = running around = putting playdoh throughout the playroom. It gets out of control within seconds. Anytime I need complete control of the situation, to the table we go.
I do the same though as far as other activities when I need complete control...to the table we go!
My3cents 09:26 AM 06-28-2012
I don't like the smell of regular play doh, but I still use it from time to time.
I do allow the kids to play with more than one color and mix it. That is the fun and learning of color mixing. Doesn't bother me.
The mess doesn't bother me either and if it is going to then I just don't take it out. We do something else. As something to do before a pick up- no, come the end of the day I don't want to create a new mess that is going to need to be cleaned up possibly after hours and by myself. No thanks and cleaning the kids while parents are trying to pick up- no. Usually a morning activity
I too like the Mikes recipe for playdough that you cook until it forms a ball. Best stuff.
I do allow the kids to play with more than one color and mix it. That is the fun and learning of color mixing. Doesn't bother me.
The mess doesn't bother me either and if it is going to then I just don't take it out. We do something else. As something to do before a pick up- no, come the end of the day I don't want to create a new mess that is going to need to be cleaned up possibly after hours and by myself. No thanks and cleaning the kids while parents are trying to pick up- no. Usually a morning activity
I too like the Mikes recipe for playdough that you cook until it forms a ball. Best stuff.
cheerfuldom 09:29 AM 06-28-2012
I am making slime and playdoh for my daughters birthday party favors. Everything will be green for dinosaurs.
My neighbor even ran over some cream of tartar as I had no idea what the heck that was! Wish me luck!
My neighbor even ran over some cream of tartar as I had no idea what the heck that was! Wish me luck!
littlemissmuffet 09:42 AM 06-28-2012
Originally Posted by Meyou:
I use the same recipe but add a package of koolaid without sugar to each one. You get vibrant colors and it smells yummy.
I use the same recipe but add a package of koolaid without sugar to each one. You get vibrant colors and it smells yummy.
Great tip, thank you!!
Childminder 12:03 PM 06-28-2012
I also HATE the smell of "Play Doh" so make my own and I put the kids one or two at a time at a little table inside of a small wading pool. I also HATE scraping it out of my carpet or off of my floor.
spud912 01:39 PM 06-28-2012
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
The standing method works really well for me because we have a shower curtain/table cloth on the floor and they know they cannot leave the mat on the floor. If they do, they are done. Makes it simple here.
I do the same though as far as other activities when I need complete control...to the table we go!
That's a good idea! My younger dd is the worst culprit. She is 18 months old and is literally all over the place! She wants to do everything the big kids are doing and gets soooo frustrated when she can't do it the same way.The standing method works really well for me because we have a shower curtain/table cloth on the floor and they know they cannot leave the mat on the floor. If they do, they are done. Makes it simple here.
I do the same though as far as other activities when I need complete control...to the table we go!