How to Remove Stains From Playdough

How to Remove Stains From Playdough
Written By
Mary Ylisela
Mary Ylisela
Published: Nov 18, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Similar to any other dye stain, the playdough pigment stain should be drawn out of the surface so it doesn't spread further.

Things You Will Need

  • Table knife
  • Paper towels
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Clean cloths
  • Bowls
  • 1/4 tsp. dishwashing detergent
  • Sponge
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Laundry detergent
  1. Scrape up playdough using the dull side of a table knife. Wipe the playdough into a paper towel and continue to scrape. Remove as much of the playdough as you can from the surface.

  2. Use white cloths to remove dye stains so you can see how much stain you've removed.
  3. Pour rubbing alcohol onto a clean cloth. Sponge the remaining playdough stain with the alcohol. As the playdough residue and dye transfers from the surface to your cloth, move to a clean portion of the cloth.

  4. Mix 1/4 tsp. dishwashing detergent with 1/2 cup warm water in a bowl. Blot the soapy solution onto the site of the playdough stain to wash out the rubbing alcohol solution and lift any playdough stain that remains. Rinse the surface with a clean cloth dampened with water.

  5. Treat light-colored upholstery and carpet or any fabric with stubborn playdough stains by dabbing at the stain with three-percent hydrogen peroxide. Allow the peroxide to remain on the surface for one hour to remove the stain, then pat dry.

  6. Air dry non-washable surfaces. Launder washable fabrics using laundry detergent, then hang them to dry.

The Drip Cap

  • Most commercial playdough, even when it is colored, doesn't leave stains.
  • Similar to any other dye stain, the playdough pigment stain should be drawn out of the surface so it doesn't spread further.
  • Air dry non-washable surfaces.
  • Launder washable fabrics using laundry detergent, then hang them to dry.

Photo Credits

colorful clay image by Karin Lau from Fotolia.com

colorful clay image by Karin Lau from Fotolia.com

white towel - spa image by Rido from Fotolia.com

Mary Ylisela

Mary Ylisela is a former teacher with a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education and mathematics. She has been a writer since 1996, specializing in business, fitness and education. Prior to teaching, Ylisela worked as a certified fitness…

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