First, thank you for being here—you’re in for such a treat with this one! Whether you’re a parent looking for a fun indoor activity, a teacher planning a sensory station, or just someone who loves a little hands-on creativity, this Cornstarch and Dish Soap Bubble Dough is pure joy in a bowl.
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Why You’ll Love This Bubble Dough
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof! This two-ingredient wonder creates a soft, squishy dough with a texture that’s anything but boring!! It’s part slime, part play dough, and all fun—perfect for little hands or even a soothing stress reliever for grown-ups (trust me, I’ve spent more time kneading this than I’ll admit).
What It Feels Like: Texture & Play
Imagine a silky-smooth dough that’s stretchier than traditional play dough and smells subtly clean (thanks, dish soap!). It’s cool to the touch, easy to mold, and doesn’t leave a mess. Kids can squish it, roll it, press shapes into it—or just let it ooze through their fingers. It’s sensory play at its best!
Why This Recipe is a Winner
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Just 2 main ingredients!
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Safe and non-toxic (though not edible)
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Smells fresh and clean
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Customizable with color and texture
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Quick to make—less than 10 minutes!
Ingredients List
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1 cup cornstarch
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½ cup dish soap
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Water (as needed)
Tools You’ll Need
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Mixing bowl
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Spoon or spatula
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Measuring cups
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Airtight container for storage
Optional Add-ins & Substitutions
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Food coloring: Add a few drops during the kneading step for bright, fun hues.
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Essential oils: Want a calming sensory experience? A drop of lavender oil goes a long way.
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Glitter or sequins: Add sparkle for extra sensory fun.
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Different dish soaps: Some create fluffier or denser textures—experiment with brands!
How to Make Cornstarch and Dish Soap Bubble Dough
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, add 1 cup of cornstarch.
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Add Soap: Pour in ½ cup of dish soap.
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Mix It Up: Stir with a spoon or spatula until the mixture begins to come together.
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Adjust with Water: Slowly add a little water at a time, mixing well, until it reaches a dough-like consistency.
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Knead It: Once it’s holding together, switch to using your hands. Knead until smooth and stretchy.
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Fine-Tune: Too dry? Add a splash of water. Too wet? Sprinkle in a bit more cornstarch.
How to Use It
Let the kids go wild! Use cookie cutters, shape molds, or just let their imaginations guide them. It’s perfect for:
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Rainy day activities
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Calm-down corners
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Sensory bins
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DIY stress balls (yes, really!)
Pro Tips for Success
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Stick to small water additions—you can always add more, but you can’t take it out!
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If it hardens while stored, just knead in a tiny bit of water.
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Use a shallow tray for easier cleanup during play.
How to Store Your Dough
Place the dough in an airtight container or a zip-top bag and store it at room temperature. It should last several days—just knead it back to life if it starts to dry.
General Information
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Best for ages: 3+
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Time to make: 5–10 minutes
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Mess level: Low (yay!)
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Supervised play recommended for little ones
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this dough edible?
Nope! It’s non-toxic, but not meant for eating.
Can I use any dish soap?
Yes! Just note that thicker soaps might create a firmer dough. Experiment to find your favorite.
How long does it last?
Stored properly, it can last up to a week. If it dries out, just add a touch of water and knead.
In Conclusion: Squish, Stretch, and Smile
If you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself playing with this dough long after the kids have wandered off. It’s that satisfying. Simple, soothing, and sensationally soft, this Cornstarch and Dish Soap Bubble Dough is going to be your new go-to for indoor play.
💡 Looking for more fun ideas? Check out my DIY Moon Sand or No-Cook Play Dough next!
Join the Fun!
Tried this recipe? I’d love to see your colorful dough creations! Share your photos on Pinterest and tag me—let’s spread the squishy joy!
Nutritional Information
This one’s for your hands, not your tummy—so no calories here, just creativity!
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