Before we get our hands delightfully messy, I just want to say thank you for stopping by! If you’ve been looking for a super fun, totally satisfying, and sensory-rich activity for you or your kids—this is it. I’m genuinely so excited to share this easy, affordable, and magical project with you. I’ve made it more times than I can count, and it never gets old!
So today, I’m sharing how to make DIY Cloud Dough—a soft, pillowy dough that’s dreamy to squish, easy to make, and smells heavenly (especially if you use a scented conditioner!). This is one of those “instant joy” recipes that turns a few pantry staples into hours of imaginative play.
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What Is Cloud Dough?
Cloud dough is a moldable, super-soft play material made from just two ingredients: cornstarch and conditioner. It’s different from traditional play dough because it’s silkier, fluffier, and oh-so-satisfying to squish and sculpt. Think of it as the love child of kinetic sand and store-bought dough—only cheaper and customizable.
Why You’ll Love This DIY Dough
✅ Only 2 ingredients (plus optional color!)
✅ No cooking required
✅ Safe for kids (non-toxic, but not edible!)
✅ Soft and relaxing to touch
✅ Customizable scents and colors
This is a perfect rainy day activity, sensory bin filler, or quick boredom buster when the kids (or you!) need a creative outlet. Bonus: It smells amazing.
What It Feels Like
Imagine touching a soft, fluffy cloud… only it holds its shape when pressed. Cloud dough is moldable like wet sand but smooth and stretchy like a very soft clay. You can roll it into balls, press it into cookie cutters, or just squish it between your fingers for pure sensory delight.
Benefits of Cloud Dough Play
Enhances fine motor skills
Stimulates sensory development
Encourages creative, open-ended play
Offers calming, tactile input (great for anxiety!)
Easy clean-up and long-lasting when stored properly
This activity is especially great for preschoolers, sensory seekers, and even older kids who enjoy relaxing, hands-on crafts.
Ingredients
You’ll Need:
2 cups cornstarch
1 cup hair conditioner (any brand will work!)
Food coloring (optional)
💡 Tip: Use scented conditioner for an extra sensory bonus—think coconut for summer or peppermint during the holidays!
Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowl
Spoon or spatula
Measuring cups
Your hands! (Best tool for kneading)
Optional Add-Ins & Substitutions
Essential oils – a few drops for a natural scent
Eco-friendly glitter – for sparkle play
Natural dyes – if you prefer a more natural approach
Different conditioners – try volumizing, smoothing, or kid-friendly types for different textures
How to Make Cloud Dough (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Measure the Cornstarch
Scoop 2 cups of cornstarch into a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Add the Conditioner
Pour in 1 cup of your chosen conditioner. No need to be exact—it’s very forgiving.
Step 3: Mix
Use a spoon or spatula to stir the mixture. At first, it’ll look a bit crumbly—don’t worry, that’s normal.
Step 4: Knead
Once the dough starts forming, dig in with your hands. Knead and squish until it becomes smooth and pliable.
Step 5: Add Color (Optional)
Want some color magic? Add a few drops of food coloring and knead until evenly distributed. Add more for a deeper shade.
Step 6: Play!
That’s it—your cloud dough is ready for action. Use cookie cutters, plastic knives, or just your imagination!
What to Do With It
Here are some fun ideas to level up your cloud dough play:
Press into silicone molds for shapes and textures
Hide small toys or beads inside for a sensory treasure hunt
Make pretend cupcakes or cookies—use sprinkles and play dishes!
Create themed sensory bins with seasonal items like leaves, snowflakes, or seashells
Tips for Success
If your dough is too sticky, add a bit more cornstarch.
If it’s too crumbly, mix in a tiny bit more conditioner.
Kneading is key! The longer you knead, the better the texture becomes.
Store it in an airtight container to keep it soft for days (even weeks).
Storage Instructions
Cloud dough stores beautifully! Keep it in a zip-top bag or an airtight container at room temperature. If it starts to dry out, add a few drops of conditioner and knead it back to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use lotion instead of conditioner?
You can, but the texture may vary—it won’t be quite as soft and fluffy.
Is cloud dough edible?
Nope! It’s non-toxic, but not meant to be eaten. Always supervise young children during play.
How long does it last?
If stored properly, cloud dough can last up to a few weeks. Just refresh with a little conditioner if needed.
What age is cloud dough good for?
Kids 3 and up will love it, but always use supervision for younger ones due to potential mess or accidental tasting.
In Conclusion
This DIY Cloud Dough is everything I promised—easy, inexpensive, and irresistibly fun. It’s the kind of hands-on, no-pressure craft that invites creativity and relaxation in equal measure. Whether you’re a parent looking for a screen-free activity or just someone who loves the feel of silky dough in your hands (raises hand), this is one to keep in your crafting toolkit.
More Fun DIY Sensory Crafts to Try
Easy-Peasy Glue Suncatchers
Homemade Moon Sand
No-Cook Play Dough
DIY Fluffy Slime
Let’s See Your Creations!
Did you try this recipe? I really want to see how it turned out! Tag your cloud dough photos on Pinterest or Instagram with #DIYCloudDough and inspire other creators. Or drop your tips and twists in the comments below!
Nutritional Info
🤣 None! Please don’t eat this—but your hands will feel amazing after.
Thanks again for joining me on this crafty adventure! Until next time, stay creative and keep making magic with your hands 💛
DIY Cloud Dough
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Scoop 2 cups of cornstarch into a large mixing bowl.
- Pour in 1 cup of your chosen conditioner. It doesn't need to be exact.
- Use a spoon or spatula to stir the mixture. It may look crumbly—totally normal.
- Knead the dough with your hands until it becomes soft and smooth.
- Add a few drops of food coloring if desired and knead until the color is evenly distributed.
- Use immediately for sensory play—press into molds, hide small toys, or sculpt fun shapes!
