DIY Cloud Dough: Soft, Silky, and Surprisingly Simple!

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 💛

savorysplash

DIY Cloud Dough

This two-ingredient DIY Cloud Dough is soft, squishy, and totally satisfying! Perfect for sensory play, it’s affordable, quick to make, and endlessly customizable with colors and scents.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 1 batch

Course: Craft

Cuisine: DIY

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 2 cups cornstarch
• 1 cup hair conditioner (any brand or scent)
• Food coloring (optional)

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups
• Your hands Best tool for kneading!

Method

 

1. Scoop 2 cups of cornstarch into a large mixing bowl.
2. Pour in 1 cup of your chosen conditioner. It doesn't need to be exact.
3. Use a spoon or spatula to stir the mixture. It may look crumbly—totally normal.
4. Knead the dough with your hands until it becomes soft and smooth.
5. Add a few drops of food coloring if desired and knead until the color is evenly distributed.
6. Use immediately for sensory play—press into molds, hide small toys, or sculpt fun shapes!

Notes

If the dough is too sticky, add more cornstarch; too crumbly, add more conditioner. Use scented conditioners or essential oils for a sensory boost. Store in an airtight container to keep it soft for weeks.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!