Some of my favorite moments with my kids don’t happen on a schedule—they happen in the in-between. Like that rainy afternoon when the power blinked out, and the tablets were dead. My youngest asked, “Mom, can we make something fun?” That’s when I remembered an old favorite from my own childhood: Cornstarch and Dish Soap Bubble Dough.

With just a few pantry items and 10 minutes of stirring and giggling, we had squishy, sudsy fun right at the kitchen table. And just like that, a blah afternoon turned into bubbles, giggles, and hands-on creativity.

If you’re looking for a quick, low-cost way to entertain the kids—especially when screens aren’t an option—this DIY sensory activity is your new best friend.

Table of Contents

What is Cornstarch and Dish Soap Bubble Dough?

It’s a simple, squishy sensory dough made from two everyday ingredients: cornstarch and dish soap. Think of it like a cross between slime and playdough—with added bubble power. It’s great for open-ended play, and even better: no fancy ingredients, no big mess, and no stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

1 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup liquid dish soap (gentle and non-concentrated works best)
2–3 tablespoons water (adjust as needed)
A few drops of food coloring (optional but fun!)

How to Make It:

Combine the cornstarch in a medium mixing bowl.
Add dish soap slowly, stirring with a spoon or your hands.
Drizzle in the water one tablespoon at a time. Stir until the texture becomes soft and dough-like.
Optional: Add food coloring and mix until you get your desired shade.
Once it’s mostly mixed, knead with your hands until the dough becomes smooth and stretchy.

If the dough is too sticky, add more cornstarch. Too dry? A splash more water or dish soap will do the trick.

Why Parents Love It

Budget-Friendly: You likely already have the ingredients.
Non-toxic & safe (with supervision): While not edible, it’s safe for little hands.
Quick & Easy: Ready in minutes with no cooking required.
Mess-Contained: Easier to clean than slime or traditional dough.
Encourages Creativity: Let kids make shapes, squish it, or pretend it’s ice cream. (Mine made a “bubble pizza” last time!)

Sensory Benefits for Kids

Playing with Cornstarch and Dish Soap Bubble Dough engages multiple senses:

Touch: Squishing and rolling helps with fine motor skills.
Sight: Add colors for visual stimulation.
Smell: Use scented dish soap for an extra sensory layer.

It’s perfect for calming overstimulated kids—or jumpstarting their imagination during free play time.

Fun Variations to Try

Rainbow Dough: Split the batch and color each part differently.
Glitter Party: Stir in eco-friendly glitter for sparkle and shine.
Scented Play: Add a drop of lemon or lavender essential oil for calming vibes (great for before nap time).
Nature Add-ins: Mix in dried flower petals or leaves for a seasonal twist.

Storage Tips

Store your dough in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days. If it dries out, revive it with a little water and kneading. If it gets too sticky over time, sprinkle in some fresh cornstarch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use any kind of dish soap?
A1: Most liquid dish soaps work well, especially the standard ones you’d use for hand-washing dishes. Just steer clear of ultra-concentrated formulas or heavy-duty degreasers—they can mess with the texture and might be a bit too harsh for little hands.

Q2: My dough feels really sticky—what now?
A2: No worries! If your dough is sticking to everything, just sprinkle in a little extra cornstarch (about a tablespoon at a time). Knead it in until the dough feels smooth and pliable again. It’s a very forgiving recipe!

Q3: Is Cornstarch and Dish Soap Bubble Dough safe for toddlers?
A3: It’s totally non-toxic and safe for hands-on play, but like all DIY sensory activities, supervision is key—especially with kiddos who still explore the world by tasting it. It’s not meant to be eaten, but a little contact won’t hurt.

Q4: Can I skip the water?
A4: You could, but the water really helps soften and loosen the dough, giving it that perfect squish. If you want a firmer dough, just reduce the water rather than skipping it entirely.

Q5: Can I turn this into a gift or activity kit?
A5: Absolutely! This makes a super cute and affordable DIY gift. Package dry cornstarch in a jar, add a travel-size bottle of dish soap, and include simple instructions and a little food coloring. It’s a perfect rainy day or birthday party favor idea.

Final Thoughts

Whether it’s a rainy day, a school holiday, or just “I’m bored” hour, Cornstarch and Dish Soap Bubble Dough is a winner in my home. It’s cheap, cheerful, and packed with sensory joy—without breaking the budget or turning your kitchen into a war zone.

I hope it brings your little ones the same laughter and squishy fun it’s brought mine.

Got a favorite variation? Share it with me—I love seeing how creative you all get with everyday ingredients.

For more recipes follow me in Facebook and Pinterest

Cornstarch and Dish Soap Bubble Dough

A fun, squishy sensory dough made from just cornstarch and dish soap. It’s like a cross between slime and playdough—easy to make, low-mess, and perfect for creative, open-ended play!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings: 1 batch

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

1 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup liquid dish soap gentle and non-concentrated works best
2–3 tablespoons water adjust as needed
a few drops food coloring optional but fun

Method

Add cornstarch to a medium mixing bowl.
Slowly pour in the dish soap while stirring with a spoon or your hands.
Drizzle in the water one tablespoon at a time, stirring until the mixture becomes soft and dough-like.
If using, add a few drops of food coloring and mix until fully incorporated.
Once combined, knead the dough with your hands until it becomes smooth and stretchy.

Notes

This dough is great for sensory play and super easy to clean up. Store it in an airtight container for a day or two. If it starts to dry out, just add a few drops of water and knead it back to life.