Play-Doh is a modeling compound for young children to make arts and crafts projects. The product was first manufactured in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States, as a wallpaper cleaner in the 1930s. [1] Play-Doh was then reworked and marketed to Cincinnati schools in the mid-1950s. Play-Doh was demonstrated at an educational convention in 1956 and prominent department stores opened retail accounts. [2]

There was never a contract but the deal ran for years,” Bensch says. “Captain Kangaroo was a big cheerleader for the product.”a b "Rainbow Crafts Company, Inc". Ohio History Central. July 28, 2006. Archived from the original on January 12, 2015 . Retrieved October 30, 2008. A petroleum additive gives the compound a smooth feel, and borax prevents mold from developing. [3] Play-Doh contains some wheat and may cause allergic reactions in people who are allergic to wheat gluten. It is not intended to be eaten. [12] Related merchandise [ edit ] Play-Doh Fun Factory Phil Ament. "Play-Doh History – Invention of Play-Doh". Ideafinder.com. Archived from the original on June 7, 2011 . Retrieved May 23, 2011. The product line branched out in 1960 with the introduction of the Play-Doh Fun Factory, a toy press that allowed the compound to be pumped out in different shapes. Other line extensions included Animal Ark, Make a Meal Sub Shop and Dr. Drill & Fill, though none had the lasting ability of the Fun Factory, which is still sold today.

When the Great Depression hit and wallpaper sales declined, Kutol Products had to find a new use for their product. They rebranded it as a children’s modeling compound and sold it to schools and toy stores.

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To mark the products 50th anniversary as a toy in 2006, Hasbro even created a Play-Doh perfume. It worked with Demeter Fragrance to create a fresh-out-of-the-can aroma. The 50 Year History of Play-Doh". 2006. Archived from the original on May 15, 2006 . Retrieved February 19, 2009.