Play doh was supposed to be a spot cleaner for walls

Play-Doh: From Wallpaper Cleaner to Iconic Toy

When you think of Play-Doh, the vibrant colors and the irresistible squishy texture likely come to mind. It has become an iconic toy that has captured the hearts and imaginations of children and adults alike. But did you know that Play-Doh was not initially intended to be a toy? In fact, it was created as a spot cleaner for walls.

The story of Play-Doh dates back to the early 1950s. At that time, a man named Joseph McVicker operated a soap manufacturing company with his brother-in-law, Noah McVicker. They primarily produced soap and other cleaning products. One such product was Kutol Wall Cleaner, a putty-like substance used to remove soot and dirt from wallpaper.

Joseph McVicker’s sister-in-law, Kay Zufall, was a nursery school teacher who had observed her students’ fascination with modeling clay. She suggested to Joseph that the company could potentially create a non-toxic modeling clay for children to play with.

Taking note of her idea, Joseph contacted a chemist named Dr. Tien Liu to develop a new formulation for the company’s putty. After several attempts, Dr. Liu successfully created a pliable, non-toxic and reusable compound that was ideal for sculpting and modeling. This innovative formula would eventually become Play-Doh.

In 1956, the McVicker brothers renamed their company Rainbow Crafts and officially launched Play-Doh as a toy. Initially, they sold the product in just one color (off-white), packaged in a simple cardboard can. It gained moderate success, but it wasn’t until the introduction of vibrant colors, playsets, and accessories in the 1960s that Play-Doh really took off.

With its versatility, Play-Doh quickly became a favorite among children. Its popularity skyrocketed, and it became a staple in nurseries, preschools, and households around the world. Children loved its moldable nature, allowing them to unleash their creativity and imagination.

Today, Play-Doh is an iconic brand in the toy industry. It has expanded its product range with various themed playsets, including popular characters from movies and TV shows. Despite its humble origins as a spot cleaner for walls, Play-Doh has proven to be a timeless and beloved toy that continues to captivate generations.

Sources:

• HuffPost