Stuff You Should Know SYSK's 12 Days of Christmas… Toys: How Play-Doh Works
29 snips
Dec 12, 2025 Dive into the fascinating world of Play-Doh! Discover its surprising origins as a wallpaper cleaner and how it evolved into a beloved toy. From iconic TV promotions to its Fun Factory extruder, the hosts discuss childhood memories and fun play patterns. Learn about the chemistry behind Play-Doh's unique texture, including its ingredients and the science of starch. Plus, hear tips on how to clean it up and even make your own at home. Join the fun as they explore Play-Doh's impact on pop culture!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
From Wallpaper Cleaner To Toy Hit
- Joe McVicker's family business made wallpaper cleaner that kids turned into toys.
- His sister-in-law suggested making a non-toxic, scented version and donated cans to schools, sparking Play-Doh's success.
Captain Kangaroo Supercharged Sales
- Joe McVicker struck a deal with Captain Kangaroo to demo Play-Doh on TV and offered a sales percentage.
- Frequent TV mentions from Bob Keeshan made Play-Doh explode nationally.
How To Clean Play-Doh From Carpet
- Avoid warm water when removing Play-Doh from carpet because it worsens the mess.
- Let Play-Doh dry, brush it out, then vacuum for the simplest cleanup.