SCIENCE - what is the function of salt in homemade play dough?

[suzywong]

Was making it with kids today and talking about the gluten, the oil, the water and then ds1 asked what the salt was for.

Discuss

I think it heps to preserve the playdough.
Also, it deters children from eating it, yuck!

helps obv

oh i used to quite like it. yes preservative.

preservative, surely?

OK, but HOW does it function as a preservative? Is it a baceteria inhibiter? is it a dessicant? Is it so kids don't eat it?

I think it provides a hostile environment for the bacteria. (Like with bacon)

thank you smug colditz

The salt draws out the moisture too & bacteria need moisture to grow - hence no bacteria

Makes it taste horrible too