In salt dough, salt primarily functions as a hygroscopic agent, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from its surroundings, which is crucial for understanding its behavior and preservation.
The Primary Role: Moisture Absorption
Salt dough is traditionally made from just three key ingredients: flour, water, and salt. Of these, salt plays a unique role directly tied to its chemical properties. Salt is a hygroscopic substance, which means it has a natural tendency to attract and absorb water molecules from the atmosphere.
As stated in the reference, "Salt absorbs water, so left unsealed, the salt in the dough is just going to absorb the water from the air around you." This continuous absorption of ambient moisture is a defining characteristic of salt's presence in the dough.
Impact in Humid Environments
The moisture-absorbing property of salt has significant implications for salt dough creations, especially in environments with high humidity. When unsealed and exposed to moist air, the salt within the dough will continually draw in water.
This leads to a noticeable and undesirable outcome: "In places with high humidity, your salt dough gift could be soggy in a few days!!" The dough becomes soft, pliable, and loses its hardened, desired form, making it susceptible to damage and even mold growth over time.
Practical Implications for Salt Dough Creations
Understanding salt's hygroscopic nature is essential for the longevity and preservation of salt dough crafts.
- Necessity of Sealing: To prevent salt dough items from becoming soggy and deteriorating, especially in humid conditions, it is crucial to seal them thoroughly after they are fully dried and hardened. Common sealants include clear varnish, acrylic spray, or Mod Podge. This creates a barrier that prevents the salt from absorbing moisture from the air.
- Storage Considerations: Store unsealed or insufficiently sealed salt dough items in dry environments. Airtight containers with desiccant packets can further protect them from humidity.
- Durability and Appearance: Proper sealing helps maintain the structural integrity, firmness, and aesthetic quality of salt dough for extended periods, preserving the effort put into creating them.
In essence, while salt is a fundamental ingredient for the dough's composition, its primary active role once the dough is formed and dried is its relentless attraction to and absorption of environmental moisture, necessitating protective measures for long-term preservation.
