How to Make Slime at Home

Learning how to make slime is a fun activity that allows you to bond with your kids. Many of the materials and ingredients you’ll need, such as glue and food coloring, are common household items. This guide provides simple recipes for making slime with different ingredients. Remember to wash your hands before and after handling slime and consider wearing gloves if you have sensitive skin.

Tip: If you have sensitive skin, wearing gloves can help prevent irritation.

Basic Slime Recipe

Supplies/Tools:

• 1 cup of white glue
• 1 tablespoon of baking soda
• Food coloring (optional)
• 1 tablespoon of lens cleaner (or contact lens cleaner) containing boric acid or sodium borate
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon

Instructions:

1. Pour 1 cup of white glue into a mixing bowl.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda and mix thoroughly.
3. Add about 8 drops of food coloring. Mix until no white streaks remain.
4. Stir in 1 tablespoon of lens cleaner and continue mixing until the slime starts to thicken.
5. Personalize your slime by using clear glue or adding glitter and confetti.

Tip: Adjust the amount of glue to achieve your desired consistency.

Finishing:

• Knead the slime with both hands.
• Add an additional 1/4 tablespoon of lens cleaner if it’s too sticky.
• Keep kneading and adding lens cleaner as needed until the slime reaches the right consistency.

Storage:
Place your finished slime in an airtight plastic bag, reusable plastic container or glass jar.

Cleaning Tip:
Vinegar can help remove dried slime from surfaces when things get messy.

Flubber (Borax-Based Slime)

Supplies/Tools:

• 1/2 cup of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA solution)
• About 8 drops of food coloring
• 2 teaspoons of borax
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon
• Optional: Glitter, confetti or other mix-ins

Instructions:

1. Pour 1/2 cup of polyvinyl alcohol into the mixing bowl.
2. Add about 8 drops of food coloring and stir until evenly colored.
3. Mix in glitter, confetti or other desired add-ins.
4. Add 2 teaspoons of borax and stir slowly.
5. Continue stirring until the slime forms one large clump on your spoon.

Storage:
Keep your flubber in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.

Tip: Try to avoid getting flubber on your clothes or carpet, as it can be difficult to remove once dry.

Laundry Detergent Slime

Supplies/Tools:

• 1/2 cup of water
• 1/2 cup of glue
• A few drops of food coloring
• About 1/4 cup of liquid laundry detergent
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon
• Optional: Glitter, confetti or other mix-ins

Instructions:

1. Pour 1/2 cup of water into your mixing bowl.
2. Add 1/2 cup of glue and stir. (Use more or less glue for different textures.)
3. Add a few drops of food coloring and any desired mix-ins.
4. Stir in about 1/4 cup of liquid laundry detergent, mixing until the slime starts to form.
5. Add more laundry detergent as needed to reach your preferred slimy consistency.
6. Knead the slime with both hands until it’s firm.

Storage:
Store your completed slime in an airtight plastic bag, reusable plastic container or glass jar.

Safety Tip:
Explain to young children that slime is not edible.

Additional Tips

• Always wash your hands before and after making or playing with slime.
• Keep slime away from hair, carpets and upholstered furniture to make cleanup easier.
• Store your slime properly to prevent it from drying out and to maintain its texture.

With these simple recipes and tips, you can create safe, fun and personalized slime at home.