Kids of all ages love to play with slime – and for adults like me, who never seem to grow up, I simply can’t resist joining the kids.
I used to get store-bought slime for kids as gifts – my nieces, nephews, my own kids and their friends, until I realised it is so much easier (and cheaper) to make it at home. And since you know exactly what it contains, you can make slime that is safe and enjoyable to play with.
Pack slime in a nice container, paste some stickers on the container or gift-wrap it, and give them away as birthday gifts or Christmas gifts for kids of all ages.
Plus, if you have kids old enough to help you, then this slime-making can be a fun, creative, and hands-on activity for everyone.
In this guide, you’ll find 5 easy ways to make slime using items you likely already have at home. I’ll list the items needed, go over any precautions, and provide detailed, step-by-step instructions with tips and tricks for each method.
Table of Contents
Safety Precautions – Before you begin
These are some important things to note before you make slime, or give them to small kids to play with.
- Adult supervision: When making slime with young children, always have an adult present, especially if using ingredients like glue or borax.
- Avoid ingestion: Slime is not edible. Make sure children know not to put it in their mouths.
- Test for allergies: Check for any skin allergies or sensitivities to ingredients like glue or food coloring.
- Keep surfaces safe: Slime can be sticky. Make your slime on a washable surface, like a countertop or plastic mat, to avoid damage to furniture or flooring.
1. Classic Glue and Borax Slime
This is the traditional slime recipe that gives you that stretchy, slightly bouncy texture.
Items Needed
- 1 cup of white school glue
- 1 cup of water
- 1 teaspoon borax powder (found in the laundry section at local stores)
- Food coloring (optional)
- Mixing bowl and spoon
Instructions
- Mix Glue and Water: In a bowl, pour the glue and add the water. Stir until they’re combined.
- Add Color: Add a few drops of food coloring and mix until you achieve your desired color.
- Make Borax Solution: In a separate bowl, dissolve 1 teaspoon of borax in 1 cup of warm water. Stir until completely dissolved.
- Combine Solutions: Slowly add the borax solution to the glue mixture, stirring constantly. The slime will start to form as the borax solution is added.
- Knead the Slime: Once it’s too thick to stir, use your hands to knead it until it reaches the perfect stretchy consistency.
Tips & Tricks
- Add the borax solution gradually to control the slime’s consistency.
- If it’s too sticky, add a little more borax solution.
2. Dish Soap Slime
A quick and easy slime recipe with no borax needed, using just dish soap and cornstarch.
Items Needed
- 1/2 cup dish soap (blue dish soap works best)
- 1 cup cornstarch
- Food coloring (optional)
- Mixing bowl and spoon
Instructions
- Combine Soap and Cornstarch: In a bowl, mix the dish soap with the cornstarch.
- Add Color (Optional): If you want, add a few drops of food coloring to brighten up the slime.
- Knead the Mixture: Use your hands to knead the mixture until it becomes dough-like and stretchy.
Tips & Tricks
- If the slime is too dry, add a small drop of dish soap. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more cornstarch.
- Store in a sealed bag or container to keep it from drying out.
3. Shampoo and Salt Slime
This recipe is perfect if you’re short on ingredients. All you need is some shampoo and salt!
Items Needed
- 1/2 cup of thick shampoo (preferably clear or white)
- 1-2 tablespoons of salt
- Food coloring (optional)
- Mixing bowl and spoon
Instructions
- Pour Shampoo: In a bowl, add the shampoo. If you want colored slime, add food coloring and mix until combined.
- Add Salt Slowly: Start with one tablespoon of salt, and mix well. The shampoo will begin to thicken.
- Freeze the Mixture: Place the bowl in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes to help the slime firm up.
- Knead and Play: Once it’s chilled, take it out and knead. If it needs more thickening, add a bit more salt.
Tips & Tricks
- Thicker shampoos work best for this recipe, as they create a thicker, more slime-like consistency.
- Adjust the salt quantity to control the thickness.
4. Baking Soda and Contact Solution Slime
For a borax-free recipe, contact lens solution with baking soda creates a soft, stretchy slime.
Items Needed
- 1/2 cup of white school glue
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon contact lens solution (must contain boric acid)
- Food coloring (optional)
- Mixing bowl and spoon
Instructions
- Mix Glue and Water: In a bowl, mix glue with water until well combined.
- Add Baking Soda: Sprinkle in the baking soda and mix thoroughly.
- Add Color (Optional): Add a few drops of food coloring and mix.
- Add Contact Solution: Add 1 tablespoon of contact lens solution, stirring continuously. The slime will begin to form.
- Knead: Knead the slime by hand until it reaches the desired consistency.
Tips & Tricks
- If your slime is too sticky, add a few more drops of contact solution.
- Store in an airtight container to keep it fresh and stretchy.
5. Fluffy Shaving Cream Slime
This slime recipe results in a light, fluffy slime that’s super fun to play with!
Items Needed
- 1/2 cup white school glue
- 1/2 cup shaving cream
- 1 tablespoon contact lens solution (with boric acid)
- Food coloring (optional)
- Mixing bowl and spoon
Instructions
- Combine Glue and Shaving Cream: In a bowl, add the glue and shaving cream. Stir well until you get a fluffy, even consistency.
- Add Color (Optional): If you want colored slime, add a few drops of food coloring and mix.
- Add Contact Solution: Add 1 tablespoon of contact lens solution and mix. The slime should start to form and pull away from the sides of the bowl.
- Knead the Slime: Use your hands to knead the slime until it’s no longer sticky and has the perfect fluffy texture.
Tips & Tricks – How to Make Slime that’s perfect!
- The more shaving cream you use, the fluffier the slime will be!
- If it becomes sticky, add a bit more contact solution.
Storage Tips for All Types of Slime
- Store in an Airtight Container: This keeps the slime from drying out.
- Rehydrate with Water: If your slime becomes too dry, add a few drops of water and knead to revive its texture.
- Discard When Needed: If the slime starts to smell or mold, discard it and make a fresh batch.
Cleanup Tips After Playing With Slime
- Clean Surfaces Immediately: Slime can stick to surfaces, so clean up any spills right away.
- Use Vinegar for Stubborn Stains: If slime gets stuck on fabric or furniture, use vinegar to dissolve it.
I honestly hope you enjoy these simple slime recipes using basic ingredients that are easily available at home. Which one did you or your kids like the best?
Leave a comment and let me know!