How to Make Slime

Co-authored by Amy Guerrero

Last Updated: September 18, 2023 Approved

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Slime, whether jiggly slime, water slime, or another variety, is always popular. The reason is simple––because it's a lot of fun! It is cheap and easy to make at home, and can even be made by younger kids with the right care and supervision. As well as being fun, it's a tactile way to relieve stress. Pick one of the four ways below to make slime, each one different to match your time, availability, and budget. The three major components to making slime are water, glue, and your "activator" also known as the borax. The choice of glue does make a difference, whether it be clear, glitter, white, or colored. You can adjust according to the consistency.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Making Basic Slime

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1
Mix the borax powder and warm water together. Measure out 4 tablespoons (59 ml) borax powder and 1 cup (240 ml) warm water. Add these ingredients to a large mixing bowl. Stir the mixture until the borax is completely dissolved. A substitute for borax and water mixture is a contact lens solution (the measurements vary).

Slime is harmful if consumed. Therefore parents are encouraged to supervise any children creating slime at all times.
2
Add ¹⁄₂ cup (120 ml) of water and 1 cup of glue to a bowl separate from the borax and warm water.

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3
Add food coloring to the glue mixture (optional). Choose any color food coloring you like! feel free to experiment with any color. Start with a few drops of food coloring, then stir. If you want the color to be brighter, add a few more drops of the food coloring. If you add a lot, the color may end up pretty dark and when you play with it, the color will dye your hands but will not affect the make of the slime.
- You can also separate the glue mixture evenly into smaller bowls and make each one a different color, then mix them together.
4
Combine the two mixtures. Dump the borax mixture slowly and a small bit at a time, because if you add too much, your slime will be hard and rip not stretch! If you use contact lense solution pour it in slowly and mix. Keep mixing until the slime/mixture starts to pull away from the side of the bowl. Stir them together until it becomes your desired consistency, and doesn't stick to your hand. You will see the slime begin to form!
- If you chose to make smaller amounts of slime in separate containers, evenly divide the borax solution among the containers.
- Start kneading the slime with your hands at this point. It might be sticky, but keep mixing. Add more activator (borax) if needed.
5
Take the slime out and have fun! If your slime does not stretch but rips instead you may need to begin the process over. If the slime is too sticky and does not form you may need to add more borax and water.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Making “Living” Slime

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1
Mix ³⁄₄ cup (180 ml) cornstarch with 2 cups (470 ml) vegetable oil. Add both ingredients to a large bowl. Stir them together thoroughly.^{[1]
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When making this type of slime (also known as oobleck) it's possible to make some substitutions for cornstarch.
2
Put the mixture in the refrigerator. Place the bowl in the refrigerator and leave it there until the mixture is fully chilled (about one hour). The cold temperature will help the slime solidify and reach the ideal consistency.^{[2]
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3
Remove the mixture from the refrigerator. Stir it well (as the ingredients will have separated again). Let the mixture warm up just enough so that it flows slightly.
4
Find a block of styrofoam. It can really be any size but the standard size is 1x6x6 inches (25x150x150mm). Run the styrofoam on your hair or on your carpet several times to give it a static charge.^{[3]
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5
Pour the slime mixture out slowly into another container. Place the piece of styrofoam just in front of the slime before you start pouring. It should be about 1 inch (25 mm) away from the flow of slime. The static electricity will cause the slime to stop flowing and appear to take on a life of its own.^{[4]
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- Wiggle the styrofoam around and the slime should follow it. Your kids will be amazed!

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Making Edible Slime

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1
Pour a can of sweetened condensed milk into a pan. Place the pan on your stove top. Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of cornstarch to the milk and stir until the ingredients are well-combined.^{[5]
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2
Heat the mixture over low heat. Set your burner to low and continue to stir the mixture constantly as it heats up. If you don’t stir continuously, the mixture may stick to your pan.^{[6]
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3
Remove the mixture from the heat when it has thickened. As it heats up, the slime will become more gelatinous and harder to stir. Once it reaches that point, remove the pan from the heat.^{[7]
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4
Add 10 to 15 drops of food coloring to the mixture. You can choose any color that you want! Green is always a classic, but experiment or allow your kids to pick a color.^{[8]
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5
Allow the mixture to cool. Before you let your kids play with (and eat) it, let it cool down completely. The slime may stain surfaces, so make sure it's kept away from anything that stains easily or that you want to keep unstained, especially bright coloured objects.^{[9]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Making Soap Flake Slime

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1
Mix 1 cup (240 ml) soap flakes with 4 cups (950 ml) hot water. Carefully add the hot water to a large bowl. Measure out the soap flakes and place them into the container. Stir thoroughly until the flakes fully dissolve.
2
Add a few drops of food coloring (if desired). Food coloring is optional, but it may make the slime more fun!
3
Let the mixture stand for up to an hour. This will allow the mixture to reach the desired consistency.
4
Beat the mixture vigorously with a spoon. It will begin to froth up as you beat it. It has reached the right consistency when it pours easily and becomes extremely slimy to touch.
5
Keep the slime in an airtight container. This slime keeps very well in an airtight container. Make sure you store it away from direct sunlight and heat.

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Question

How can you make your slime last long?

Community Answer

Store it in an airtight container or a zip lock bag. If it's already hardened then add baby oil to the slime.

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Is it possible to make slime without borax, glue, or cornstarch?

Community Answer

Yes. Some people make theirs with shampoo, washing up liquid, and salt. There are many different and easy ways to make slime. In fact, here is another way to learn How to Make Slime Without Borax.

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Can I make slime by using toothpaste and glue?

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Yes, you can. It works the best if the toothpaste you use is Crest or Colgate.

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Tips

If you have sensitive skin, you might not want to use borax as it can cause burns and irritation.

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When choosing your glue, make sure that it is a PVA-based glue.

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If you add shaving cream it, it makes the slime "fluffy".

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Warnings

Do not consume any slime or slime ingredients unless it is edible slime, such as cornflour slime made with sweetened condensed milk.

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Keep the slime away from pets and very small children.

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Make sure your kids don't get the slime on areas where it'll stain or damage the surface (ceiling, walls, carpet, furniture, etc.).

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If you add color to the slime, it may stain things.

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Borax is a detergent that can cause 1st, 2nd, and/or 3rd-degree burns. Exercise caution when handling borax.

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If you’re under 10 ask an adult for help or just simply don’t use the borax.

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Don't add too much borax, as the slime will turn into a clump.

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