Slime is a fun, squishy toy that kids and even adults love to play with. Making slime at home is easy, cheap, and a great way to spend time creatively. In this guide, you’ll learn different ways to make slime, the best ingredients, and tips to make it perfect every time.
Why Make Slime at Home?
- Saves money – Homemade slime costs less than store-bought.
- Customizable – You choose colors, textures, and add-ins.
- Safe & non-toxic – You control the ingredients.
- Fun activity – Great for kids’ parties, rainy days, or stress relief.
Why Learn How to Make Slime?
- Cheaper than store-bought
- Customizable colors/textures
- Safe, non-toxic ingredients
Basic Slime Ingredients
Most slime recipes need these key ingredients:
- Glue – White or clear school glue works best.
- Activator – Borax, liquid starch, or contact lens solution (with boric acid).
- Water – To adjust consistency.
- Food coloring or glitter – For fun colors and effects.
1. Basic Glue & Borax Slime (Most Popular Recipe)
This is the classic slime recipe that never fails! It’s stretchy, easy to make, and uses simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
Why This Recipe Works Best
- Perfect texture – Not too sticky, not too stiff.
- Cheap & easy – Uses basic school glue and borax.
- Customizable – Add colors, glitter, or beads for extra fun.
What You’ll Need
✅ ½ cup white school glue (Like Elmer’s Glue—must be PVA glue)
✅ ½ cup water (Tap water works fine)
✅ ¼ teaspoon borax powder (Found in laundry aisles)
✅ ½ cup warm water (To dissolve borax)
✅ Food coloring (optional) (Gel or liquid works)
Don’t have borax? No problem! See FAQ for alternatives.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix Glue & Water
- Pour ½ cup white glue into a bowl.
- Add ½ cup water and mix well.
- If you want colored slime, add a few drops of food coloring now.
Pro Tip: Use clear glue if you want see-through slime!
Step 2: Make the Borax Activator
- In a separate cup, mix ¼ teaspoon borax powder with ½ cup warm water.
- Stir until the borax fully dissolves.
Warning: Too much borax makes slime hard—measure carefully!
Step 3: Combine & Watch the Magic!
- Slowly pour the borax mix into the glue mix while stirring.
- Keep stirring until the slime starts pulling away from the bowl.
- Use your hands to knead it for 1-2 minutes until smooth.
Fixing Common Problems
🔹 Too sticky? Add 1-2 drops of borax solution and knead again.
🔹 Too stiff? Add a tiny bit of water or lotion to soften it.
How to Store Your Slime
- Keep in an airtight container (like a zip-lock bag).
- Lasts 1-2 weeks if stored properly.
- If it dries out, add a drop of water and knead.
Fun Variations to Try
🎨 Glow-in-the-dark slime – Use glow paint instead of food coloring.
✨ Glitter slime – Mix in fine glitter before adding borax.
🧊 Crunchy slime – Add small foam beads for texture.
2. Fluffy Slime Recipe (Super Soft & Stretchy!)
Want slime that feels like a cloud in your hands? This fluffy slime recipe is extra soft, stretchy, and so satisfying to play with! Kids love it because it’s light, puffy, and squishy—just like marshmallow fluff.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Super soft texture – Light and airy, not sticky!
✔ Easy to make – Only 5 simple ingredients.
✔ Fun to customize – Add glitter, colors, or scents.
What You’ll Need
✅ ½ cup white school glue (Elmer’s works best)
✅ 1 cup shaving foam (Not gel—must be foam!)
✅ 1 tbsp contact lens solution (Must contain boric acid—check the label!)
✅ ½ tsp baking soda (Helps activate the slime)
✅ Food coloring (Liquid or gel works)
Don’t have contact solution? See FAQ for substitutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix Glue & Shaving Foam
- Pour ½ cup glue into a bowl.
- Add 1 cup shaving foam (the more foam, the fluffier!).
- Stir gently—don’t overmix yet!
Pro Tip: Use clear glue for pastel colors or white glue for bright colors!
Step 2: Add Color
- Drop in 3-4 drops of food coloring.
- Mix until the color is even.
Want extra sparkle? Add 1 tsp glitter now!
Step 3: Activate the Slime
- Sprinkle ½ tsp baking soda and mix well.
- Slowly add 1 tbsp contact lens solution while stirring.
- Keep mixing until it pulls away from the bowl.
Step 4: Knead to Perfection
- Take the slime out and knead with your hands for 2-3 minutes.
- If sticky, add 1-2 more drops of contact solution.
Perfect Fluffy Slime Should:
- Feel light and airy (not dense).
- Stretch without breaking.
- Not stick to your hands.
Troubleshooting Tips
🔸 Too sticky? Add 1 drop of contact solution at a time.
🔸 Not fluffy enough? Next time, add more shaving foam.
🔸 Too stiff? Knead in a tiny bit of lotion.
How to Store Fluffy Slime
- Keep in an airtight container (or ziplock bag).
- Lasts 4-7 days before losing fluffiness.
- If it deflates, add a little more shaving foam and knead.
Fun Variations to Try
🌈 Rainbow Fluffy Slime – Split the batch and mix different colors!
✨ Glitter Bomb Slime – Add extra fine glitter for sparkle.
🍬 Scented Slime – Mix in 1 drop of essential oil (like vanilla or strawberry).
3. Crystal Clear Slime Recipe (Perfectly See-Through!)
Want slime that looks like liquid glass? This clear slime recipe gives you that amazing transparent, glossy texture that’s super satisfying to stretch and play with. It’s perfect for making jelly-like slime, adding glitter for a magical effect, or even embedding small toys inside!
Why This Clear Slime Works Best
✨ Perfect transparency – Gets clearer the more you knead it
🖐️ Super stretchy – Doesn’t tear easily like some clear slimes
💎 Great for decorations – Add flowers or glitter for beautiful effects
🧪 Science-friendly – Great for demonstrating polymer science
What You’ll Need
✅ ½ cup clear school glue (Must be PVA-based like Elmer’s Clear Glue)
✅ ½ cup water (Distilled works best for maximum clarity)
✅ ¼ teaspoon borax powder (Laundry aisle at stores)
✅ ½ cup warm water (For dissolving borax)
🎨 Optional:
- Fine glitter
- Food coloring (gel works best)
- Small plastic charms or beads
Pro Tip: For the clearest slime, use distilled water and brand-name clear glue!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Glue Mixture
- Pour ½ cup clear glue into a mixing bowl
- Add ½ cup water (room temperature)
- Stir gently for 1 minute until fully combined
Important: Don’t whisk too hard or you’ll create bubbles that make it cloudy!
Step 2: Make the Borax Activator
- In a separate cup, mix ¼ tsp borax with ½ cup warm water
- Stir for 30 seconds until completely dissolved
Safety Note: Always wash hands after handling borax powder
Step 3: Combine to Make Slime
- Slowly pour about 1 tablespoon of borax solution into the glue mix
- Stir continuously – you’ll see strings forming immediately
- Keep adding borax solution 1 tablespoon at a time until:
- It pulls away from bowl
- Doesn’t stick to your fingers
- Use your hands to knead for 3-5 minutes
Magic Trick: The more you knead, the clearer it gets!
Troubleshooting Guide
🔹 Cloudy slime? Knead longer (up to 10 minutes)
🔹 Too sticky? Add 1-2 drops more borax solution
🔹 Too stiff? Mix in ½ teaspoon warm water
🔹 Bubbles? Let sit for 1 hour before playing
Pro Tips for Perfect Clear Slime
- Storage: Always keep in airtight container (glass jars work great!)
- Longevity: Lasts 2-3 weeks if stored properly
- Enhancements:
- Add 1 drop blue food coloring for “water” effect
- Mix in glow powder for nighttime slime
- Embed small plastic sea creatures for ocean theme
Fun Variations to Try
💎 Diamond Slime – Add iridescent glitter
🌌 Galaxy Slime – Swirl in purple/blue food coloring
🌸 Floral Slime – Press dried flowers inside
🧊 Ice Slime – Add silver glitter and blue tint
4. Ultra-Smooth Butter Slime Recipe (Like Soft Clay!)
Want slime that feels just like softened butter? This butter slime recipe creates the smoothest, most spreadable slime you’ll ever play with! It’s perfect for squeezing, spreading, and even “cutting” like real dough.
Why You’ll Love Butter Slime
🧈 Feels like soft butter – Incredibly smooth texture
✋ Great for sensory play – Calming to knead and shape
🎨 Perfect for molding – Holds shapes better than regular slime
👶 Gentle on hands – Lotion and baby oil make it extra soft
What You’ll Need
✅ ½ cup white school glue (Elmer’s works best)
✅ 1 tbsp unscented lotion (Helps create buttery texture)
✅ ½ tsp baby oil (Makes it extra smooth)
✅ 2 tbsp cornstarch (For thickness)
✅ 1 tbsp contact lens solution (Must contain boric acid)
🎨 Optional Add-ins:
- 1 tsp clay (for thicker “dough” feel)
- Food coloring (gel works best)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (for scent)
Pro Tip: For extra buttery slime, use 2 tbsp lotion instead of 1!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Create the Base
- Pour ½ cup white glue into a bowl
- Add 1 tbsp lotion and mix well
- Stir in ½ tsp baby oil (this prevents stickiness)
Important: Use unscented lotion to avoid skin irritation!
Step 2: Thicken the Mixture
- Sprinkle in 2 tbsp cornstarch
- Mix until fully combined (will look like pancake batter)
Troubleshooting: If too runny, add 1 more tbsp cornstarch
Step 3: Activate the Slime
- Add 1 tbsp contact lens solution (a little at a time)
- Stir until mixture pulls away from bowl
- Knead with hands for 3-5 minutes
Perfect Butter Slime Should:
- Not stick to hands
- Spread like softened butter
- Hold its shape when molded
Troubleshooting Guide
🧈 Too sticky? Add 1-2 drops contact solution
🧈 Too stiff? Knead in ¼ tsp baby oil
🧈 Not stretchy? You over-activated it – add more lotion
🧈 Too stringy? Add pinch more cornstarch
Pro Tips for Best Results
- For thicker slime: Add 1 tsp model magic clay
- For scent: Mix in ½ tsp vanilla or almond extract
- Storage: Keep in airtight container for up to 2 weeks
- Reviving dried slime: Add 2 drops baby oil and knead
Fun Variations to Try
🍰 Frosting Slime – Add pink coloring and sprinkles
🍞 Bread Dough Slime – Mix in 1 tbsp flour for texture
🌈 Pastel Butter Slime – Use clear glue + pastel food coloring
✨ Sparkle Butter – Mix in fine iridescent glitter
5. Totally Edible Slime Recipe (100% Kid-Safe & Delicious!)
For parents who want zero worries about little ones playing with slime, this edible marshmallow slime is the perfect solution! It’s completely safe if tasted, smells amazing, and even doubles as a fun candy-like treat.
Why Choose Edible Slime
🍭 100% food-safe – Made with edible ingredients
👶 Perfect for toddlers – No chemicals or irritants
🍬 Tastes like candy – Sweet marshmallow flavor
🎉 Great for parties – Kids can play AND snack
Bonus: Cleans up easily with just water!
What You’ll Need
✅ 1 cup mini marshmallows (Standard white ones work best)
✅ 1 tbsp coconut oil (Makes it stretchy)
✅ 1 cup powdered sugar (For perfect texture)
✅ Food coloring (Gel works best for vibrant colors)
Optional Fun Add-ins:
- 1 tsp sprinkles
- ½ tsp flavored extract (vanilla, strawberry, etc.)
- ¼ cup cornstarch (for less sticky texture)
Pro Tip: Use parchment paper for easy kneading and cleanup!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Melt the Marshmallows
- In microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup marshmallows + 1 tbsp coconut oil
- Microwave for 20 seconds, stir well
- Repeat in 10-second bursts until completely melted (usually 30-40 sec total)
Watch Out! Marshmallows get VERY hot – let cool slightly before handling
Step 2: Add Color & Flavor
- Stir in 3-4 drops food coloring (more for brighter colors)
- Optional: Add ½ tsp extract for flavor (vanilla, mint, etc.)
Creative Idea: Make multiple colors and swirl them together!
Step 3: Create the Slime Texture
- Gradually mix in 1 cup powdered sugar (about ¼ cup at a time)
- Keep stirring until it forms a dough-like ball
- Let cool for 2 minutes (so it’s safe to touch)
Step 4: Knead to Perfection
- Dust hands with powdered sugar
- Knead for 3-5 minutes until:
- Stretchy like taffy
- Not sticky to touch
- If too sticky, add 1 tbsp more powdered sugar
Troubleshooting Guide
🍡 Too sticky? Add more powdered sugar 1 tbsp at a time
🍡 Too stiff? Microwave for 5 seconds to soften
🍡 Not stretchy? Knead in ½ tsp more coconut oil
🍡 Drying out? Store in fridge in airtight container
Play & Storage Tips
⏳ Best used within 24 hours (loses stretchiness over time)
❄️ Store in fridge for up to 3 days in sealed container
🧼 Cleanup: Just wash hands with warm water
🎂 Fun Idea: Shape into “cakes” or “snakes” for play
Delicious Variations to Try
🍫 Chocolate Slime: Add 1 tbsp cocoa powder
🌈 Unicorn Slime: Mix in rainbow sprinkles
🍓 Fruit Slime: Use strawberry extract + pink coloring
🍦 Ice Cream Slime: Add ½ tsp vanilla + mini chocolate chips
Do you want to make Water Slime?
Slime Troubleshooting: Fix Common Problems
1. Why is my slime too sticky?
- Fix: Add a little more activator (borax, contact solution, or liquid starch).
2. Why is my slime too hard?
- Fix: Add a few drops of water or lotion and knead well.
3. Why does my slime tear easily?
- Fix: You may have added too much activator. Try warming it in your hands or adding a bit of lotion.
4. How do I make slime last longer?
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep away from dust and dirt.
Slime Safety Tips
- Do not eat (unless using edible slime recipe).
- Wash hands after playing.
- Supervise young kids to avoid mess or accidental ingestion.
- Use non-toxic ingredients (check labels).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I make slime without borax?
Yes! Use contact lens solution (with boric acid) or liquid starch instead.
2. Why won’t my slime form?
You may need more activator or the wrong type of glue. Always use PVA glue (like Elmer’s).
3. Can I use baking soda instead of borax?
Baking soda alone won’t work—you need an activator like contact solution with it.
4. How do I remove slime from clothes or carpet?
Scrape off excess, then use vinegar or rubbing alcohol to break it down.
5. Is slime safe for 3-year-olds?
Only if using edible slime. Regular slime can be a choking hazard.
6. How long does homemade slime last?
About 1-2 weeks if stored properly in a sealed container.
7. Can I make slime without glue?
Yes! Try cornstarch and water (oobleck) or marshmallow slime.
8. What’s the best slime for beginners?
Start with basic glue and borax slime—it’s the easiest!
Finally
Making slime is easy, fun, and a great way to get creative. Whether you want fluffy, clear, or edible slime, these recipes work every time. Follow the steps carefully, and you’ll have perfect slime in minutes!
Now it’s your turn—grab your ingredients and start making slime today!
Got more questions? Drop them in the comments below! 😊