Slime. It’s either a parent’s best friend or worst nightmare. My teenager has been obsessed with it on and off over the last decade. There are so many positive things that can come from using slime whether you’re a kid, a teen or even an adult. There are also heaps of slime-making kits that you can buy. But did you know slime is easy to make at home thanks to these DIY slime recipes?
But before we delve into how to make slime, let’s take a look at why slime is such a popular sensory product.
Why the obsession with slime?Â
Tactile Sensation: Slime has a unique texture that is both smooth and gooey. The sensation of squeezing, stretching, and manipulating the slime provides a pleasing tactile experience. Many people enjoy the feeling of the slime squishing between their fingers.
Visual Appeal: Slime comes in a variety of colours and sometimes includes glitter, beads, or other visually appealing elements. The vibrant and dynamic appearance of slime can be visually stimulating and aesthetically pleasing.
Calming Effect: The act of playing with slime can have a calming and stress-relieving effect. The repetitive motions of stretching and kneading the slime can be meditative, helping to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. It can be used in gentle parenting to help calm an agitated little one.
Satisfying Sounds: Some slimes make satisfying sounds when manipulated, such as squishing, popping, or crunching noises. These auditory elements can add an extra layer of enjoyment to the sensory experience.
Creativity and Imagination: Slime is versatile and can be moulded into different shapes, making it a tool for creative expression. Some individuals enjoy using their imagination to create unique designs and patterns with the slime.
Sensory Play: Sensory play is important for cognitive development, especially in children. Slime provides a sensory-rich experience that engages multiple senses, including touch, sight, and sometimes even smell (if scented). This can contribute to positive and engaging playtime.
Social Aspect: Making and playing with slime can also be a social activity. Sharing slime creations with friends or participating in the online slime community can add a social dimension to the enjoyment. Slime-making afternoons are big in some houses.
How to make slime
Gather some ingredients and get up to some kitchen science with your curious kiddos. Here are some different slime recipes including how to make slime without glue or borax. Let’s get started!
How to make slime using borax:
This is definitely an adult-supervision, glove-wearing recipe.Â
You need:Â
- 1 cup (240 ml) of clear or white school glue
- 1 cup (240 ml) of water
- 1 teaspoon of borax powder (available in supermarkets)
How to make it:Â
- In a bowl, mix 1 cup of clear or white school glue with 1 cup of water.
- In a separate container, dissolve 1 teaspoon of borax powder in 1 cup of warm water.
- Slowly add the borax solution to the glue mixture, stirring continuously.
- As you mix, you’ll notice the slime forming. Keep stirring until the slime reaches the desired consistency.
- Once the slime has formed, knead it with your hands to make it less sticky.
How to make slime without borax: Borax-free slime (using contact lens solution instead)
You need:Â
- 1 cup clear or white school glue
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 2 to 3 tablespoons contact lens solution
How to make it:
- In a bowl, mix 1 cup of clear or white school glue with 1 tablespoon of baking soda.
- Gradually add 2 to 3 tablespoons of contact lens solution, stirring continuously.
- Keep mixing until the slime starts to come together.
- Once it reaches the desired consistency, knead the slime with your hands to make it less sticky.
How to make slime without glue: Contact Lens No Glue Slime
Creating contact lens slime without glue is a bit challenging, but it’s possible to make a slime-like substance using baking soda and other ingredients. Keep in mind that this may not have the same consistency or texture as traditional slime made with glue, but it can be an interesting experiment.
You need:Â
- Baking soda
- Contact lens solution
- Corn flour (optional, for texture)
How to make it:
1. Begin by adding a small amount of baking soda to a bowl. Start with about 2 to 3 tablespoons.
2. Gradually add contact lens solution to the baking soda, stirring as you go. Add the solution in small amounts until you reach a consistency you like.
3. Mix the baking soda and contact lens solution thoroughly. You may need to adjust the amounts to achieve the desired texture.
Optional: Add corn flour. If you want to enhance the texture, you can add a small amount of corn flour to the mixture.
4. Use your hands to knead the mixture. This helps the ingredients combine and can give the slime-like consistency.
5. If your slime is too sticky, add a bit more baking soda. If it’s too stiff, add a little more contact lens solution.
6. Once you achieve a texture you like, you can play with your contact lens slime. Keep in mind that this type of slime may not have the same stretchiness as glue-based slime, but it can still be enjoyable to experiment with.
No Glue, No Borax, No Saline Solution Slime
This recipe creates a simple and easy-to-make slime without the need for traditional slime ingredients like glue, borax, or saline solution. Feel free to customise it by experimenting with different shampoos or adding glitter for extra flair.
You need:
- 1 cup of corn flour
- 1/2 cup of shampoo (choose a clear one for better results)
- Food colouring (optional)
How to make it:Â
1. In a bowl, combine 1 cup of corn flour with 1/2 cup of shampoo. Make sure to use a clear shampoo for a better consistency.
2. Stir the mixture well until it starts to come together. You may need to use your hands to knead and mix the ingredients thoroughly.
3. If the slime is too sticky, add more corn flour in small amounts until you achieve the desired consistency. If it’s too dry, add a bit more shampoo.
Optional: Add Food Colouring: If you want to add colour to your slime, you can mix in a few drops. Knead the slime until the colour is evenly distributed.
4. Once you’ve reached the desired consistency and colour, your slime is ready to be played with! Have fun stretching, squishing, and moulding your homemade slime.
How to store slime
Storing slime properly helps maintain its texture and prevent it from drying out. Here are some tips on how to store slime.
Air-Tight Container: Place the slime in an air-tight container to prevent exposure to air, which can dry it out. Make sure the container has a secure lid to create a tight seal.
Avoid Sunlight: Keep slime away from direct sunlight and heat. Exposure to sunlight and high temperatures can alter the texture of the slime and cause it to become sticky or dry.
Cool, Dark Place: Store slime in a cool, dark place, such as a cupboard or drawer. Avoid leaving it in areas with fluctuating temperatures, like near a heater or in a car.
Separate Colours: If you have different coloured slimes, store them separately to prevent colour bleeding and mixing. This is especially important for vibrant or dark-coloured slimes.
Moisturise if Necessary: If you notice your slime becoming dry, you can add a small amount of water or a slime activator (depending on the slime recipe) and knead it until the desired consistency is reached.
Check Regularly: Periodically check your stored slime for any changes in texture or smell. If you notice any issues, you can adjust the consistency or add a bit of activator to refresh it.
Label Containers: If you have multiple slimes with different recipes or textures, consider labelling the containers to help you remember the ingredients and maintain the slime’s intended characteristics.
Keep Away from Fabric: Avoid storing slime on fabric surfaces or clothing, as it can stick and leave a residue. Choose a storage location that minimises contact with fabrics.
By following these storage tips, you can extend the life of your slime and ensure that it remains enjoyable and pliable for a longer period.
