How to Make Slime: Complete Guide with 10+ Safe Recipes

Name: Basic Slime Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 1 portion
Cuisine: DIY Craft
Ingredients: 4-6 oz (120-180ml) white school glue; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1-2 tablespoons contact lens solution (must contain boric acid); Food coloring (optional); Glitter or foam beads (optional)

Discover the ultimate collection of safe, easy-to-follow slime recipes perfect for kids and beginners. Learn how to make slime at home using common household ingredients with our step-by-step guide.

✅ Borax-Free Options 👶 Kid-Safe Ingredients ⚡ Quick & Easy

What is Slime and Why Make It at Home?

Slime is a fascinating non-Newtonian fluid that behaves both like a liquid and a solid. When you learn how to make slime at home, you're not just creating a fun toy - you're engaging in hands-on science that kids love! Homemade slime is safer, more affordable, and completely customizable compared to store-bought alternatives.

Our comprehensive guide features over 10 different slime recipes that use safe, everyday ingredients. Whether you're looking for baking soda slime, glitter slime, or completely borax-free slime, we have the perfect recipe for you.

🛡️ Safety First: Important Guidelines

Adult Supervision

Always supervise children during slime making, especially when handling contact lens solution or other activators.

Wash Hands

Wash hands thoroughly before and after playing with slime. Avoid touching eyes or mouth during play.

Safe Storage

Store slime in airtight containers and keep away from pets and small children who might try to eat it.

Borax-Free Options

Our recipes prioritize safer alternatives to borax, using baking soda and contact lens solution instead.

🧪 10+ Amazing Slime Recipes

🎯 Complete Beginner's Guide

📝 Essential Preparation Checklist

🥣

Large Bowl: Any mixing bowl from your kitchen, or any container that can hold all ingredients

🥄

Mixing Spoon: Soup spoon, stirring spoon, or even chopsticks work perfectly for mixing

📏

Measuring Spoons: If you don't have any, use regular teaspoons (1 tsp ≈ 1 small spoon)

🧻

Paper Towels or Wipes: For cleaning hands and workspace during the process

🧤

Apron (Optional): Protect your clothes from any potential spills or mess

🛒 Complete Shopping Guide (Where to Buy + Recommended Brands)

🔸 White School Glue (Most Important!)

Recommended Brands: Elmer's, Crayola, or any white school glue

Where to Buy: Dollar stores, grocery stores, pharmacies, Amazon

Important: Must be WHITE glue - clear glue won't work as well

Price: $1-3 per bottle

🔸 Baking Soda

Brands: Arm & Hammer, or any baking soda from grocery stores

Where to Buy: Grocery stores (baking aisle), pharmacies

Price: $1-2 per box (you'll only use a tiny amount)

🔸 Contact Lens Solution

Important: Must contain BORIC ACID (check the ingredients!)

Recommended: ReNu, Biotrue, or generic saline solutions with boric acid

Where to Buy: Pharmacies, grocery stores, eye care stores

Price: $3-8 per bottle

🔸 Food Coloring (Optional)

Brands: McCormick, Wilton, or any liquid food coloring

Where to Buy: Grocery stores (baking aisle), craft stores

Price: $2-5 per set of colors

⚠️ Safety Rules Everyone Must Follow

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Adult Supervision Required: Children under 12 must have an adult present at all times

🧼

Wash Hands: Always wash hands before AND after making and playing with slime

🚫

No Eating: Slime ingredients are NOT food - never put in mouth or eat

👁️

Avoid Eyes: Don't touch eyes while making slime, wash hands if you need to

✅ How to Know Your Slime is Perfect

🤏

Stretchy but Not Breaking: It should stretch like taffy without snapping immediately

👋

Doesn't Stick to Clean Hands: Should peel off your hands easily when pulled away

🥎

Holds Its Shape: Can be rolled into a ball that bounces slightly

🌊

Flows Like Honey: Drips slowly when held up, not too fast or too slow

🎮 Fun Ways to Play with Your Slime

🌈

Stretching Game: See how far you can stretch it before it breaks

⚽

Bouncing Ball: Roll into a ball and see how high it bounces

🎨

Shape Sculpting: Mold into animals, flowers, or any shape you can imagine

💆

Stress Relief: Squeeze and knead for a calming, satisfying experience

📦 How to Store Your Slime Properly

🥡

Airtight Container: Store in sealed containers or zip-lock bags to prevent drying out

🌡️

Cool, Dry Place: Keep at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat

🧼

Keep Clean: Always wash hands before playing to prevent dirt and bacteria

⏰

Shelf Life: Properly stored slime lasts 1-2 weeks. Make fresh batch when it gets hard

🆘 Emergency Situations & Solutions

🚨

If Accidentally Swallowed: Rinse mouth immediately, drink water, seek medical attention if uncomfortable

👁️

If Gets in Eyes: Flush immediately with clean water for 15 minutes, seek medical attention

🧽

If Stuck on Clothing: Soak in warm water first, then wash with regular detergent

📞

Serious Concerns: Contact poison control or emergency services if experiencing any adverse reactions

1. 💯 Ultimate Beginner's Basic Slime Recipe

Perfect first slime recipe with detailed step-by-step instructions for complete beginners

🔽

⏱️ 15-20 minutes

📊 Super Easy

🛡️ Child Safe

💰 Cost: $3-5

🛒 Required Materials (Detailed Version):

🍼

White School Glue: 1 full bottle (4-6 oz / 120ml)

Any white school glue from stores like Elmer's, Crayola, or generic brands. Must be WHITE glue!

💡 If bottle doesn't show oz/ml, it's usually about the size of half your palm

🧂

Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon (about 2.5ml)

Regular baking soda from the grocery store baking aisle. Use a small spoon to measure half a teaspoon.

💡 Better to use less than more - too much will make slime hard and rubbery

💧

Contact Lens Solution: 1-2 tablespoons (15-30ml)

KEY INGREDIENT! Must contain BORIC ACID (check the label). ReNu, Biotrue, or any brand with boric acid works.

💡 This is the magic ingredient that turns glue into slime!

🌈

Food Coloring: 2-3 drops (optional)

Add if you want colored slime, skip if you prefer white. Liquid food coloring works better than gel.

💡 Start with just a drop or two - you can always add more, but you can't take it out!

📋 Super Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions:

1️⃣

Preparation Setup (Important!)

What to do: Get a large bowl and gather all your materials

Specific actions:

Find a large mixing bowl (big enough to hold 2-3 cups of food)
Lay out all your ingredients in front of you
Get a mixing spoon or wooden spoon ready

💡 Pro Tip: Work in the kitchen or any area that's easy to clean up

2️⃣

Pour the Glue

What to do: Pour the entire bottle of white glue into your bowl

Specific actions:

Open the glue bottle cap
Slowly pour into the bowl - don't splash!
Use your spoon to scrape any remaining glue from the bottle

💡 Pro Tip: If glue is too thick to pour, gently tap the bottle a few times

3️⃣

Add Baking Soda

What to do: Add half a teaspoon of baking soda to the glue

Specific actions:

Use a small spoon to measure half a teaspoon of baking soda
Sprinkle it over the top of the glue
Start stirring with your spoon - mix for 2-3 minutes
Make sure no white chunks remain - stir until completely dissolved

⚠️ Important: Mix thoroughly! Keep stirring if you see any white particles

4️⃣

Add Color (Optional)

What to do: If you want colored slime, add food coloring now

Specific actions:

Add 2-3 drops of food coloring to the glue mixture
Stir with your spoon until color is even throughout
If color is too light, add 1-2 more drops

💡 Pro Tip: White slime (no coloring) looks great too!

5️⃣

Add Contact Solution (CRITICAL STEP!)

What to do: Slowly add contact lens solution to transform glue into slime

Specific actions:

Add 1 tablespoon of contact lens solution first
Start stirring IMMEDIATELY! Mix while you add
You'll see the mixture start to thicken and clump together
Keep stirring for 1-2 minutes
If still too sticky, add another 1/2 tablespoon of solution

⚠️ Critical: Add slowly! Too much will make slime hard and rubbery

6️⃣

Knead with Hands

What to do: Use your hands to knead the slime into final form

Specific actions:

Wash your hands thoroughly first (very important!)
Take the slime out of the bowl with your hands
Knead and squeeze in your hands for 2-3 minutes
Fold, stretch, and press like you're kneading bread dough

💡 Pro Tip: It might be slightly sticky at first - keep kneading and it will get better

✅

Success! Test Your Slime

Perfect slime should:

✅ Not stick to clean hands (or only slightly sticky)
✅ Stretch long without breaking immediately
✅ Be bouncy and return to shape when pressed
✅ Not drip or flow like liquid

🎉 Congratulations! You've made your first perfect slime!

🚨 Troubleshooting: Common Problems & Solutions

😫 Slime is too sticky - sticks to hands and table

Solution: Add a little more contact lens solution (1/2 tablespoon) and continue kneading

😤 Slime is too hard - feels like rubber

Solution: Add a few drops of warm water and knead slowly. Or start over using less contact solution next time

😵 Slime breaks when stretched

Solution: You probably added too much baking soda. Try adding a tiny bit of contact solution and knead longer

😨 Slime is liquid-like and flows everywhere

Solution: Not enough contact solution. Add another tablespoon and stir vigorously

2. Borax-Free Slime (Extra Safe for Kids)

Perfect safe alternative using only baking soda and dish soap - no harsh chemicals!

🔽

⏱️ 15 minutes

📊 Easy

🛡️ Extra Safe

💰 Cost: $2-3

🛒 Required Materials:

🧂

Baking Soda: 1 cup (Arm & Hammer works great)

Regular baking soda from the grocery store. This will be the main base of your slime.

💡 Make sure it's fresh - old baking soda doesn't work as well

🧴

Dish Soap or Shampoo: 2-3 tablespoons

Any liquid dish soap (Dawn, Palmolive) or shampoo. This creates the slime texture.

💡 Start with less - you can always add more for perfect consistency

🌈

Food Coloring: 2-3 drops (optional)

Add color if desired. Works just as well without any coloring.

💡 Add color after mixing the base ingredients

💧

Warm Water: as needed

Only use tiny amounts if mixture is too thick. Too much water will ruin the slime.

💡 Add just a few drops at a time

📋 Step-by-Step Instructions:

1️⃣

Mix Dry Ingredients

What to do: Pour baking soda into a large mixing bowl

This creates the base structure for your slime.

💡 Pro Tip: Break up any lumps in the baking soda first

2️⃣

Add Soap Gradually

What to do: Start with 1 tablespoon of dish soap and mix well

The soap transforms the powder into slime consistency.

⚠️ Important: Add soap slowly - too much will make it too sticky

3️⃣

Adjust Consistency

What to do: Add more soap gradually until mixture becomes creamy and moldable

Perfect slime should hold together but not be sticky.

💡 Pro Tip: Add 1/2 tablespoon at a time until you get the right texture

4️⃣

Add Color

What to do: Mix in food coloring if desired

This step is optional but fun for kids!

💡 Pro Tip: Natural slime color is fine too - focus on getting the texture right first

✅

Fine-tune Texture

Final adjustments: Add tiny amounts of warm water if too thick, or more baking soda if too runny

✅ Should be moldable and hold shapes
✅ Not sticky to touch
✅ Smooth and consistent texture

🎉 Success! You've made completely safe, borax-free slime!

3. Sparkly Glitter Slime

Add magical sparkle to your slime - perfect for parties and gifts!

🔽

⏱️ 12 minutes

📊 Easy

🛡️ Kid-Safe

✨ Extra Sparkly

🛒 Materials Needed:

🧴

Clear Glue or Glitter Glue: 4 oz bottle

Clear glue shows off glitter better. Any brand works fine.

🧂

Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon

Helps create the perfect slime consistency.

💧

Contact Lens Solution: 1-2 tablespoons

Must contain boric acid to activate properly.

✨

Fine Glitter: 2-3 tablespoons

Any colors you like! Fine glitter mixes better than chunky.

🌈

Food Coloring: few drops (if using clear glue)

Match your glitter colors or create fun contrasts.

📋 Simple Steps:

1️⃣

Prepare Base

Pour glue into mixing bowl

2️⃣

Add Sparkle

Mix in glitter and food coloring if using clear glue

3️⃣

Add Baking Soda

Mix thoroughly until well combined

4️⃣

Activate

Gradually add contact lens solution while mixing

✅

Knead to Perfection

Work with hands until perfectly sparkly and stretchy

✨ Sparkling Success! Your glitter slime is ready to dazzle!

4. Fluffy Cloud Slime

⏱️ 15 minutes 📊 Medium 🛡️ Adult Help Needed

Ingredients:

4 oz white school glue
2-3 pumps shaving cream (foam, not gel)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon contact lens solution
Food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

Create base: Mix glue and shaving cream in a large bowl.
Add color: Mix in food coloring if desired.
Add baking soda: Mix until evenly distributed.
Activate: Add contact lens solution gradually while mixing.
Test texture: The slime should be fluffy and light when properly mixed.

5. Crystal Clear Slime

Ingredients:

4 oz clear school glue
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon contact lens solution
1 cup hot water (for dissolving baking soda)

Instructions:

Dissolve baking soda: Mix baking soda in hot water, let cool to room temperature.
Prepare glue: Pour clear glue into mixing bowl.
Add contact solution: Mix in contact lens solution first.
Add baking soda water: Slowly add cooled baking soda water until slime forms.
Perfect clarity: Knead gently to maintain transparency.

💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Slime

Getting the Right Consistency

If your slime is too sticky, add contact lens solution drop by drop. If it's too stiff, add a small amount of warm water or lotion.

Storage Solutions

Store slime in airtight containers or ziplock bags. Properly stored slime can last 1-2 weeks at room temperature.

Cleaning Up

Clean tools immediately with warm soapy water. Remove slime from fabric using white vinegar or rubbing alcohol.

Troubleshooting

If slime won't form, check that your contact lens solution contains boric acid. Different brands may require slight recipe adjustments.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe for kids to make slime at home?

Yes, when using our recommended recipes with proper adult supervision. We prioritize borax-free formulations and safe ingredients like baking soda and contact lens solution.

Why won't my slime activate properly?

The most common issue is using contact lens solution without boric acid. Always check the ingredients list and ensure you're using a multi-purpose solution, not just saline.

How long does homemade slime last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, homemade slime typically lasts 1-2 weeks. Signs it's time to discard include mold, bad smell, or significant texture changes.

Can I make slime without contact lens solution?

Yes! Try our baking soda and shampoo recipe, or use liquid starch as an alternative activator. Each method creates slightly different textures.

What's the difference between clear and white glue slime?

Clear glue creates transparent slime perfect for adding decorations, while white glue makes opaque slime with a classic texture. Both work equally well with our recipes.

🌟 More Creative Slime Ideas

6. Scented Slime

Add a few drops of essential oil or vanilla extract to your basic recipe for amazing scents.

7. Glow-in-the-Dark Slime

Mix glow-in-the-dark paint or powder into clear slime for nighttime fun.

8. Butter Slime

Add soft clay to basic slime for a smooth, spreadable "butter" texture.

9. Crunchy Slime

Mix foam beads or plastic pellets into slime for satisfying crunchy sounds.

10. Magnetic Slime

Add iron oxide powder to create slime that responds to magnets (adult supervision required).

11. Edible Slime

Use cornstarch and honey for completely safe, edible slime perfect for toddlers.