Make Slimey Slime!
Make stretchy, safe slime using school glue, baking soda, and contact lens solution; knead, experiment with colors and textures under adult supervision.
About this activity
Make stretchy, safe slime using school glue, baking soda, and contact lens solution; knead, experiment with colors and textures under adult supervision.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them.
- 2
Step 2
Pour 4 tablespoons of white school glue into the mixing bowl.
- 3
Step 3
Add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to the glue in the bowl.
- 4
Step 4
Stir the glue and baking soda with the spoon for about 20 seconds until smooth.
- 5
Step 5
Add 1/2 tablespoon of contact lens solution to the bowl.
- 6
Step 6
Stir the mixture for 30 seconds until it thickens and starts to pull away from the bowl sides.
- 7
Step 7
Pinch a small piece of the mixture to test whether it sticks to your fingers.
- 8
Step 8
If it sticks to your fingers add 1/4 tablespoon more contact lens solution to the bowl.
- 9
Step 9
Remove the slime from the bowl and knead it with your hands for 2 minutes until it becomes stretchy and not sticky.
- 10
Step 10
Add a drop of colouring onto the slime.
- 11
Step 11
Fold and knead the slime until the colour is mixed evenly.
- 12
Step 12
Sprinkle a small pinch of glitter or foam beads onto the slime for extra texture.
- 13
Step 13
Knead the slime again until the texture bits are well mixed in.
- 14
Step 14
Share a photo or short note about your finished slime on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do you make Slimey Slime?
To make Slimey Slime, pour 4 oz (half cup) white school glue into a bowl. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon baking soda until smooth. Add contact lens solution (containing boric acid) a teaspoon at a time, stirring until slime pulls away from the bowl. Knead for 4–6 minutes until stretchy; add a few drops of food coloring or glitter before kneading for color and texture. Always do this with adult supervision and work on a covered surface.
What materials do I need to make Slimey Slime?
Materials needed: white school glue (4 oz), baking soda, contact lens solution with boric acid or borate, measuring spoons and cups, mixing bowls and spoons, food coloring or washable paint, glitter or foam beads (optional), paper towels, an airtight container for storage, and a work mat or newspaper. Have wet wipes and hand soap nearby. Check the contact solution ingredients and keep small add-ins away from very young children.
What ages is Slimey Slime suitable for?
Slimey Slime is best for children aged about 5 and up with adult supervision. Children 5–8 will need close help measuring and kneading; ages 9+ can mix colors and try texture variations more independently. Not recommended for children under 3 due to choking risk and the potential for ingestion. Always consider individual sensory needs and supervise play, especially if a child tends to put things in their mouth.
What are the benefits and safety tips for making Slimey Slime?
Making slime supports fine motor skills, following steps, creativity, and sensory exploration. To stay safe, always use non-toxic school glue and contact solution that lists boric acid or borate, limit small beads for young children, and keep slime away from eyes, fabrics, and carpets. Supervise mixing and hand-washing after play. Store slime in an airtight container in the fridge and discard if it smells strange or becomes sticky or moldy.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can I use instead of contact lens solution if it's hard to find?
If you don't have contact lens solution for step 5, substitute 1/2 tablespoon liquid starch or 1/4 teaspoon borax dissolved in 1 tablespoon warm water as the activator and continue with the same stirring and kneading steps.
My slime is still sticky after kneading—what should I do?
If the mixture sticks to your fingers after pinching in step 7, add 1/4 tablespoon more contact lens solution, knead for another 1–2 minutes, and if it becomes too stiff instead soften it with a teaspoon of warm water or a little extra glue.
How can I adapt this slime activity for different age groups?
For ages 3–5 have an adult do steps 2–8 and let them safely touch small pieces without glitter, for ages 6–8 let kids measure, stir, and knead with supervision, and for 9+ encourage independent measuring, adding drops of colouring in step 10, and mixing textures in steps 11–12.
How can we make the slime more interesting or unique?
During steps 10–12 personalize your slime by adding multiple colouring drops for marbling, mixing in glow-in-the-dark paint, scented drops, sequins, or different foam beads for texture, then share a photo as in step 13.