Buzz
Slime is an incredibly fun toy to play with. Traditional recipes often require glue and borax powder, but there are alternative methods to create slime without using glue. Some recipes use simple ingredients like dish soap and cornstarch, while others incorporate unexpected items such as yogurt! Although slime made from these recipes may not last as long as the conventional type, it’s incredibly easy to make and just as enjoyable to play with!
What You’ll Need
Dish Soap and Cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 1.5 tablespoons of dish soap
- Food coloring (optional)
- Glitter (optional)
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
Yogurt and Cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon of yogurt
- 3 tablespoons of cornstarch
- Food coloring (optional)
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
Psyllium Husk
- 1 tablespoon of psyllium husk
- 1 cup of water
- Gel food coloring (optional)
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
- Microwave
Steps
Using Dish Soap and Cornstarch
Pour 1.5 tablespoons of dish soap into a bowl. You can use more to make a larger batch of slime, but remember to increase the amount of cornstarch proportionally.
- Colored or scented dish soap can be used. For a traditional slime look, try using green dish soap.
- Shampoo can be used as a substitute for dish soap. The thicker the shampoo, the better!
Add a few drops of food coloring or glitter if desired. This step is optional, but it can make the slime more exciting. If using clear dish soap, add a drop of food coloring. For a sparkling effect, mix in a pinch of glitter. Stir the mixture thoroughly with a spoon.
Add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to the bowl. The cornstarch will thicken the dish soap and turn it into slime!
- If you use more dish soap, you’ll need to increase the amount of cornstarch accordingly.
- In some regions, cornstarch is referred to as cornflour.
Stir the mixture for about 10 minutes. As you stir, the dish soap and cornstarch will combine and form slime!
Finish by kneading the slime with your hands. Sometimes, the dish soap may not fully absorb the cornstarch. In such cases, use your hands to knead the mixture until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- If the slime is too runny, add more cornstarch. If it’s too thick, add a bit more dish soap.
Play with the slime. Let the slime ooze through your fingers. Once you’re done playing, store the slime in an airtight container. Keep in mind that this type of slime doesn’t last long and will eventually dry out.
Using Yogurt and Cornstarch
Add 1 tablespoon of yogurt to a bowl. Plain, unsweetened yogurt works best. You can use any type of yogurt, but ensure it’s smooth and free of fruit chunks.
- Use more yogurt to make a larger batch of slime. Maintain a ratio of 1 part yogurt to 3 parts cornstarch.
Add food coloring if desired. This step is optional but can make the slime more visually appealing. Add 1 or 2 drops of food coloring and mix thoroughly with a spoon.
Add 3 tablespoons of cornstarch. The cornstarch will thicken the yogurt and turn it into slime. If you use more yogurt, you’ll need to increase the cornstarch proportionally, maintaining a 3:1 ratio of cornstarch to yogurt.
- In some regions, cornstarch is referred to as cornflour.
Mix the ingredients thoroughly. Once the mixture no longer sticks to the sides of the bowl, use your hands to knead it. Continue stirring and kneading until the ingredients combine and form slime.
Play with the slime. Press, stretch, or let the slime ooze through your fingers. Although both ingredients used are edible, avoid putting the slime in your mouth! When finished, store the slime in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. Remember, the slime will spoil over time. Discard it if it develops an unpleasant odor or unusual appearance!
Using Psyllium Husk
Mix 1 tablespoon of psyllium husk with 1 cup of water in a bowl. Measure 1 tablespoon of psyllium husk and add it to the bowl. Pour in 1 cup of water.
- You can find psyllium husk in the health food section of supermarkets or at specialty health food stores.
Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes. After this time, you’ll notice the mixture thickening. Don’t worry if it still seems a bit runny.
Add color if desired. You can leave the slime transparent or add a few drops of food coloring to make it more vibrant. Gel food coloring works best, but liquid food coloring can be used if gel isn’t available.
- Avoid adding glitter, as the slime will be microwaved.
Stir the mixture with a spoon. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens. If you’ve added food coloring, mix until the color is evenly distributed and no streaks remain.
Microwave the slime for about 5 minutes. Stay nearby and keep an eye on it. When the mixture starts to bubble, stop the microwave and let the slime settle. Once it settles, continue microwaving to complete the process.
- You may need to pause the microwave more than once.
Cool the slime in the refrigerator. After removing the bowl from the microwave, the slime will appear sticky, gooey, and slightly lumpy. However, it will still be too hot to handle, so refrigerate it to cool it down. This should take just a few minutes.
Play with the slime. This type of slime is thick, gooey, and jiggles when shaken. You can add fun items like fake eyes to it. Once you’re done playing, store the slime in an airtight container.
Tips
- Create a "traditional" slime by adding green coloring.
- Experiment and make your own unique slime! Most gel-based products like hand lotion, shampoo, hand soap, or dish soap can be mixed with cornstarch to create slime!
- Make the slime more exciting by adding glitter or food coloring.
- Store the slime in an airtight container after use.
- Avoid getting slime on clothes or carpets.
- Slime will dry out over time and won’t stay fresh indefinitely.
- If using borax powder, stir it into water until fully dissolved.
