Putting the 'Goo' in 'Good Fun'—Here Are 3 Different Ways To Make Slime

Wendee Wendt
·7 min read

Oh, slime. Snotty, slinky and sometimes a little "farty." I am not sure how long it took my boys to figure out how to make slime "fart," but I am positive when I became a mom that I didn't imagine that fun time with my kids would be seeing who could make their slime "fart" the loudest. Sound like something your own kiddos would enjoy? We've got all the details on how to make slime, including three different techniques!

I have a love-hate relationship with slime. I love to play with it, but at one point, slime had made its way into just about every crevice of my truck and had to be forcibly removed from the carpet in most of the rooms of my home. Yet, seeing the look in my boys' eyes every time they got a fresh new pile of slime was priceless and practically worth the hassle.

Related: 100 Fun Things To Do When Bored To Help You Stay Sane

Now, my kiddos are teenagers, and though I am "forcing" them to help me with this project, they seem pretty excited about making it.

It has been a long while since I've heard those magical slime "toots," so let's get started with these step-by-step instructions we have created for you.

With just a few easy steps and some simple ingredients (that most of us have around the house), you will be making homemade slime in no time!

How To Make Slime 3 Different Ways

We have included an ingredient and equipment list for each type of slime you can make. Review each one first and ensure you have everything you need before getting started.

Now, pick a slime technique. If you have everything you need, let's get to mixing!

Related: 125 of the Best Family-Friendly Activities & Ideas That'll Keep the Fun Going All Summer Long

Easy Oobleck Slime Recipe

Gather these items.<p>Courtesy Wendee Wendt</p>
Gather these items.

Courtesy Wendee Wendt

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup of water

  • One cup of cornstarch

  • Food coloring (optional, but is it really?)

Equipment

  • Large microwaveable bowl

  • Measuring cups and measuring spoons

  • Spoon (for stirring)

  • Airtight container with a tight lid or plastic storage bag

Step-By-Step Directions

When making Oobleck, add water to bowl first.<p>Courtesy Wendee Wendt</p>
When making Oobleck, add water to bowl first.

Courtesy Wendee Wendt

1. Add 1/2 cup of water to a large microwaveable bowl.

Place in microwave to heat.<p>Courtesy Wendee Wendt</p>
Place in microwave to heat.

Courtesy Wendee Wendt

2. Place it in the microwave for 45 seconds to 1 minute to heat up the water.

It is important not to use boiling water because you will be mixing the slime with your hands. If it is too hot, you will have to wait until it cools.

I have been told that adding food coloring makes Oobleck much "cooler."<p>Courtesy Wendee Wendt</p>
I have been told that adding food coloring makes Oobleck much "cooler."

Courtesy Wendee Wendt

3. If you are using food coloring, add 3-4 drops until the water is a shade darker than you want the slime to be. 

When you make this slime, the color will be diluted slightly.

Start mixing the water with a spoon.<p>Courtesy Wendee Wendt</p>
Start mixing the water with a spoon.

Courtesy Wendee Wendt

4. Mix the water with a spoon.

Slowly add one cup of cornstarch to your heated water.<p>Courtesy Wendee Wendt</p>
Slowly add one cup of cornstarch to your heated water.

Courtesy Wendee Wendt

5. Measure one cup of cornstarch and slowly add it to heated water. 

Make sure that the cornstarch comes out of your measuring cup slowly or take a spoon to scrape it out. If you allow it to plop out all at once, it will have an "exploding" effect, blowing all over you and your kitchen.

Mix until it is thick.<p>Courtesy Wendee Wendt</p>
Mix until it is thick.

Courtesy Wendee Wendt

6. Use your spoon to mix until it is thick. Then, use your fingers to continue mixing.

Thoroughly blend the mixture into the consistency of a thick paste.

Regulate the consistency of the slime. If it is too thin, add more cornstarch. If the mixture is too thick, add warm water.

Getting the right slimy consistency is a matter of personal preference.

Ideally, you should be able to put your fingers through the Oobleck.<p>Courtesy Wendee Wendt</p>
Ideally, you should be able to put your fingers through the Oobleck.

Courtesy Wendee Wendt

You should be able to put your fingers into the Oobleck easily, and the surface should feel dry.

<p>Courtesy Wendee Wendt</p>

Courtesy Wendee Wendt

My son figured out that if you poke Oobleck, it is "hard," but if you pull your finger through, then it is "runny."

Place your Oobleck slime into a storage container.<p>Courtesy Wendee Wendt</p>
Place your Oobleck slime into a storage container.

Courtesy Wendee Wendt

7. When you are done playing with your Oobleck slime, put it in a storage container for later use.

Related: Avoid Going Stir-Crazy With 125 Indoor Ideas To Do

Classic Slime Recipe

Here's what you need.<p>Courtesy Wendee Wendt</p>
Here's what you need.

Courtesy Wendee Wendt

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup glue (e.g., Elmer’s glue)

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1/4 cup water

  • Three tablespoons contact solution (it must contain boric acid in the ingredients)

  • Optional fun ideas: food coloring, glitter or confetti

Equipment

  • A medium mixing bowl

  • Two measuring cups

  • One measuring spoon (teaspoon)

  • One measuring spoon (tablespoon)

  • Spoon (for stirring)

  • Airtight container with a tight lid or storage bag

Step-By-Step Directions

This type of measuring cup helps get all of the glue into the bowl.<p>Courtesy Wendee Wendt</p>
This type of measuring cup helps get all of the glue into the bowl.

Courtesy Wendee Wendt

1. Begin by pouring 1/2 cup of glue into a bowl.

Measure out the baking soda and add it to the glue.<p>Courtesy Wendee Wendt</p>
Measure out the baking soda and add it to the glue.

Courtesy Wendee Wendt

2. Stir in a 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.

In goes the water.<p>Courtesy Wendee Wendt</p>
In goes the water.

Courtesy Wendee Wendt

3. Then add 1/4 cup of water.

If you have kids, food coloring is not "optional."<p>Courtesy Wendee Wendt</p>
If you have kids, food coloring is not "optional."

Courtesy Wendee Wendt

4. Stir in any food coloring (or glitter if you do not have moody teenage boys). 

Only add a couple of drops, or the slime might not turn out.

Add contact solution (one tablespoon at a time).<p>Courtesy Wendee Wendt</p>
Add contact solution (one tablespoon at a time).

Courtesy Wendee Wendt

5. While stirring, pour in one tablespoon of the contact solution.

6. Add another tablespoon of contact solution and continue stirring. 

You'll start to see the slime form, but it will be pretty sticky.

The slime is starting to get thick and sticky.<p>Courtesy Wendee Wendt</p>
The slime is starting to get thick and sticky.

Courtesy Wendee Wendt

7. Add one more tablespoon of contact solution and begin mixing with your hands.

A little contact solution helps keep the slime from sticking to your hands while mixing.<p>Courtesy Wendee Wendt</p>
A little contact solution helps keep the slime from sticking to your hands while mixing.

Courtesy Wendee Wendt

Pro Tip: Squirt a little contact solution onto your hands before kneading to prevent sticking.

Mixing with your hands or just having fun? <p>Courtesy Wendee Wendt</p>
Mixing with your hands or just having fun?

Courtesy Wendee Wendt

Kneading the slime helps smooth it out.<p>Courtesy Wendee Wendt</p>
Kneading the slime helps smooth it out.

Courtesy Wendee Wendt

8. Knead the slime until it's a good consistency.

Finished slime ball.<p>Courtesy Wendee Wendt</p>
Finished slime ball.

Courtesy Wendee Wendt

This slime will store well in a container or baggie.<p>Courtesy Wendee Wendt</p>
This slime will store well in a container or baggie.

Courtesy Wendee Wendt

9. Place in a storage container or plastic bag to keep it for later.

To cut out a few ingredients, you can use this pre-mix solution. It takes the place of contact solution and baking soda.

Slime is really like magic!<p>Courtesy Wendee Wendt</p>
Slime is really like magic!

Courtesy Wendee Wendt

Related: You're Welcome! Here Are 125 Ideas To Keep Kids Entertained When You're Out of Ideas

How to Make Slime Without Glue

All you need for this easy-to-make slime recipe.<p>Courtesy Wendee Wendt</p>
All you need for this easy-to-make slime recipe.

Courtesy Wendee Wendt

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup flour

  • 1/3 cup of dish soap

  • One tablespoon of water

  • Food coloring, glitter, etc. (optional)

Equipment

  • Two measuring cups

  • One measuring spoon (tablespoon)

  • Small bowl

  • Spoon (for stirring)

Step-By-Step Directions

Measure flour into your bowl first.<p>Courtesy Wendee Wendt</p>
Measure flour into your bowl first.

Courtesy Wendee Wendt

1. Measure 1/2 cup of flour and add to your bowl

Add in your dish soap.<p>Courtesy Wendee Wendt</p>
Add in your dish soap.

Courtesy Wendee Wendt

2. Add in your dish soap (1/3 cup).

Add the tablespoon of water.<p>Courtesy Wendee Wendt</p>
Add the tablespoon of water.

Courtesy Wendee Wendt

3. Add one tablespoon of water.

Dish soap gives this slime a nice color, but why not change it up?<p>Courtesy Wendee Wendt</p>
Dish soap gives this slime a nice color, but why not change it up?

Courtesy Wendee Wendt

4. Add food coloring or glitter. 

Food coloring is optional because your dish soap is probably already colored. My kids chose to use food coloring to see if they could make a different color.

Pretty swirls, what color will it be?<p>Courtesy Wendee Wendt</p>
Pretty swirls, what color will it be?

Courtesy Wendee Wendt

5. Mix thoroughly with a spoon.

Finished "no glue" slime. <p>Courtesy Wendee Wendt</p>
Finished "no glue" slime.

Courtesy Wendee Wendt

6. Once everything is added, put it into a storage container and refrigerate for two hours before using.

Non-glue slime, hanging out with the kiwi for a couple of hours.<p>Courtesy Wendee Wendt</p>
Non-glue slime, hanging out with the kiwi for a couple of hours.

Courtesy Wendee Wendt

This recipe could easily be doubled or tripled (depending on how many kids you are making it for). Store the final product in an air-tight container in the fridge, and it should keep well for about a week. 

Here is what I learned about making slime with little kids vs. when you are making slime with teenagers—both are fun! However, they are really messy if you allow them to help. Slime still burbles when squished just right (and yes, it is still funny!) And making slime is a fantastic hands-on way to connect with your kids—at any age!

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