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

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.

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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!

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Easy Oobleck Slime Recipe

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

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

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.

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. 

4. Mix the water with a spoon.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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Classic Slime Recipe 

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

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

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

3. Then add 1/4 cup of water.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

How to Make Slime Without Glue

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

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

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

3. Add one tablespoon of water.

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.

5. Mix thoroughly with a spoon.

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

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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