How to Make Slime at Home

Photo: Taste of Home

Soft, stretchy and oh so fun. Homemade slime is the latest DIY craze for kids (and adults, too!). It’s part craft and part science project, and perfect for bringing playtime to the kitchen. The end result is a tantalizing toy that’ll keep you squishing for hours. Ready to get started? Follow the steps below.

How to Make Slime

You’ll Need

1 cup warm water

1 teaspoon Borax

1/2 cup glue

1/2 cup foamy shaving cream

1/2 cup foamy hand soap (measured after it foams)

1 tablespoon cornstarch

3-4 squirts body lotion

Food coloring, if desired

Step 1: Mix it

In a small bowl, mix the warm water and Borax until dissolved; set aside. Why Borax? This old-school laundry fixer plays a part in making the slime stretchy.

Step 2: Create the slime starter

In a large bowl, mix together the glue, shaving cream and hand soap. The mixture will look a bit like whipped cream at this point. (But, please, resist the urge to taste it!) Gradually stir in the cornstarch.

Pro tip: Just as in sauces, cornstarch helps thicken the ingredients so the slime will hold its shape.

Step 3: Combine the rest

Pump in the body lotion. We like using scented lotion to add olfactory fun to the slime. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring. But remember: Less is more. Next, stir in that Borax mixture you set aside, a teaspoon at a time, until the slime mixture is slightly thickened.

Step 4: Play with it

Here’s where the fun really starts. Remove the slime from the bowl and start working it with your hands. If the slime feels too sticky, add a bit more Borax. If it’s too tough, add another squirt of lotion.

And with that—you’re set! Poke, prod, twist and stretch the slime to your heart’s delight.

Pro tip: Once you’re done playing with the slime, store it in an airtight container. It should remain stretchy for a few more days.

Photo: Taste of Home

How to Make It Your Own

Now that you’ve mastered the basic slime recipe, it’s time to let your creativity run wild. You can customize this slime in countless ways. Experiment by gently adding one (or more) of the following items into the mix.

• Glitter and/or confetti
• Creepy-crawly plastic bugs or other critters
• Small foam beads
• Air-dry clay (popular add-in for making “butter slime”)
• Packing peanuts
• Buttons
• Rainbow nonpareils (Just remind kids to not eat the slime!)

Have a slimy-good time!