Recipe

Fun and Easy Slime Recipe

A simple, kid-friendly slime recipe that comes together fast with pantry staples. Stretchy, squishy, and easy to customize with color and sparkle.

By Matt Campbell

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4.8

A close-up photo of a child’s hands stretching glossy green slime over a wooden kitchen table with a small bowl nearby

Jump to Recipe

Some days you want dinner to be effortless. Other days, you want a little harmless chaos that buys you 30 minutes of happy concentration. That is where slime comes in.

This fun and easy slime recipe is my go-to because it uses simple ingredients, mixes up in minutes, and has a great payoff: glossy, stretchy slime that is not watery and not crumbly. We are basically building a tiny kitchen science project, and yes, you should absolutely poke it and admire the texture like you made something magical. Because you did.

Quick note for grown-ups: this is a hands-on activity. Supervise little kids, keep it away from mouths and eyes, and wash hands after play. Also, slime and carpet are not friends.

A real photo of white school glue being poured into a clear glass mixing bowl on a kitchen counter

Why It Works

What You Get

Stretchy, glossy slime that holds together and is easy to handle.
Adjustable texture so you can go more oozy or more firm depending on how you mix.
Easy customization with food coloring, glitter, or confetti.
Low drama cleanup when you use a bowl, a spoon, and a little patience.

Why this works: the activator (borax solution) links up the glue polymers, turning liquid glue into a stretchy gel. Add it slowly and you stay in control of the texture.

Pairs Well With

Storage Tips

Slime is basically the leftover king. Store it right and it stays good for multiple play sessions.

Container: Keep slime in an airtight container or a zip-top bag with most of the air pressed out.
Where: Store at room temperature in a cool, dry spot. No need to refrigerate.
How long: Typically 1 to 2 weeks, sometimes longer if hands and surfaces are clean.
Save your activator: If you have leftover borax solution, store it in a labeled jar so you can easily adjust texture later.
If it gets sticky: Knead in 1 teaspoon of borax solution at a time until it firms back up.
If it gets rubbery: Knead in a teaspoon of warm water or a tiny splash of glue, then rest for 5 minutes.

Safety note: Toss slime if it smells “off,” grows fuzz, or looks discolored.

Common Questions

Is borax slime safe?

When used correctly in small amounts and not ingested, borax solution is commonly used for slime. The key is supervision, careful measuring, and washing hands after. If anyone has sensitive skin, consider wearing gloves or using a borax-free recipe instead.

My slime is too sticky. What do I do?

Add activator slowly. Knead first, then decide. Usually 1 to 2 teaspoons more borax solution plus 1 minute of kneading fixes it.

My slime turned hard and rips. Can I fix it?

Yes. Work in a teaspoon of warm water and knead. If it is still stiff, add a tiny dab of glue and knead again.

Can I use clear glue instead of white glue?

Absolutely. Clear glue makes a more glassy, transparent slime, but it may take a little longer to fully firm up.

Will slime stain clothes or furniture?

Food coloring and some glitters can stain. Use washable dye, play on a tray or table, and skip porous surfaces like fabric couches and carpets.

What can I add for texture?

Foam beads for crunch
Glitter for sparkle
Confetti for party vibes
A pinch of baking soda for a slightly firmer feel

Matt Campbell

I have always had a huge passion for the culinary arts, people, working as a team, and so on. I wanted to pursue my love for cooking initially at Virginia Commonwealth University with a culinary arts degree; however, I instead decided to apply myself and acquire more practical skills. My end goal is to eventually open my own restaurant or similar establishment.

Kitchen Essentials

Medium mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Spoon or silicone spatula
Small cup or jar (for mixing activator)
Optional: disposable gloves (for sensitive skin)
Optional: baking tray or large plate (to keep slime contained)

The first time I made slime, I treated it like a sauce. Add a little, stir, assess, taste. Okay, do not taste. But the rhythm is the same. I dumped in too much activator, panicked when it went rubbery, then realized you can usually save it with a little water and a calm attitude. Now it is one of my favorite “kitchen projects” because it rewards curiosity. Plus, it has that perfect moment where it stops being glue and suddenly becomes slime. Every time, it feels like a tiny magic trick.