Making homemade slime is one of the most popular DIY activities for kids, and it’s easy to see why. Slime is soft, stretchy, squishy, and incredibly fun to play with. Whether you’re looking for a rainy-day activity, a birthday party craft, or a simple science experiment, this homemade slime recipe is easy enough for beginners and only takes about 10 minutes to make.
The best part? This recipe uses contact lens solution instead of borax powder, making it one of the most popular slime recipes for families.
Supplies List
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- 1/2 cup white school glue
- 1/2 Tablespoon baking soda
- 1-1 1/2 tablespoons contact lens solution (must contain boric acid and sodium borate)
- Food coloring
How to Make Homemade Slime
Step 1: Add the Glue
Pour the white school glue into a medium mixing bowl.
Step 2: Mix in Baking Soda
Add the baking soda and stir until completely combined.
Step 3: Add Colour
Mix in several drops of food colouring until you reach your desired colour.
Step 4: Add Glitter (Optional)
If you’d like sparkly slime, stir in glitter or sequins now.
Step 5: Add Contact Lens Solution
Slowly add the contact lens solution while stirring continuously.
You’ll notice the slime beginning to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
Step 6: Knead the Slime
Once the slime starts coming together, remove it from the bowl and knead it with your hands for 2 to 3 minutes.
If it feels sticky, add one or two more drops of contact solution and continue kneading
The slime should feel smooth, malleable but not too sticky.
Tips and FAQs
Tips for Perfect Homemade Slime
- Don’t add too much contact solution at once.
- Kneading is the secret to stretchy slime.
- White glue makes soft, opaque slime.
- Clear glue creates crystal-clear slime.
- Store slime in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Fun Variations
Glitter Slime
Add fine craft glitter for sparkling slime.
Rainbow Slime
Make several colours and swirl them together without completely mixing.
Confetti Slime
Mix in colourful plastic confetti for a festive look.
Glow-in-the-Dark Slime
Use glow-in-the-dark Elmer’s glue, or glow pigment for nighttime fun.
Galaxy Slime
Mix dark blue, purple, and black slime with silver glitter.
Unicorn Slime
Create pastel pink, blue, and lavender slime with iridescent glitter.
How to Store Homemade Slime
Store slime in:
- Airtight plastic containers
- Zip-top freezer bags (squeeze air out
Properly stored slime usually lasts one to two weeks.
Troubleshooting Homemade Slime
Slime is Too Sticky
Add a few drops of contact solution and knead again.
Slime is Too Firm
Work it with warm hands for several minutes or add a small amount of extra glue.
Slime is Too Runny
Double-check that your contact solution contains boric acid and sodium borate. Not all brands work equally well.
Can I use clear glue?
Absolutely. Clear glue creates transparent slime that’s perfect for adding glitter or tiny charms.
Why isn’t my slime forming?
Usually the contact solution is the issue. Check the ingredients label to make sure it contains both boric acid and sodium borate.
How long does homemade slime last?
When stored in an airtight container or Ziploc bag, slime generally lasts one to two weeks.
Printable Recipe for Homemade Slime
How to Make Homemade Slime
Equipment
Materials
- 1/2 cup School Glue (White or clear)
- 1/2 tbsp Baking Soda
- 1 tbsp Contact Lens Cleaning Solution ( may use another 1.2 tbsp if needed) (Must contain sodium borate or boric acid)
- Food Colouring
Instructions
- Pour the white school glue into a medium mixing bowl.
- Add the baking soda and stir until completely combined.
- Mix in several drops of food colouring until you reach your desired colour.
- Slowly add the contact lens solution while stirring continuously.
- Once the slime starts coming together, remove it from the bowl and knead it with your hands for 2 to 3 minutes.
Homemade slime is an easy, inexpensive craft that provides hours of creative fun for kids and adults alike. With just a few basic ingredients, you can make colourful, stretchy slime that’s perfect for sensory play, birthday parties, classroom activities, or simply passing a rainy afternoon.
Experiment with different colours, glitter, and fun mix-ins to create unique slime every time. Once you make your first batch, you’ll quickly discover why homemade slime remains one of the most popular DIY projects for families.
This website contains affiliate links. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases (at no cost to you).