Slime Recipe: How to Make Slime with Glue

Slime is the ultimate sensory activity! And how to make slime with glue is an easy and inexpensive activity to do with kids.

Slime, as we know it today, is a non-Newtonian fluid that is primarily made of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and borate ions. The specific invention of slime cannot be attributed to a single person. However, the first commercial slime product was introduced in 1976 by Mattel, an American toy company.

This slime was a green, gooey, and stretchy substance that became a popular toy among children. Since then, various homemade recipes and commercial versions of slime have been created, with its popularity surging in recent years due to social media and DIY tutorials.

If polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and borate ions sound concerning to you, don’t worry, I got you.

PVA is a water-soluble synthetic polymer made from the polymerization of vinyl acetate, followed by hydrolysis. PVA is odorless, non-toxic, and has a variety of applications. It is commonly used as a thickening agent, emulsifier, adhesive, and film-forming material. In the context of slime, PVA provides the base for the stretchy, gooey texture. PVA is often found in white school glue, which is a common ingredient in homemade slime recipes.

Borate ions: Borate ions are derived from borax, a naturally occurring mineral compound that consists of boron, sodium, oxygen, and water (sodium borate). Borate ions serve as cross-linking agents that interact with the PVA chains, forming a more structured, elastic network. This interaction results in the formation of slime. In slime recipes, borax solution, liquid laundry detergent, or contact lens solution containing boric acid can be used as sources of borate ions.

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When PVA and borate ions are combined, they provide the slime recipe with unique, stretchy, and gooey properties, making it perfect for slime.

This slime recipe uses contact lens solution and baking soda as the activators, in order to avoid using borax.

How to Make Slime Without Borax

Although borax is a common ingredient in many slime recipes, there are concerns about its safety, particularly when it comes to children.

Here are a few reasons to avoid borax in slime recipes:

1. Skin irritation: Borax can cause skin irritation or rashes, especially with prolonged or repeated exposure. Some individuals may be more sensitive to borax and may experience redness, itching, or even burns when handling borax-based slime.
2. Eye irritation: If borax comes into contact with the eyes, it can cause irritation, redness, and even more severe injuries if not rinsed off promptly and properly.
3. Ingestion risks: While borax is a common household ingredient found in cleaning products and laundry detergents, it can be toxic if ingested in large quantities. Children may accidentally ingest slime, which could lead to gastrointestinal issues or more serious health complications, depending on the amount consumed.
4. Inhalation risks: Inhaling borax powder may cause respiratory irritation or other complications.

To minimize these risks, many parents and educators opt for alternative slime recipes that do not contain borax. This borax-free slime recipe uses ingredients such as baking soda and contact lens solution (which contains boric acid but is generally considered safer).

By exploring these alternatives, you can still enjoy making and playing with slime while avoiding the potential hazards associated with borax. This is particularly important for classroom settings where you may have students with unknown allergies or chemical sensitivities. Or, those who like to put things in their mouth.

Slime as a Sensory Activity

If your child loves sensory activities, or a sensory diet is a part of their IEP, you definitely should consider making and playing with slime.

Slime, a popular toy with fascinating properties, has emerged as an engaging sensory activity for children and adults alike. As a versatile and adaptable substance, slime offers countless opportunities for creative exploration, making it an ideal tool for stimulating the senses and fostering development.

The unique texture and consistency of slime appeal to the sense of touch, providing tactile stimulation. As individuals knead, stretch, and manipulate the material, they experience various sensations, including gooey, sticky, and elastic textures. This hands-on engagement encourages fine motor skill development, hand-eye coordination, and muscle strength in the fingers and hands.

Slime also stimulates the visual sense with its vibrant colors and mesmerizing movements. By incorporating food coloring, glitter, or other additives, users can create a wide range of hues and visual effects. Observing the ways in which slime stretches, flows, and changes shape can be both captivating and relaxing, promoting focus and concentration.

The auditory sense can also be engaged through slime-based activities. As slime is manipulated, it may produce satisfying sounds such as gentle pops, squishes, and clicks. These sounds can be soothing and contribute to a multisensory experience.

In addition to stimulating the primary senses, slime offers opportunities for imaginative play and creativity. By incorporating various mix-ins such as beads, foam balls, or sequins, users can personalize their slime and create unique textures. This customization encourages self-expression and fosters a sense of ownership over the finished product. If you use sensory bins, you probably already have some of these items handy.

Slime as a sensory activity can also serve as a valuable tool for emotional regulation and stress relief. The repetitive, calming nature of handling slime can help individuals focus, reduce anxiety, and even improve mood. For those with sensory processing challenges, slime may provide a safe and enjoyable outlet for self-soothing and sensory integration and exploration.

While slime has become a popular pastime, it is essential to ensure that the ingredients used are safe and age-appropriate, particularly when engaging in sensory play with young children. By exploring borax-free alternatives and closely supervising play, parents and educators can provide a fun, sensory-rich experience that fosters development and inspires creativity.

Ok, let’s do this. Please read on for the easy slime recipe and how to make slime with glue.

How to Make Slime with Glue

Estimated Cost: 15 USD

Supply:

• ● Elmer’s glue (clear)
• ● Baking soda
• ● Contact lens solution
• ● Measuring cups
• ● Marker
• ● Water
• ● Glitters
• ● Food color (we used blue)

Tools:

• Small container
• Popsicle sticks

Materials: Cleaning tips at end of recipe.

Ok, slime is really fun. But, what if you get slime on the carpet or slime on fabric?

If glue isn’t your thing, check out my instructions on how to make kinetic sand.

How to Get Slime off Fabric

To clean glue slime off of fabric, you can follow these steps:

1. Remove any excess glue slime from the fabric using a spoon or blunt knife, being careful not to spread it further.
2. Mix together equal parts of warm water and white vinegar.
3. Dip a clean cloth into the solution and gently dab the affected area of the fabric, working from the outside inwards.
4. Allow the solution to sit on the fabric for a few minutes, giving it time to break down the glue slime.
5. Use a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush to gently scrub the area, working in a circular motion.
6. Rinse the area with cool water to remove any remaining residue.
7. Repeat steps 3 to 6 until the glue slime is completely removed.
8. Wash the fabric in the washing machine on a cold, gentle cycle using a mild detergent.
9. Allow the fabric to air dry, avoiding any direct heat sources such as a dryer or radiator.

If the glue slime stain persists, you may need to repeat the process or consider seeking the assistance of a professional cleaner.

And food dye is cool to make your slime colorful. But, it stains.

Getting Food Dye out of Things

To get food dye out of fabric, you can follow these steps:

1. Blot up as much of the stain as possible using a clean, dry cloth or paper towel. Be careful not to rub the stain, as this can spread it further.
2. Rinse the fabric under cold running water to flush out as much of the dye as possible.
3. Mix together one tablespoon of liquid dish soap and one tablespoon of white vinegar with two cups of warm water.
4. Soak the stained area of the fabric in the solution for 15-30 minutes.
5. Use a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush to gently scrub the area, working in a circular motion.
6. Rinse the area with cool water to remove any remaining residue.
7. If the stain persists, try applying a stain remover directly to the affected area and allow it to sit for a few minutes before rinsing it with cool water.
8. Wash the fabric in the washing machine on a cold, gentle cycle using a mild detergent.
9. Check the fabric for any remaining stains before drying. If the stain is still visible, repeat the process until it is completely removed.

It’s important to note that different types of fabric may require different cleaning methods, and some stains may be difficult or impossible to remove completely.

If you’re unsure how to proceed or the stain is particularly stubborn, you may want to consider seeking the assistance of a professional cleaner.