3 Easy Ways to Activate Slime Without Activator - wikiHow (2024)

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methods

Ingredients

1Fixing Existing Slime

2Making Fluffy Slime with Cornstarch

3Creating Stretchy Slime with Baking Soda

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Things You'll Need

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Reviewed byAmy Guerrero

Last Updated: April 3, 2024Fact Checked

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If you have rubbery, dried-out, sticky, or stringy slime, you can fix it by adding certain ingredients in place of an activator like Borax, which standard slime recipes call for. If you are making slime from scratch and are concerned about using Borax because it irritates your skin or you don’t feel it’s safe around your kids, use a Borax-free slime recipe. These recipes use other ingredients to activate the slime in place of Borax. Try making fluffy slime using cornstarch or stretchy slime using baking soda and contact lens solution as alternatives to making traditional slime with a Borax activator.

Ingredients

Fluffy Slime

  • 1/2 cup (118.29 mL) of shampoo
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) of cornstarch
  • 6UStbsp (89mL) of water
  • Food coloring (optional)

Stretchy Slime

  • 1 cup (236.58 mL) of school glue
  • 1 tbsp (14 g) of baking soda
  • Food coloring (optional)
  • Contact lens solution

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Fixing Existing Slime

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  1. 1

    Mix lotion into rubbery slime to make it stretchy again. Squeeze 1 squirt of moisturizing lotion onto slime that has lost its stretch. Knead it in with your hands to mix it in. Mix in more lotion, 1 squirt at a time, until the slime is as stretchy as you want it.[1]

    • Any kind of moisturizing hand or body lotion will work for this.
    • This works well rubbery slime that just breaks when you try to stretch it out.
  2. 2

    Moisten dried-out slime with warm water. Hold dried-out slime under warm running water or dunk it in a bowl of warm water for 1 second at a time, then play with the slime in your hands to mix the water in. Repeat this as many times as needed until the slime becomes moist and stretchy again.

    • This works well for slime that has dried out slightly because it was left out and not stored in an airtight container.

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  3. 3

    Add baking soda and contact lens solution to make slime less sticky. Put the sticky slime into any kind of bowl or container. Pour 12tsp (2.5mL) of contact lens solution and 1/2 tsp (2 g) of baking soda onto the slime, then mix it in thoroughly by kneading the slime with your hands. Add more of each substance if the slime is still too sticky.[2]

    • Don’t add more than 12tsp (2.5mL) of contact lens solution and 1/2 tsp (2 g) of baking soda at a time. If you add too much, the slime can become rubbery and break apart.
  4. 4

    Fix stringy slime by mixing in liquid starch. Put the stringy slime into any type of bowl and pour in 1UStbsp (15mL) of liquid starch. Stir the liquid starch in thoroughly with a metal spoon. Keep stirring in liquid starch, 1UStbsp (15mL) at a time, until there are no strings of slime sticking to the spoon.[3]

    • Once the slime loses its stringiness, you can pick it up and start to knead it with your hands to firm it up.

    Warning: Keep in mind that some liquid starches contain a form of Borax.

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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Making Fluffy Slime with Cornstarch

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  1. 1

    Mix 1/2 cup (118.29 mL) of shampoo and 1/4 cup (30 g) of cornstarch. Pour 1/2 cup (118.29 mL) of shampoo into any type of bowl and add 1/4 cup (30 g) of cornstarch. Mix it together thoroughly using a metal spoon until it is an even consistency.

    • You can use any type of shampoo, but thicker shampoos typically work better.[4]
  2. 2

    Add 3 drops of food coloring if you want to color the slime. Squeeze 3 drops of food coloring out of the bottle into the mixture. Stir it in thoroughly to color the slime.[5]

    • This is completely optional. Don’t add any food coloring if you don’t want to color the slime.

    Tip: Green is a classic slime color, but you can make it any color you want. Feel free to add more than 3 drops if you want a brighter color.

  3. 3

    Stir in 6UStbsp (89mL) of water, 1 at a time. Add 1UStbsp (15mL) of water to the mixture and stir it in. Pour in another 5UStbsp (74mL) of water, stirring thoroughly between each spoonful.[6]

    • This will make slime that has a fluffy, dough-like texture.
  4. 4

    Knead the slime dough for at least 5 minutes. Close your hands into fists and press your knuckles firmly against the slime dough to knead it. Flip it over and do the same to the other side. Repeat this process for at least 5 minutes until the slime has a fluffy, doughy consistency and doesn’t feel too sticky.[7]

    • If you find that the slime is too sticky after kneading it, try adding more cornstarch and continue to knead it until you’re happy with the consistency.
  5. 5

    Store the slime in a zip-top plastic bag to keep it moist. Put the slime in a sealable bag when you aren’t playing with it. Squeeze out the air and close the zip-top to prevent it from drying out.[8]

    • You could also keep the slime in a small sealable container instead of a plastic bag.
    • As long as you store slime correctly, it can last for months.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Creating Stretchy Slime with Baking Soda

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  1. 1

    Mix together 1 cup (236.58 mL) of school glue and 1 tbsp (14 g) of baking soda. Pour 1 cup (236.58 mL) of school glue into any kind of bowl. Add 1 tbsp (14 g) of baking soda and mix it in thoroughly using a metal spoon.[9]

    • This recipe creates slime that has a consistency similar to slime made using Borax. However, it will have a slightly grainy texture like sand.
  2. 2

    Stir in 3 drops of food coloring if you want to make colored slime. Pour in 3 drops of food coloring of your choice. Mix it in thoroughly to color the slime dough.[10]

    • You can add more or less food coloring if you want the slime to be brighter or less colored. Skip the food coloring completely if you just want white slime.
  3. 3

    Add 1UStbsp (15mL) of contact lens solution and mix it in. Pour in 1UStbsp (15mL) of contact lens solution. Stir it in thoroughly, paying attention to how it changes the consistency of the slime dough.[11]

    • The contact lens solution works as an activator with the baking soda in place of Borax.
    • Contact lens solution is also known as saline solution.
  4. 4

    Keep mixing in contact lens solution until you get the desired consistency. Add 1UStbsp (15mL) of contact lens solution at a time, stirring each spoonful in thoroughly. Stop mixing it in when the slime has a nice stretchy, doughy texture.[12]

    • You might need to start kneading the dough with your hands to mix in additional spoonfuls of contact lens solution as the slime becomes more firm.
    • If the slime feels too sticky, you can add a few drops of baby oil to the mixture.

    Tip: The more you play with the stretchy slime dough, the firmer it will get. If it feels soggy, just knead and play with it until you achieve the desired consistency.

  5. 5

    Store the slime in an airtight container or bag to make it last a long time. Place the stretchy slime into a sealable container or zip-top plastic bag. Put the lid on the container or close the bag to keep the slime fresh.[13]

    • As long as you store the slime this way whenever you aren’t playing with it, it will last for at least a few weeks or even months. You can always add more activator to it when it starts to dry out or lose its stretchiness.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question

    Can you tell me the meaning of kneading in easy English?

    3 Easy Ways to Activate Slime Without Activator - wikiHow (20)

    Community Answer

    Kneading means pushing and massaging with your hands (as with bread dough), like a kitten does while drinking milk from its mother.

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  • Question

    What is a substitute for contact lens solution?

    3 Easy Ways to Activate Slime Without Activator - wikiHow (21)

    Haylie Chau

    Community Answer

    You can use a mix of borax and warm water instead of contact lens solution. But remember to use 1 teaspoon of borax and 1 cup of water. Also, mix the baking soda with 5 tablespoons of water.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

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      Things You’ll Need

      • Bowl
      • Metal spoon
      • Sealable plastic bag or container

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      About This Article

      3 Easy Ways to Activate Slime Without Activator - wikiHow (22)

      Reviewed by:

      Amy Guerrero

      Arts & Crafts Specialist

      This article was reviewed by Amy Guerrero. Amy Guerrero is an Arts and Crafts Specialist and the Owner of Sunshine Craft Co., a crafting studio based in Phoenix, Arizona. Amy specializes in macrame, DIY crafting, and teaching fiber arts. She offers monthly in-person and online workshops along with having developed a range of DIY craft kits for at-home projects. Amy holds a BS in Industrial Design from Philadelphia University. She worked as a graphic designer before starting her own business. Sunshine Craft Co. is a creative hub that offers a wide range of workshops, tools, and resources for any craft project to inspire creativity and community engagement. This article has been viewed 585,518 times.

      513 votes - 39%

      Co-authors: 23

      Updated: April 3, 2024

      Views:585,518

      Categories: Putty Dough and Slime

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      3 Easy Ways to Activate Slime Without Activator - wikiHow (2024)

      FAQs

      3 Easy Ways to Activate Slime Without Activator - wikiHow? ›

      Squeeze 1 squirt of moisturizing lotion onto slime that has lost its stretch. Knead it in with your hands to mix it in. Mix in more lotion, 1 squirt at a time, until the slime is as stretchy as you want it. Any kind of moisturizing hand or body lotion will work for this.

      How do you make slime with 3 ingredients without activator? ›

      There are only three ingredients in this simple baking soda slime recipe.
      1. 1 4-6 oz bottle of white liquid all-purpose glue or washable school glue.
      2. 1/2 teaspoon Arm & Hammer baking soda.
      3. 1½ tablespoon buffered or multipurpose contact lens solution.
      4. Optional: few drops of liquid food coloring to give your slime color.

      Does shampoo and salt make slime? ›

      One of the easiest ways to make slime with shampoo is to combine it with salt, since you don't have to do any measuring. Choose a thick shampoo in a color and scent that you like and pour it into a bowl. To make it thicker, you can stir in an equal amount of body wash!

      How to make slime with toothpaste in 5 minutes? ›

      Squeeze about three tablespoons of shampoo into your bowl. Add approximately one or two tablespoons of toothpaste and stir. If you choose to add food coloring, add a drop or two and continue stirring. If you'd like a larger amount or need to adjust the consistency, simply add more of each ingredient.

      How to make clear slime with 3 ingredients? ›

      Directions:
      1. Mix equal parts of glue and water in a bowl. Stir. (I use 1 cup each.)
      2. Make your "borax activator" by stirring 1/2 tsp. of borax into 1/2 cup of hot water (this is a good job for the adult)
      3. Mix the "borax activator" into the glue and start stirring.
      4. Slime will form almost immediately!
      Jan 31, 2021

      How to make slime without glue or activator with dish soap? ›

      Measure ½ cup of cornstarch and pour it into the mixing bowl. In a liquid measuring cup, measure ⅓ cup of dish soap and add it to the bowl. Mix the ingredients together with a spoon. Once the ingredients begin to clump, both you and your child can use your hands to continue kneading.

      How do you make slime for idiots? ›

      This slime recipe uses ordinary ingredients to make slime.
      1. Pour 1 cup of white glue into a mixing bowl.
      2. Add 1 tablespoon ofbaking soda.
      3. Mix the contents of the bowl thoroughly.
      4. Add more or less glue depending on your desired consistency.

      What is the easiest and fastest way to make slime? ›

      Directions:
      1. Start out by adding 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to your bowl.
      2. Now add 1 1/2 tablespoons of dish soap.
      3. Stir! If your mixture is too dry add a bit more soap. ...
      4. Once you're finished stirring, let your mixture sit for 2 minutes.
      5. Once two minutes have passed, there you have it! You've got non-stick slime!

      How to make slime with soap and water only? ›

      Mix 1 part soap flakes with 3 parts warm water.

      There is no science to making slime, so your measurements don't have to be exact. For a simple batch of slime, start with 1 cup (38 g) of soap flakes and 3 cups (700 mL) of warm water. Stir everything together with a spoon until the soap dissolves.

      How to make slime with a few ingredients? ›

      How to Make Slime for Kids
      1. 1/2 a cup of PVA white glue.
      2. 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
      3. 2 drops of food coloring.
      4. 1 tablespoon of eye contact solution (must contain boric acid and sodium borate)
      5. Baby oil.
      6. Spoon (for mixing)
      7. Glass bowl.
      Oct 16, 2023

      How to make slime with just glue? ›

      How to Make Slime With Glue
      1. Pour 1 cup of white glue into a mixing bowl.
      2. Add 1 tablespoon ofbaking soda.
      3. Mix the contents of the bowl thoroughly.
      4. Add more or less glue depending on your desired consistency.

      How to make slime with dish soap? ›

      Directions:
      1. Start out by adding 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to your bowl.
      2. Now add 1 1/2 tablespoons of dish soap.
      3. Stir! If your mixture is too dry add a bit more soap. ...
      4. Once you're finished stirring, let your mixture sit for 2 minutes.
      5. Once two minutes have passed, there you have it! You've got non-stick slime!

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