How to Make Slime with Laundry Detergent and Glue

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: May 13, 2021 References Tested

Slime is fun and easy to make! This simple recipe contains only 2 ingredients – liquid glue and laundry detergent. To make the slime, simply mix the ingredients together until they reach your desired consistency. Then, add colour, glitter, and scent to personalise your slime!

Ingredients

0.25 cups (59 mL) of PVA liquid glue
2.5 teaspoons (12 mL) of laundry detergent (must contain boric acid)

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Creating the Slime

1
Measure 0.25 cups (59 mL) of PVA liquid glue into a medium-sized bowl. You can use either clear or white glue for this recipe. Opt for clear glue if you want to disperse glitter throughout the slime. If you want to add colour to your slime, both options will work.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- This recipe makes a small handful of slime. If you want to make more, simply double the recipe.
- PVA glue is often referred to as white school glue.
2
Add 2.5 teaspoons (12 mL) of laundry detergent to the bowl. Check that the laundry detergent contains boric acid, as this is what helps the slime to harden. Measure the laundry detergent and then tip it on top of the liquid glue.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Tide liquid laundry detergent is a popular product that contains boric acid.
- If possible, use clear laundry detergent, as this won’t alter the colour of your slime
Advertisement
3
Stir the ingredients with a fork until they are fully combined. You will notice that the slime starts to harden as you stir it. Keep mixing the slime until it forms a lump in the middle of the bowl.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Avoid mixing the ingredients with your hands at this point, as the mixture will be too sticky.
4
Knead the slime for about 2 minutes with your hands. Pick the slime up into your hands and stretch it as far as you can. Then, squeeze it tightly into a ball. This helps to make the slime nice and stretchy. Continue to repeat this process for a couple of minutes.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- To make your slime extra stretchy, knead it for a few extra minutes.
5
Store the slime in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If slime is exposed to the air for extended amounts of time, it starts to get dry and lose its stretch. Keep it in a sealed container to help it maintain its smooth, stretchy texture.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- If you don’t have an airtight container, use a sealed bag instead.
- Expect your slime to last about 1 week.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Adding Colour, Scent, and Glitter

1
Add 3 drops of food colouring to colour your slime. Drop the food colouring on top of your slime and then use a spoon to mix it in. This helps to prevent your fingers from getting stained from the colour. If you want a darker shade, simply add an extra few drops of food colouring.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- If you don’t have any food colouring, use craft dye instead.
- Try mixing the dye to create new colours. For example, red and blue make purple, blue and yellow make green, and red and yellow create orange.
2
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon (10 g) of glitter onto your slime to make it shimmer. This is a great way to make your slime look pretty and unique. Place the glitter on top of the slime and then use your hands to mix it in. Keep mixing until the glitter is completely absorbed in the slime.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- If you want a metallic effect, use fine glitter. If you want a confetti look, use chunkier glitter.
3
Add a drop of essential oil to make the slime smell nice. Choose your favourite essential oil and mix 1 drop into your slime. You don’t need much, as essential oils are really concentrated. Mix the slime with your hands until the smell is dispersed throughout the slime.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Vanilla, orange, lime, and lavender are nice scents to try.
- Purchase essential oils from a natural health store or from a pharmacy.