Few things bring as much joy to kids as turning a few simple ingredients into something totally new. And when that something is gooey, stretchy, and a little bit messy—cue the excitement! That’s exactly why making slime is such a hit. It’s part science experiment, part hands-on fun, and 100% entertaining.
The best part? You don’t need fancy kits or weird chemicals. I wanted a slime recipe that was totally safe for little hands—no Borax, no liquid starch, and nothing I’d worry about if a kid accidentally put their fingers in their mouth. After testing a few different methods, I landed on the perfect one. It’s quick, it’s easy, and best of all, it uses ingredients you probably already have at home.
Ready to get slimy? Here’s how to make the best homemade slime in just five minutes.
What You’ll Need
Here’s the beauty of this recipe—it’s incredibly simple. All you need are four ingredients:
- Elmer’s glue – 6 to 12 oz (or grab a gallon if you want endless slime-making fun)
- Baking soda – 2¼ teaspoons
- Saline solution (contact lens solution) – 1 tablespoon
- Food coloring – any color you like!
How to Make Slime in 5 Minutes
Depending on their age, your kids can take charge of most of the steps. Just be prepared for a bit of mess—because mess equals fun!
Step 1: Pour Glue into a Mixing Bowl
I usually start with 6 oz of Elmer’s glue, which is the perfect amount for one kid. If you’re making slime for multiple kids, just double or triple the batch.
Step 2: Add Baking Soda
Next, mix in 2¼ teaspoons of baking soda. Stir it well—it’s already starting to come together!
Step 3: Add Food Coloring
Now comes the fun part—color! I love using 10 drops to get a nice, bold color, but you can add more or less depending on how vibrant you want your slime.
Step 4: Add Saline Solution & Stir Like Crazy
Here’s where the magic happens. Add 1 tablespoon of saline solution, and watch as the mixture starts binding together instantly.
At first, it’ll still be pretty sticky, but don’t worry! Keep stirring, and soon enough, it’ll start pulling away from the bowl. When the spoon stops being useful, that’s your cue—it’s time to get in there with your hands.
Step 5: Knead, Stretch, and Play!
Once you start working it with your hands, it’ll really come together. Stretch it, squish it, roll it into a ball—it’s officially slime!
For the best texture, let it sit for 20-30 minutes before playtime. This gives the ingredients a chance to solidify a little more, making the slime less sticky and even stretchier.
Tips for Long-Lasting Slime
- Store it in an airtight container – This keeps it fresh for weeks.
- If it gets too sticky – Add a tiny bit more saline solution and knead it again.
- Want glitter slime? – Add some fine glitter for a sparkly effect!
- Glow-in-the-dark slime? – Use glow-in-the-dark glue instead of regular glue.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
I tried a few other methods, including all-natural edible versions, but they were way too sticky. This one, using Elmer’s glue, hits the sweet spot—safe, stretchy, and just the right amount of gooey. Plus, no weird chemicals, no harsh detergents, and nothing I’d worry about kids touching.
So, if you’re looking for a fun weekend activity (or a cool way to sneak in a little science), this is it. Making slime is ridiculously easy, endlessly fun, and—let’s be honest—even a little satisfying for us adults.
So go ahead, mix up a batch, and let the slimy fun begin!