Making Safe, Gooey, and Super Fun Slime at Home – The Best 5-Minute DIY Recipe

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.

Hands Stretching a Piece of Soft, Light Purple Homemade Slime

Homemade Slime Recipe (No Borax!)

This slime recipe is totally safe for little hands—no Borax, no liquid starch, and nothing to worry about if a kid accidentally puts their fingers in their mouth. It’s quick, easy, and uses ingredients you probably already have at home.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Course Kids' Activity / DIY Craft
Cuisine N/A (This is a craft, not food)
Servings 1 batch

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing Bowl Any medium-sized bowl will work
  • 1 Spoon or Spatula For stirring the mixture
  • Measuring Spoons To measure baking soda and saline solution
  • Airtight Container For storing the slime after playtime

Ingredients
  

  • 6 to 12 oz Elmer’s Glue
  • tsp Baking Soda
  • 1 tbsp Saline Solution (Contact Lens Solution)
  • 10 drops Food Coloring

Optional Add-ins

  • 1-2 tsp Glitter
  • Glow-in-the-Dark Glue

Instructions
 

  • Pour Glue into a Mixing Bowl
    Start with 6 oz of Elmer’s glue. If making slime for multiple kids, double or triple the batch. Pour it into your mixing bowl.
  • Add Baking Soda
    Add 2¼ teaspoons of baking soda to the glue. Stir well until fully combined.
    Baking Soda Sprinkled on Top of White Glue in A Bowl with A Green Spatula
  • Add Food Coloring
    Add about 10 drops of your favorite food coloring. Stir thoroughly to achieve an even, vibrant color.
    A Hand Holding an Open Bottle of Dark Red Food Coloring Above a Bowl of White Glue with A Spatula Inside
  • Add Saline Solution & Stir Like Crazy
    Pour in 1 tablespoon of saline solution. The mixture will start binding together instantly. Stir vigorously—at first, it'll be sticky, but keep going until it pulls away from the bowl.
  • Knead, Stretch, and Play!
    When stirring isn’t enough, dive in with your hands. Knead the slime until it’s smooth, stretchy, and no longer sticky. This hands-on step is where the magic happens!
    Bonus: For the best texture, let the slime sit for 20–30 minutes before play. This helps solidify the texture, making it even stretchier.

Video

Notes

Tips for Long-Lasting Slime

  • Store in an Airtight Container: Keeps slime fresh for weeks.
  • Too Sticky? Add a few extra drops of saline solution and knead again.
  • Want Glitter Slime? Mix in fine glitter for a dazzling effect.
  • Glow-in-the-Dark Slime: Use glow-in-the-dark glue instead of regular glue for an extra fun twist.
Keyword DIY Activities, Kids Crafts, No Borax, Safe For Kids, Slime

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!