Tips
Activator tips:
The activator is what turns the glue into slime. Slime is made by combining PVA, which is in the glue, with an activator. Various activators can be used in any recipe, including contact lens solution (saline solution), 1 tsp borax mixed with a cup of warm water, laundry detergent, or eye drops.
For the activator, eye drops are probably the most expensive so are usually not a good choice. Laundry detergent or borax often come in large containers- more than you will ever need- so SlimeKid recommends using contact lens solution and baking soda.
More activator makes it less sticky, but also less stretchy and more rubbery - so it will fall apart too easily. Less activator will make it more stretchy but it can also be sticky if you don't add enough (more like the consistency of glue).
When adding the activator to fluffy slime, start with just a few drops! You need a lot less activator when making fluffy slime, and it will get rubbery faster than you think.
Ingredients:
Slime-making doesn't have to be expensive! You have various options for activators, so note down your options and shop around. Be sure to consider the price relative to how much you will actually USE. Eye drops or saline solution may be the most expensive, but you may already have some in your house you can use. Buying a big container of laundry detergent may be cheaper per "serving" but it will end up being more expensive if you're only going to make slime a few times. On the other hand, you can always use it to wash clothes!
For detailed information on common slime ingredients, see the Ingredients page.
Asking permission:
If you're living under your parents' roof, be sure and ask permission before making slime, and also before using any household ingredients. It may be ok to use a whole container of $1.49 shampoo but not the special salon variety. The same goes with using any utensils or surfaces also used for food. When in doubt, ask!
Storing slime:
Store your slime out of reach of pets and small children. Label it clearly so there is no mistake. You may want to add a date and the slime type so you can compare slime types and see how long they last. Most types of slime will last at least a month if they are stored in airtight containers such as these.
Managing messes:
Before starting to make slime, it's good to have a wet washcloth or rag available to clean up any spills right away. Make sure pets stay out of the area so they don't eat anything they shouldn't.
If you want to keep things extra clean, cover the table with a reusable (because making slime is so much fun you will be using it again) plastic tablecloth, and wear an old outfit you don't mind getting dirty or stained. If you don't have outdoor pets, you can take the whole project outside.
If the slime messes become unmanageable, consider designating one day per week as "slime day" as we did in our household. All week we don't have to think about stepping on slime or glue messes on the table. Saturday is Slime Day, and slimekid gets the whole day and the whole kitchen table to make slime. All the ingredients are pulled out and there is a giant mess all day long as various slime recipes are tested and perfected. When it's time for dinner, slimekid cleans it all up using a wet washcloth and broom (and sometimes a mop, too). All the slime and ingredients go back into the designated box in the cupboard until the next Saturday Slime Day.
The activator is what turns the glue into slime. Slime is made by combining PVA, which is in the glue, with an activator. Various activators can be used in any recipe, including contact lens solution (saline solution), 1 tsp borax mixed with a cup of warm water, laundry detergent, or eye drops.
For the activator, eye drops are probably the most expensive so are usually not a good choice. Laundry detergent or borax often come in large containers- more than you will ever need- so SlimeKid recommends using contact lens solution and baking soda.
More activator makes it less sticky, but also less stretchy and more rubbery - so it will fall apart too easily. Less activator will make it more stretchy but it can also be sticky if you don't add enough (more like the consistency of glue).
When adding the activator to fluffy slime, start with just a few drops! You need a lot less activator when making fluffy slime, and it will get rubbery faster than you think.
Ingredients:
Slime-making doesn't have to be expensive! You have various options for activators, so note down your options and shop around. Be sure to consider the price relative to how much you will actually USE. Eye drops or saline solution may be the most expensive, but you may already have some in your house you can use. Buying a big container of laundry detergent may be cheaper per "serving" but it will end up being more expensive if you're only going to make slime a few times. On the other hand, you can always use it to wash clothes!
For detailed information on common slime ingredients, see the Ingredients page.
Asking permission:
If you're living under your parents' roof, be sure and ask permission before making slime, and also before using any household ingredients. It may be ok to use a whole container of $1.49 shampoo but not the special salon variety. The same goes with using any utensils or surfaces also used for food. When in doubt, ask!
Storing slime:
Store your slime out of reach of pets and small children. Label it clearly so there is no mistake. You may want to add a date and the slime type so you can compare slime types and see how long they last. Most types of slime will last at least a month if they are stored in airtight containers such as these.
Managing messes:
Before starting to make slime, it's good to have a wet washcloth or rag available to clean up any spills right away. Make sure pets stay out of the area so they don't eat anything they shouldn't.
If you want to keep things extra clean, cover the table with a reusable (because making slime is so much fun you will be using it again) plastic tablecloth, and wear an old outfit you don't mind getting dirty or stained. If you don't have outdoor pets, you can take the whole project outside.
If the slime messes become unmanageable, consider designating one day per week as "slime day" as we did in our household. All week we don't have to think about stepping on slime or glue messes on the table. Saturday is Slime Day, and slimekid gets the whole day and the whole kitchen table to make slime. All the ingredients are pulled out and there is a giant mess all day long as various slime recipes are tested and perfected. When it's time for dinner, slimekid cleans it all up using a wet washcloth and broom (and sometimes a mop, too). All the slime and ingredients go back into the designated box in the cupboard until the next Saturday Slime Day.
Where to purchase slime
If you really don't want to make the stuff...you can buy it. Ask around- it's quite possible one of the neighborhood kids already has a business selling slime. If not, you can order slime from Amazon and have your own container of it in no time. Also, there are a zillion slime shops on Etsy, including CutieeCreations, which is slimekid's shop!!