How to Make Slime with Laundry Detergent and Shampoo

What is Slime?

Slime is a fun, stretchy, and squishy substance that has fascinated kids and adults alike. It’s a non-Newtonian fluid, meaning it behaves both like a liquid and a solid depending on how you interact with it. You can stretch it slowly like gooey taffy, or snap it apart like a firm putty.

Originally popularized by toy companies, homemade slime has become a widely loved DIY project. Many people enjoy making it at home because it allows for customization—adding colors, glitter, scents, and even glow-in-the-dark effects!

Is Slime Safe?

Slime is generally safe when made and used correctly. However, certain ingredients, like borax, can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people. That’s why many parents prefer borax-free recipes, such as those using laundry detergent and shampoo.

While playing with slime, it’s always a good idea to wash hands before and after use. Avoid putting it in your mouth, and keep it away from pets. If you have sensitive skin, wearing gloves while handling slime can help prevent any irritation.

How to Make Slime With Laundry Detergent

Making slime at home is easy with just a few household ingredients. Here’s a simple recipe using laundry detergent and shampoo.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup of white school glue (PVA glue)
• ¼ cup of shampoo (thicker shampoos work best)
• 2-3 tablespoons of liquid laundry detergent
• Food coloring (optional)
• Glitter or beads (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix the Glue and Shampoo
   Pour the glue into a mixing bowl and add the shampoo. Stir the mixture well until they are fully combined. The shampoo helps make the slime stretchy and soft.

2. Add Food Coloring (Optional)
   If you want colorful slime, add a few drops of food coloring and mix until the color is even. You can also mix different colors to create fun shades!

3. Slowly Add Laundry Detergent
   Start adding laundry detergent one tablespoon at a time while stirring continuously. The detergent will start reacting with the glue, making the mixture thicken and form a slime-like texture.

4. Knead the Slime
   Once the mixture starts to come together, take it out of the bowl and knead it with your hands. If it’s too sticky, add a little more detergent. If it’s too stiff, try adding a tiny bit of water or extra shampoo.

5. Enjoy Your Slime!
   Your slime is now ready to play with! Store it in an airtight container to keep it from drying out.

Slime Tips and Tricks

• Use Clear Glue for a Different Look: If you want transparent slime, swap out white glue for clear glue. This creates a glassy, see-through effect.
• Make Fluffy Slime: Add a little shaving cream to your mixture to make extra puffy, cloud-like slime.
• Add Scents: A few drops of essential oils or scented lotion can give your slime a pleasant fragrance.
• Experiment with Add-Ins: Try mixing in foam beads, glitter, or tiny toys to make your slime even more unique and fun.
• Revive Dry Slime: If your slime gets too hard over time, knead in a little water or a drop of shampoo to bring it back to life.

Slime-making is a fun and creative activity that kids and adults can enjoy together. With this simple laundry detergent and shampoo recipe, you can create endless variations of slime, experimenting with colors, textures, and scents. Just remember to store your slime properly and follow safety precautions to ensure hours of fun without any mess!