Find out how to make an Easy and Gooey Slime with glue and Borax!

Disclaimer: This article about making slime using Borax and glue is intended for educational and/or informational purposes only! Borax slime makes a great science experiment, not a toy. Borax (sodium tetraborate) can be toxic if inhaled or ingested. Therefore, adults should prepare this recipe, not children. In addition, it is not recommended to touch/play with this slime using direct skin contact. Borax may cause adverse skin reactions. You can use protective gloves or seal it in a plastic bag to play with it. We are not liable for any injuries, damage to property, or misuse resulting from information contained in this article. In other words, make at your own risk!

If you’re looking for a fun DIY experiment that’s safe to handle, try this easy 2 Ingredient Cloud Dough made with cornstarch and hair conditioner. We also have a how to for Natural Play Dough you can try.

When I worked as a teacher we used to have an annual “slime” science project with the kids.

I always looked forward to making this homemade clear slime! In fact, that is how I was first introduced to Borax.

What is Borax?

Borax is also known as sodium borate. It’s a mineral and a salt of boric acid. It is used as a cleaner in laundry and other items.

How Does Borax Make Slime?

When Borax dissolves into water it creates sodium ions and tetraborate ions. These ions transition through a chain of reactions to form other ions which form Hydrogen bonds with the glue, and finally a slippery, gooey polymer. Thought.co has a much more in-depth explanation on this.

Clear and Solid Slime

Whether you’re looking for a fun project to do at school or at home, making this slippery batch of Slime using Borax and Clear Glue is sure to please even the pickiest audience! This also makes an awesome homeschooling science project!

Clear Slime Ingredients and Supplies:

• 1 Medium or Large Bowl
• 1 cup (8 ounces) warm water
• Stirrer
• Food coloring, glitter, sequins, or whatever else you want to capture inside your Borax slime.
• 1/2 cup (4 ounces) of clear glue (we used Elmer’s Clear Glue)
• 1 Teaspoon Borax 20 Mule Team
• Measuring Cup
• Gloves (optional)

Solid Colored Slime Ingredients and Supplies:

• 1 Medium or Large Bowl
• 1 cup (8 ounces) warm water
• Stirrer
• Food coloring, glitter, sequins, or whatever else you want to capture inside your Borax slime.
• 1/2 cup (4 ounces) of white glue
• 1 Teaspoon Borax 20 Mule Team
• Measuring Cup
• Gloves (optional)

The ingredients for clear and solid slime are the same, except for the glue. All other ingredients and steps are the same. 

Instructions:

1. Mix 1 teaspoon of Borax into the cup of warm water. Mix it until it’s fully dissolved. The water should appear clear and not cloudy.

2. Place the Borax solution aside. You will need it again shortly…

3. Grab your mixing bowl. Add your 1 cup of clear glue into it.

4. Add food coloring (a few drops) and/or glitter to the clear glue and stir gently to combine.

5. Very Slowly… add your Borax solution into the clear glue mixture. Add only small amounts at a time while stirring thoroughly, or you’ll end up with a rubbery mass! You probably won’t need it all. Only add enough until the slime isn’t sticky anymore.

6. Knead and squish the slime with your hands to finish mixing.

Once you realize how fun your creation is to play with, you’re probably done mixing!

Congratulations, you just made slime!

You can pull, twist, stretch, and squish your slime. Just don’t eat it because the Borax is toxic. Plus, it probably tastes gross anyway!

Watch The Video:

What went wrong?

If your slime creation didn’t come out as you expected, here are a few common mistakes people have when making slime with borax:

Too sticky:

If your slime is too sticky, add some more Borax and water solution until it’s not sticky.

Too hard or rubbery:

If your slime is too hard or rubbery, you added your Borax and water mixture too fast or it was too hot. Try adding the Borax solution to the glue very slowly and only a little bit at a time.

Hot water can also cause the slime to become too hard. Use warm water to dissolve the Borax and let it cool to room temperature before mixing it into the glue.

Stained my hands or clothes:

Using too much food coloring can cause your slime to stain your hands or clothes. Only use a few drops of food coloring to avoid this.

Storage

Store your new batch inside an airtight container. Plastic storage containers or zippered plastic bags work well.

We usually store ours in zippered bags.

How Long Does it Last?

This slime will typically store for 2-3 weeks if you keep it inside an airtight container after your done playing with it. The less air it’s exposed to, the longer it will last.

Don’t worry if it doesn’t last too long though, because now you know how easy it is to make another batch!

Still Feeling Crafty?

Find out how to make Cloud Dough. It’s soft, moldable, and kids love it!