How to Make Homemade Cleaning Slime

Last Updated: March 29, 2019 Tested

While making homemade slime for cleaning purposes sounds a little counter-intuitive, it is actually a great way to clean crumbs and bits out of tight and hard-to-reach places. Not only is it good for cleaning, you can also have a great time making and playing with it too.

Steps

1
Combine Borax and 1 cup of water in one bowl. Stir well to allow the Borax to fully dissolve.
2
Mix 1 4 oz. bottle of Elmer’s glue, ½ cup of water and 8 drops of food coloring in the second bowl.
- Stir until color is completely blended.
Advertisement
3
Pour the Borax and water mixture into the glue/food coloring bowl.
4
Knead the mixture with your hands. Since the food coloring could discolor your hands you may want to consider using plastic gloves for this step.
- Mix and knead with your hands until the mixture clumps together.
- Pour any remaining liquid down the drain.
- Keep kneading dough until it is no longer wet and gooey or sticks to your hands.
5
Press fresh slime into areas like keyboards or air vents in your car or home to trap dust and dirt particles.
- Store in large plastic bag for future use.

Community Q&A

Question

What if I don't have Elmer's Glue? Can I use a different kind of glue?

Community Answer

You can use clear glue, or any type of liquid craft glue. If you use a glue stick you will have to microwave it.
Question

What should I do if I don't have Borax or Tide or liquid starch?

Community Answer

If you don't have those items, you could mix 1/4 cup of shampoo and 1/2 tsp of table salt. Put it in the freezer for 15 minutes, but don't let it freeze.
Question

Can I make this with shampoo?

Community Answer

Yes, but it will be very soapy, and you can't stretch it or play with it. If you leave it out for more than a minute, it will turn into liquid again.