### How to Make Slime with Dishwashing Soap: A Detailed DIY Guide
Slime has taken the world by storm, captivating kids and adults alike with its stretchy, gooey texture and endless customization possibilities. If you’re looking for a fun, affordable, and easy way to make slime at home without needing glue or borax, using dishwashing soap is a fantastic option. This guide will walk you through multiple methods to create slime with dishwashing soap, using ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. We’ll also explore variations, safety tips, and troubleshooting advice to ensure your slime-making adventure is a success. Let’s dive into the world of dish soap slime!
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#### Why Use Dishwashing Soap for Slime?
Dishwashing soap is a versatile household item that can replace traditional slime ingredients like glue or borax. It’s affordable, widely available, and often gentler on the skin than chemical activators like borax. Plus, it comes in various colors and scents, adding an extra layer of fun to your slime without needing additional dyes or fragrances. The recipes below are sourced from credible websites and slime experts, ensuring you get reliable, tried-and-true methods.
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### Method 1: Dish Soap and Baking Soda Slime
This method combines dishwashing soap with baking soda to create a stretchy, fluffy slime that’s perfect for kids with sensitive skin. Here’s how to do it, adapted from wikiHow’s expert-endorsed guide co-authored by slime expert Summer Ames.
**Ingredients:**
– ½ cup (120 mL) craft glue (e.g., Elmer’s)
– 1 tablespoon (15 mL) dishwashing soap
– 2–3 tablespoons (30–44 mL) water
– 1 cup (180 g) baking soda
– Food coloring (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Mix the Base:** In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of craft glue, 1 tablespoon of dishwashing soap, and 2–3 tablespoons of water. Stir with a spoon until the mixture becomes foamy. (Tip: Use separate bowls if working with kids so everyone can join in!)
2. **Add Color:** Squeeze 4–5 drops of food coloring into the bowl and mix well. Adjust the number of drops for a lighter or deeper shade. Try mixing yellow and blue for green!
3. **Incorporate Baking Soda:** Add 1 cup of baking soda and stir with a long-handled spoon. The mixture will start to thicken.
4. **Adjust Texture:** Keep adding baking soda in ¼ cup (45 g) increments until the slime is smooth and no longer sticky when touched. If it gets too stiff, add ½–1 tablespoon of dish soap to restore elasticity.
5. **Store It:** Place the slime in an airtight container. It’ll last 3–4 days before turning runny.
**Why It Works:** Baking soda reacts with the glue and soap, creating a stretchy texture without borax. Summer Ames notes, “This is a great slime for kids who have sensitive skin! And it makes your hands smell great, too” [(( wikiHow ))].
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### Method 2: Dish Soap and Cornstarch Slime
For a glue-free option, this recipe from Habitot uses just two ingredients to create a stretchy, eco-friendly slime.
**Ingredients:**
– ⅓ cup (79 mL) liquid dishwashing soap
– 4 tablespoons (60 g) cornstarch
– Food coloring (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a bowl, measure out ⅓ cup of dish soap and add 4 tablespoons of cornstarch. Stir with a spoon until it clumps together.
2. **Knead It:** Once it’s too thick to stir, use your hands to knead the mixture for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and stretchy. If it’s sticky, sprinkle in more cornstarch; if it’s crumbly, add a few drops of dish soap.
3. **Add Color (Optional):** Mix in a few drops of food coloring while kneading.
4. **Play Time:** The slime is ready when it holds together like a cross between playdough and traditional slime. Note: It doesn’t store well, so enjoy it the same day!
**Science Bit:** This slime is a non-Newtonian fluid, meaning it behaves like a solid when squeezed but flows like a liquid when left alone. “It’s an engaging and hands-on introduction to early science concepts, such as non-Newtonian fluids and viscosity,” says Habitot [(( Habitot ))].
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### Method 3: Dish Soap and Salt Slime
This super-simple recipe from KidzSearch requires no glue, borax, or cornstarch—just dish soap and salt!
**Ingredients:**
– ¼ cup (60 mL) dishwashing soap
– ⅛–¼ teaspoon granulated salt
**Instructions:**
1. **Start with Soap:** Pour about 20–25 pumps (roughly ¼ cup) of dish soap into a small dish. Choose a scented or colored soap for extra flair.
2. **Add Salt:** Sprinkle in ⅛–¼ teaspoon of granulated salt (not brown or powdered sugar—it won’t work).
3. **Stir and Wait:** Mix for 30–45 seconds until it thickens and turns opaque. Scoop it into a lidded container and let it sit for 2 days undisturbed.
4. **Freeze It:** After 2 days, freeze the container for 1 hour. Then, take it out and enjoy your stretchy, putty-like slime!
**Expert Insight:** “The salt makes it more flubbery,” explains a contributor on Keys for Kids Radio, highlighting how salt interacts with soap to create texture [(( Keys for Kids ))].
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### Variations to Spice Up Your Slime
Once you’ve mastered the basics, get creative with these add-ins:
– **Fluffy Slime:** Replace water with shaving cream for an airy texture (Living Well Mom).
– **Scented Slime:** Add a few drops of essential oils (VedaOils).
– **Glow-in-the-Dark Slime:** Mix in glow-in-the-dark powder (HomeScale).
– **Clear Slime:** Use clear dish soap and let it sit for a week to release bubbles, as suggested by expert Amy Sheree on wikiHow.
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### Safety Tips and Storage
– **Safety First:** Don’t let kids eat the slime, even if it’s non-toxic. Wash hands thoroughly after playing to remove soap residue.
– **Storage:** Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Most dish soap slimes last 3–7 days before drying out. Add a drop of water or soap to revive dry slime.
– **Clean-Up:** Wipe surfaces with warm water and soap. Avoid pouring slime down the drain—it can foam up and clog pipes.
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### The Science Behind Dish Soap Slime
Slime’s magic lies in its chemistry. Dish soap contains surfactants, which are molecules with a water-loving “head” and oil-loving “tail.” When combined with ingredients like salt or baking soda, these surfactants form micelles—tiny structures that thicken the mixture into slime. Add cornstarch, and you get a non-Newtonian fluid that changes viscosity under pressure. It’s a fun way to sneak some science into playtime!
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### FAQ: Common Questions About Dish Soap Slime
**Q: Can I use any dish soap?**
A: Yes, but results vary by brand. “Use fresh dish soap—older soap may not produce the same results,” advises HomeScale [(( HomeScale ))]. Experiment with different types for the best texture.
**Q: Why is my slime sticky?**
A: Too much water or not enough thickener (baking soda, cornstarch, or salt). Add more of your chosen thickener and knead until smooth.
**Q: How long does it last?**
A: Typically 3–7 days in an airtight container. If it dries out, knead in a few drops of water or dish soap.
**Q: Can I make it without glue?**
A: Absolutely! The cornstarch and salt methods are glue-free and just as fun.
**Q: Is it safe for sensitive skin?**
A: Generally, yes, especially without borax. However, wash hands after use to avoid irritation, as some soaps can dry out skin.
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With these recipes, you’re ready to whip up a batch of dish soap slime tailored to your liking. Whether you’re after a quick two-ingredient fix or a fluffy masterpiece, this guide has you covered. Grab your dish soap and get sliming!