You want to make slime, but every recipe you find uses borax. The problem is, borax is not always safe for kids, and you might not even have it at home.
Do not worry, you can still make stretchy, squishy slime without it.
In this guide, I will show you easy recipes that use simple ingredients like cornstarch, chia seeds, marshmallows, or even Jell-O.
I will also help you fix common slime problems, like when it turns out too runny, too sticky, or not stretchy enough.
Why Make Slime Without Borax?
Many slime recipes use borax as the main activator, but it has its downsides. Borax can irritate skin, especially for kids with sensitive hands, and it can be harmful if swallowed.
That is why many parents prefer safer options. The good news is you do not need borax to make fun, stretchy slime.
Everyday items like cornstarch, chia seeds, marshmallows, or contact lens solution work just as well. Making slime without borax is safer, easier, and more kid-friendly.
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How to Make Fluffy Cotton Candy Slime (Without Borax)
1. Add Glue
Pour one cup of washable school glue into a mixing bowl.

2. Mix in Shaving Foam
Add one cup of shaving foam to give the slime a fluffy, whipped texture.

3. Add Color
You can add a drops of gel food color, and you can keep stir it until you reach exactly the shade you want.

4. Stir in Dry Ingredients
Mix in one tablespoon of cornstarch and half a teaspoon of baking soda to give the slime structure.

5. Optional Boosts
Mix in a small amount of lotion to make the slime stretchier. If you want it to smell nice, add a drops of cotton candy fragrance.

6. Activate with Contact Solution
Slowly pour in contact lens solution while stirring. You can Keep mix it until the slime starts to form and pull away from the bowl.

7. Knead Until Smooth
Use your hands to knead the slime. If it feels like too sticky, you can add a more drops of contact lens solution and keep kneading until it is smooth.

8. Swirl and Store
You can make another batch in a different color. Swirl the two colors together, sprinkle some glitter on top if you like, and store the slime in an airtight container to keep it more fresh.

Troubleshooting Common Problems
Sometimes your slime might not turn out perfectly, but you can easily fix it.
If the slime is too runny and lose , you can add more cornstarch or a few drops of saline solution, based on your recipe.
If it feels too sticky, try putting some cornstarch on your hands or placing the slime in the refrigerator for a few minutes.
Slime that is stiff likely has too much activator, so you should knead in a small amount of water or lotion to make it softer.
If your slime will not stretch, warm it between your hands or mix in a drop of oil to make it stretchy again.
Storage and Safety Tips
To make your slime last longer, you need to store it correctly. Keep it in a container with a tight lid or a sealed plastic bag to prevent it from drying out.
You should always keep chia and marshmallow slimes in the refrigerator and use them within a couple of days because they can go bad.
Oobleck dries out fast, so it is best to make a new batch each time you want to play.
For slime made with glue, store it at room temperature and throw it out if you notice it smells bad or changes color. Always tell children that slime is for playing, not for eating.
Be sure to wash your hands before and after you play to keep things clean and avoid skin irritation.
Conclusion
You do not need borax to make great, squishy slime at home.
Using things like cornstarch, chia seeds, marshmallows, or even gelatin, you can create safe and fun recipes that your kids will enjoy.
The best part is that you can choose a recipe based on what you already have in your kitchen.
Just make sure you store the slime correctly, follow safety rules, and use our quick fixes if it does not turn out right. Making slime can be simple, safe, and a bit of messy fun.
FAQs
Can I make slime without glue and borax?
Yes, you can make slime without glue and borax. You can try making oobleck, chia seed slime, marshmallow slime, or gelatin slime.
These are all simple, kid-safe options, but each one feels a little different.
How long does homemade slime last?
Your slime lasts really depends on the recipe you use.
For example, Oobleck typically lasts about a day before it starts to dry out. If you make chia slime, you can keep it in the fridge for up to three days.
Glue-based slime can stay fresh for about a week if you keep it in a sealed, airtight container.
You should always throw the slime away if you notice it starts to smell strange or changes its color.
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Hi, my name is Jessica! I’m a passionate writer and DIY enthusiast who loves turning creative ideas into practical, hands-on projects.
I created this website to share inspiring, budget-friendly ideas that you can do yourself – whether it’s organizing your home, crafting something unique, or creating fun projects for kids and pets.
I believe DIY isn’t just a hobby – it’s a smart way to save money, reduce waste, and enjoy the satisfaction of making things with your own hands.
I’m excited to have you as part of this growing community, and I’ll continue bringing you helpful, realistic, and fun DIY ideas you can actually use.