Nickelodeon’s Gak might be a thing of the past, but slime itself has made a major comeback.  Kids of all ages, and even some adults, are squeezing slime between their fingers to pass the time and it does not appear that this will be going out of style any time soon.  Some YouTube channels are even raking in the dough by featuring all kinds of slime content, including how to make it!  

Do it yourself slime has become a major hit with families because it’s an activity that can be done together.  Is this at home slime totally safe, though?  Well, that depends on your ingredients.

Some recipes call for the use of Borax, a household cleaner safe for laundry, but in the wrong hands can certainly be dangerous.  Most Borax products even have warning labels on them since it is an eye, nose and respiratory track irritant.  Prolonged exposure to Borax, such as rubbing slime in your hands for extended periods of time, can actually cause third degree burns. 

Many different recipes found online also call for Elmer’s Glue.  While Elmer’s isn’t edible, it’s not necessarily toxic either, making it a safer option.  It is always recommended, especially when dealing with toddlers, that any kind of slime is handled with adult supervision.  

If your children are begging you to make some slime, you’re in luck because we’ve removed the guess work for you.  Below is a recipe featuring some products that are safe for you and your children.  It is always recommended, as stated before, that slime is played with under adult supervision since you don’t want your little ones snacking on that slime!

Ingredients:

-Elmer’s Glue: 6 – 12 ounces

-Baking Soda:  2 ¼ teaspoons

-Saline Solution: 1 tablespoon

-Food Coloring

Directions:

1. Pour the glue into a mixing bowl.

2. Mix your baking soda into the glue.

3. Add in as many or as few drops of food coloring until you reach your desired hue.

4. Mix in your saline solution.  This will immediately start to bind with your glue mixture.  

5. You’ll reach a point where the consistency of the mixture will change and you’ll need to start using your hands!

6. Once all the liquid is gone, you’ll have the perfect slime!

PRO TIP: If you let the slime sit for about 20-30 minutes it reaches its prime consistency!