How to Make 2-Ingredient Slime
Learn how to whip up ultra-stretchy, satisfying slime at home using just PVA glue and liquid laundry detergent for the ultimate tactile stretch, swirl, and pop.
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🧰 Required Tools & Equipment
- ✓ Mixing bowl
- ✓ Silicone spatula
- ✓ Measuring cup
- ✓ Measuring spoons
- ✓ Airtight container
📦 Materials & Supplies
- ✓ 8 oz PVA white craft glue
- ✓ 2 to 4 tbsp concentrated liquid laundry detergent
⚠️ Safety Checkpoints & Warnings
- • Do not ingest craft glue or laundry detergent; keep away from small children and pets.
- • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling slime.
- • Test a small amount of laundry detergent on your skin first if you are sensitive to scented detergents.
📋 Step-by-Step Guide (6 Steps)
Measure and Pour the Glue Base
Pour 1 full cup (8 oz) of PVA white craft glue into the center of a clean, dry mixing bowl. Use a silicone spatula to scrape the sides of the measuring cup completely to ensure accurate proportions. Inspect the glue to make sure there are no dried clumps or air pockets before proceeding.
- • A smooth, glossy pool of white glue settled evenly at the bottom of the bowl.
- • Using non-PVA glue (such as standard glue sticks or craft paste) which will not react with the activator.
Add the First Measure of Detergent
Measure exactly one tablespoon of concentrated liquid laundry detergent and drizzle it evenly across the surface of the glue. Do not pour all the detergent in at once, as gradual incorporation prevents the slime from becoming rubbery. Stir gently with your spatula in wide circular motions to begin cross-linking the polymers.
- • The glue begins to string and form thick, webbed ribbons around the spatula.
- • Dumping too much detergent in at the start, leading to immediate over-activation and tears.
Incorporate the Second Measure and Stir
Add a second tablespoon of laundry detergent and stir vigorously for 60 to 90 seconds. As the chemical reaction occurs, the mixture will thicken substantially and begin pulling away cleanly from the bottom and sides of the bowl. Continue stirring until the loose liquid is mostly absorbed by the mass.
- • The mixture forms a single cohesive clump that clings to the spatula.
- • Stopping stirring too early while the mixture still looks separated or wet.
Transition to Hand Kneading
Coat your hands with a few drops of detergent or water, lift the slime clump out of the bowl, and begin working it between your palms. Stretch, fold, and squeeze the mass continuously for two to three minutes to break down surface stickiness. The warmth and mechanical action of your hands will rapidly stabilize the texture.
- • Slime releases cleanly from your palms without leaving gooey residue on your fingers.
- • Panicking when the slime feels sticky initially and adding excessive detergent instead of kneading.
Fine-Tune Texture and Rest
Test the elasticity by slowly pulling the slime apart horizontally into a thin windowpane sheet. If it snaps instantly, knead in a teaspoon of warm water or glue; if it sticks excessively, knead in half a teaspoon of detergent. Place the slime back into the bowl and let it rest undisturbed for two minutes to allow internal bubbles to settle.
- • Slime stretches translucent without tearing and makes crisp popping sounds when folded.
- • Over-correcting with large doses of detergent during the final fine-tuning phase.
Store in an Airtight Container
Transfer the finished slime into a clean, airtight plastic container or sealed zip-top bag. Press out excess air before sealing the lid tightly to lock in moisture. Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight to preserve the stretchy consistency for weeks of use.
- • Slime settles into a smooth, glossy puddle inside the sealed container.
- • Leaving the container open or cracked, which causes the outer layer to dry out into a hard crust.
Credit: inspired by an original tutorial by Satisfied Crush — watch the original on YouTube.
Don’t have everything?
- No Silicone spatula? Sturdy plastic spoon or wooden craft stick
- No Liquid laundry detergent? Liquid starch (equal volume) or contact solution with a pinch of baking soda
- No Airtight container? Resealable zip-top sandwich bag