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How to Make Slime With Only 2 Ingredients: Does it Really Work?

Making homemade slime has become a popular activity for kids of all ages and adults looking for sensory play. Traditional slime recipes call for a blend of several ingredients, some of which aren’t always available at home. But is it possible to create this gooey substance with just two common household items? YES! Easy slime recipes call for less ingredients and this one is no exception. Let me show you how to make slime with only 2 ingredients.

By the way, don’t leave before checking out my other easy slime recipe with contact solution, baking soda and Elmer’s glue. This is my most foolproof recipe that is really hard to mess up! You can also check out our Fluffy slime recipe with shaving cream or our Homemade Moon Dough with Two Ingredients. My most recent recipe is our Kinetic foam recipe with 3 household ingredients.

How do these ingredients react to create slime?

The process hinges on combining a polymer and an a slime activator. This simple reaction creates a substance that can provide hours of entertainment. Easy glue slime recipes are a great way to introduce basic science concepts to kids in a playful manner. Plus, the simplicity of the 2 ingredient slime recipe list ensures that nearly anyone can try their hand at making slime, whether for an educational activity, a party, or just a fun afternoon craft.

2 ingredient slime with starch and school glue

Choosing Your Ingredients

To make this simple recipe and easy activity, you need a binding agent and an activator. A popular choice for the binding agent is school glue, specifically the PVA (polyvinyl acetate) type. For the activator, common household items such as liquid laundry detergent or eye contact solution paired with baking soda works well. That being said, this wouldn’t be a true 2 ingredient slime if we used a few of these.

This true 2 ingredient slime calls for Sta-Flo (or any liquid starch) and school glue.

  • Binding Agent: PVA white School Glue
  • Activator: Sta-Flo liquid starch

You can find these ingredients easily at local stores or online. Here’s how to quickly verify their suitability:

  1. Check the glue is PVA-based for optimal stickiness and the best slime consistency.
  2. Ensure the activator contains either borax powder or sodium borate.

If you aren’t choosing a liquid starch solution, and instead you are choosing laundry detergent, you might prefer clear detergent to avoid adding a tint to the slime. If using contact or saline solution, be sure it lists boric acid or sodium borate in the ingredients.  These components react with the PVA glue to create the slime’s unique texture and best results. Also consider using glitter glue to add a little color and sparkle (glitter slime) to your DIY slime. Food coloring is also another great way to add different colors to your recipe. 

Remember, the right ingredients make the process easier and the end-product more enjoyable. I’ve detailed this below, but I did not have success making slime with just saline solution and glue. These ingredients required baking soda to hold it all together and make that true slime consistency. 

Today we will be using Sta-Flo and Elmers Glue to create our 2 ingredient slime. 

Slime recipe with Sta-Flo starch and Elmer's glue

How to Make Slime with only 2 ingredients

Making a basic slime recipe with two ingredients involves a straightforward process, but the actual measurements of each ingredient are up to you and how you want your slime consistency to be.

Step by Step instructions

  1. Gather Ingredients:
    • 1 bottle of school glue (4 oz for a small batch), I used the clear glue
    • equal portion of Sta-Flo laundry detergent or any Starch product
  2. Combining the Ingredients:
    • Pour the glue into a mixing bowl
    • Add equal amounts of starch to the bowl
  3. Mixing:
    • With a spoon, begin to mix slowly, ensuring the glue and detergent blend together
  4. Adding More Detergent:
    • If the mixture is too sticky, add detergent, half a tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition
    • Continue until the mixture pulls away from the bowl and forms slime
  5. Final Texture:
    • Once the slime begins to thicken and bond together, use your hands to knead it
    • Continue kneading until it reaches a stretchy and pliable consistency

2 Ingredient Slime

Here are the final pictures and they aren’t the prettiest. Even though these 2 ingredients made a decent slime consistency, it’s still a bit messy.

This is what it looked like initially after I mixed the solutions.

2 ingredient slime

Looks like a gooey mess right? But it’s still slime and it can still be played with!

2 ingredient slime

After letting it sit for about an hour, it started to look more like regular slime!

2 ingredient slime

There is hope for this 2 ingredient slime!

2 ingredient slime

Troubleshooting

If the slime is too sticky or too runny, here are quick fixes:

  • Too Sticky:
    • Add more laundry detergent, a tiny amount at a time, until the slime is less sticky
  • Too Runny:
    • Kneads the slime for several minutes, as sometimes it just needs more time to set
    • If it’s still runny, add a sprinkle of baking soda to help it firm up

Playing with Slime

Once your slime is ready (I would let it sit for an hour to “firm up”), you should find a clean playing surface and enjoy the unique texture. You can stretch it, roll it into balls, or press it into molds for creative play.

2 ingredient slime

Cleanup and Storage

Cleanup:
After playing, you should wash your hands with warm soapy water. If slime gets on clothes or fabric, soaking in vinegar before laundering as usual is effective.

Storage:
To keep slime from drying out, you should store it in an airtight container or ziplock bag. It’s best kept cool and out of direct sunlight to maintain its consistency.

Video for making slime with 2 ingredients

Make sure to check out our YouTube video with more details on how to make this simple 2 ingredient slime.

2 ingredient slime with starch and school glue

Frequently Asked Questions and Different Slime Ideas

This section answers common questions about creating two-ingredient slime, offering straightforward solutions for anyone looking to get started with the best slime recipes.

What household items can I use to make simple two-ingredient slime?

There are handful of simple slime recipes other than the one we are using for this post. The best way I found was school glue and Sta-Flo liquid starch.  Mix these together until the desired consistency is achieved.

Can I create fluffy slime using just two ingredients, and what are they?

Yes, you can make fluffy slime recipes with just shaving cream and school glue. The result is a stretchy and fluffy mixture. 

What’s the easiest way to make slime without glue or borax?

I’ve heard you can make slime without glue or borax by mixing cornstarch and a dish soap. It’s a simple alternative that yields a pliable slime.

How do you make slime with just shampoo and another common ingredient?

You can combine a thicker shampoo with salt. After mixing, freeze the mixture for a short time to achieve a slimy texture.

Is it possible to make two-ingredient slime that’s also safe for kids?

Absolutely, by using this edible slime recipe with ingredients like cornstarch and marshmallows, you can create a safe slime for kids that’s non-toxic and chemical-free.

What’s the best way to make stretchy slime with only two components?

The best stretchy slime comes from mixing psyllium husk powder (found in fiber supplements) and water, then microwaving it until the slime forms.

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