How to Make Slime with Contact Solution, Baking Soda, and Glue; Foolproof Recipe

Making slime at home is so much fun and an easy project that’s great for kids and adults alike. I find it to be a fantastic way to engage with simple chemistry while creating a fun sensory project. Using contact solution, baking soda, and glue is one of the most reliable methods to achieve the perfect slime consistency. Trust me, I’ve tried a few.  This easy slime recipe ensures that the slime is stretchy, squishy, and not too sticky. Best part, it seems to be the least messy slime recipe I’ve found.

I previously made an awesome glitter slime recipe with only 2 ingredients (liquid starch and a little bit of glitter glue)! While I was trying to make that 2 ingredient recipe, I happened upon this slime recipe. Isn’t it funny that the best recipes often arrive out of a mistake! Here we go…

Ingredients and Tools

Not to get too technical, but in case you are wanting to create a science experiment and do a little teaching, let’s talk about what creates the slime. It’s all part of a chemical reaction between a base and a catalyst. The glue serves as the slime’s base, providing the sticky and elastic properties. Baking soda acts as a catalyst or slime activator to help the slime firm up, and contact solution – it’s important to make sure of the kind of contact solution because it needs to contain boric acid – reacts with the glue, transforming it into slime. It’s important to use the right type of glue and contact solution to ensure the best results. Now, let’s explore the simple steps to create your own batch of slime using these three common household items.

List of Necessary Ingredients

Here are the main ingredients for one of my favorite slime recipes

• Elmer’s White Glue or Clear Glue or any colorful Elmer’s glue
  One 4-6 oz bottle
• Baking Soda
  ½ teaspoon
• Contact Lens Solution or Saline solution
  1½ tablespoons, containing boric acid and sodium borate

Required Tools and Equipment

• Mixing Bowl:
  To combine ingredients.
• Spoon or Craft Stick:
  For stirring.
• Measuring Spoons:
  To measure the baking soda and contact solution accurately.
• Airtight Container:
  To store the slime and keep it from drying out.

Easy Slime Recipe with Contact Solution, Baking Soda, and Glue

Let me show you how to create your own slime using a simple recipe that involves contact solution, baking soda, and glue. This is such a fun activity especially for kiddos who love to get their hands dirty and have some sensory play. 

Preparing the Mixture

First, gather all of your ingredients:

• 4 oz of white school glue (approximately one standard bottle)
• 1/2 tsp of baking soda
• Contact solution

I begin by pouring all 4 ounces of school glue into a bowl. To that, I add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda and mix them thoroughly to ensure the baking soda is fully incorporated into the glue.

As far as the glue goes, grab a few different colors and experiment with what hues you like the most. Glitter glue is fun to use! 

Mixing in the Contact Solution

Once the glue and baking soda are mixed, I slowly add in the contact solution. I begin with:

• 1 tablespoon of contact solution

Add the tablespoon of contact solution to the bowl and stir. As I mix, the concoction will start to thicken and pull away from the sides of the bowl. If necessary, I add additional contact solution, a few drops at a time, until the slime reaches a consistency that’s not too sticky yet still stretchy and pliable. Remember to knead the slime with my hands for a few moments to achieve the perfect texture.

Tips for Best Results

When making slime with contact solution, baking soda, and glue, I keep these simple but effective tips in mind to ensure the best consistency and texture:

• Proper Ratios:
  • Glue: The base of your slime starts with glue. I use about 4 oz (1/2 cup) which is often the size of a standard school glue bottle.
  • Baking Soda: I add about 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to give the slime the right firmness.
  • Contact Solution: This acts as an activator. I begin with a few tablespoons and add more gradually until my slime reaches the desired consistency.

Side note; I know I mentioned in my video that the ratio is up to you depending on what type of consistency of slime you want. This is 100% true, and these ratios are mainly here for starting points to begin making your slime. 

This slime recipe can almost look like cotton candy at times! Yum.

• Freshness Matters:
  • I always make sure that my baking soda and contact solution are fresh to achieve the best results. Stale ingredients can affect how the slime forms.
• Mixing Technique:
  • Stir the mixture slowly and consistently to avoid lumps. Once the slime begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl and starts sticking to itself, I use my hands to knead it until it’s smooth.
• Temperature and Environment:
  • Working in a cool, dry environment is preferable as humidity can make the slime stickier. If my slime feels too sticky, I add a little more contact solution.
• Storage:
  • To keep my slime pliable and fresh, I store it in an airtight container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.

What do y’all think? Like I said, I figured this recipe out through a slime fail. Also, this recipe seems to be the most “fool proof.” What I mean is that you can create this slime with all different amounts of ingredients and it will still work great.

Make sure to check out my video where I shared both 2 ways to create an awesome slime recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, I’ll answer common queries about creating slime with contact solution, baking soda, and glue.

What is the basic recipe for making slime with contact solution, baking soda, and glue?

To make slime, I mix 4 ounces of glue with 1/2 tablespoon of baking soda. Then, I gradually add contact solution, stirring until the slime forms and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

Can you create fluffy slime by adding shaving cream to the mixture, and if so, how?

Yes, I can make fluffy slime by incorporating baking soda. I start with the basic recipe, then add in 2-3 cups of shaving cream before the contact solution, ensuring it’s light and fluffy.

How do you adjust the slime consistency when using baking soda and contact solution?

If the slime is too sticky, I add a small amount of contact solution. If it’s too stiff, I mix in a little more glue until I reach the desired consistency.

What roles do baking soda and contact solution play in the slime-making process?

Baking soda serves as a binder that helps thicken the glue, whereas contact solution contains borate ions that create slime’s rubbery texture when mixed with the glue’s polyvinyl acetate.

Is it possible to make slime with contact solution and glue but omitting the baking soda?

You can see in my video above where I attempted this, but did not have any success. The baking soda is what really holds it together.

What alternatives can be used if contact solution isn’t available when making slime with baking soda and glue?

In the absence of contact solution, you can use liquid laundry detergent or borax solution as a substitute. I would mix a small amount with glue and baking soda until you achieve the proper slime consistency.