How to Make Homemade Cleaning Slime

Co-authored by Florisa-Leila Ramos

Last Updated: January 17, 2025

While making homemade slime for cleaning purposes sounds a little counter-intuitive, it is actually a great way to clean crumbs and bits out of tight and hard-to-reach places. Not only is it good for cleaning, you can also have a great time making and playing with it too.

Steps

Download Article

Stir well to allow the Borax to fully dissolve.
2
Mix 1 4 oz. bottle of Elmer’s glue, ½ cup of water and 8 drops of food coloring in the second bowl.
- Stir until color is completely blended.
Advertisement
4
Knead the mixture with your hands. Since the food coloring could discolor your hands you may want to consider using plastic gloves for this step.
- Mix and knead with your hands until the mixture clumps together.
- Pour any remaining liquid down the drain.
- Keep kneading dough until it is no longer wet and gooey or sticks to your hands.
5
Press fresh slime into areas like keyboards or air vents in your car or home to trap dust and dirt particles.
- Store in large plastic bag for future use.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

What if I don't have Elmer's Glue? Can I use a different kind of glue?

Community Answer

You can use clear glue, or any type of liquid craft glue. If you use a glue stick you will have to microwave it.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 12 Helpful 34
Question

What should I do if I don't have Borax or Tide or liquid starch?

Community Answer

If you don't have those items, you could mix 1/4 cup of shampoo and 1/2 tsp of table salt. Put it in the freezer for 15 minutes, but don't let it freeze.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 12 Helpful 30
Question

Can I make this with shampoo?

Community Answer

Yes, but it will be very soapy, and you can't stretch it or play with it. If you leave it out for more than a minute, it will turn into liquid again.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 9 Helpful 16

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Things You’ll Need

1 tsp. Borax
Elmer’s glue (4 oz.)
8 drops of food color
1 ½ cups water
2 bowls
Measuring cups/spoons
Plastic bag (gallon sized)

Reader Videos

Tips

Once you’ve used the slime as a cleaning agent it will no longer be of future use.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Keep slime out of the reach of children and pets and always supervise children while they are playing with the slime.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0