How to Make Slime Without Glue: 10 Easy No-Glue Recipes
Want to make slime but don't have glue on hand? No problem! These no-glue slime recipes use common household items to create stretchy, satisfying slime that's just as fun as traditional recipes. Whether you're looking for a last-minute kids' activity or prefer glue-free alternatives, these methods deliver great results with ingredients you probably already have at home.
Why Make Slime Without Glue?
No-glue slime recipes offer several advantages: they're often cheaper, use fewer potentially messy ingredients, can be made with pantry staples, and some parents prefer avoiding PVA glue for young children. While the texture differs slightly from traditional glue-based slime, many of these alternatives are equally fun and satisfying to play with.
10 No-Glue Slime Recipes
1. Dish Soap & Cornstarch Slime
Ingredients: 2 tbsp dish soap, 4 tbsp cornstarch, food coloring (optional)
Method: Mix cornstarch into dish soap slowly. Knead until smooth. Add more cornstarch if too sticky, more soap if too stiff. This creates a moldable, putty-like slime.
2. Shampoo & Salt Slime
Ingredients: 1/2 cup thick shampoo, pinch of salt
Method: Add salt to shampoo a little at a time while stirring. Freeze for 15 minutes. The salt thickens the shampoo into slimy consistency. Works best with thick, gel-type shampoos.
3. Cornstarch & Water Slime (Oobleck)
Ingredients: 2 cups cornstarch, 1 cup water, food coloring
Method: Mix ingredients until combined. This creates non-Newtonian fluid that's solid when squeezed, liquid when relaxed. Fascinating science experiment!
4. Fiber Supplement Slime (Psyllium Husk)
Ingredients: 1 tbsp psyllium husk powder (Metamucil), 1 cup water, food coloring
Method: Mix and microwave for 5 minutes, stirring every minute. Cool in fridge for 10 minutes. Creates incredibly stretchy, glossy slime.
5. Yogurt & Cornstarch Slime
Ingredients: 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 3 tbsp cornstarch
Method: Mix thoroughly until thick and stretchy. Store in fridge when not using (contains dairy). Natural white color, can add food coloring.
6. Hand Soap & Salt Slime
Ingredients: 1/4 cup thick hand soap or body wash, 2 tbsp salt
Method: Stir salt into soap until mixture thickens. Freeze for 10 minutes. Creates soft, foamy slime texture.
7. Conditioner & Cornstarch Slime
Ingredients: 1/2 cup hair conditioner, 1 cup cornstarch
Method: Mix thoroughly, kneading with hands as it thickens. Adjust ratios for desired consistency. Smells great!
8. Toothpaste & Flour Slime
Ingredients: 1/4 cup white toothpaste (gel type works best), 2 tbsp flour
Method: Mix ingredients, then knead. Adjust flour amount for consistency. Creates smooth, moldable slime.
9. Clay & Shampoo Slime
Ingredients: 2 oz modeling clay, 2 tbsp shampoo, water as needed
Method: Knead clay and shampoo together, adding tiny amounts of water until stretchy. Creates butter slime texture.
10. Xanthan Gum Slime
Ingredients: 1 tsp xanthan gum powder, 1 cup water, food coloring
Method: Blend xanthan gum into water with hand mixer. Creates clear, jiggly slime. (Xanthan gum is a baking ingredient.)
Tips for Success
- Start with recommended ratios, then adjust based on consistency
- Gel-type products (thick shampoo, gel toothpaste) work better than runny ones
- Food coloring is optional but makes slime more visually appealing
- Store most no-glue slimes in airtight containers in refrigerator
- Slime texture improves with kneading and play
Common Problems & Solutions
Slime is too sticky: Add more cornstarch, flour, or powder ingredient. Knead thoroughly.
Slime is too stiff: Add more liquid ingredient (soap, shampoo, water) a little at a time.
Slime won't thicken: Try freezing for 10-15 minutes or add thickening agent.
Slime breaks apart: Some recipes create moldable putty rather than stretchy slime. This is normal.
Slime Safety & Storage
- Supervise young children during slime play
- Wash hands before and after playing
- Don't eat slime—even though many ingredients are non-toxic
- Store in sealed containers to prevent drying out
- Dairy-based slimes (yogurt) must be refrigerated and used within a few days
- Discard if mold develops or smell changes
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does no-glue slime last?
Most no-glue slimes last 3-7 days when stored in airtight containers. Refrigerate dairy-based recipes and use within 2-3 days. Slime may dry out or change texture over time.
Is no-glue slime safe for kids?
Most recipes use non-toxic household items and are safe with supervision. Avoid psyllium husk slime for very young children who might eat it (it's a laxative). Always supervise slime play.
Can I make slime without cornstarch?
Yes! Try the shampoo & salt, psyllium husk, or toothpaste & flour recipes. Cornstarch is common but not required for all no-glue methods.
Why is my slime not stretchy?
No-glue slime typically has different texture than traditional glue slime. It may be more moldable than stretchy. Try the psyllium husk recipe for best stretch.
What's the easiest no-glue slime recipe?
The dish soap & cornstarch recipe is simplest—just two ingredients you likely have, no heating or special techniques required.
No-glue slime opens up creative possibilities using everyday household items. These recipes prove you don't need specialized ingredients for sensory play fun. Looking for adhesives for serious projects? Check out our adhesive database or use our material matching tool.