What soap can activate slime? - The Environmental Literacy Council (2025)

The question of what soap can activate slime is a popular one in the world of DIY crafting. The answer is not as straightforward as one might hope, as the success depends on the type of soap, its chemical composition, and the other ingredients you’re using in your slime recipe. Generally, soaps containing sodium borate or those that work synergistically with other household ingredients like baking soda, cornstarch, or saline solution are most effective. Let’s dive into the sudsy science of soap slime!

The Soapy Science Behind Slime Activation

Slime, at its core, is a polymer. That is, a substance made of long, repeating chains of molecules. The “activation” process is all about cross-linking these polymer chains, creating the stretchy, gooey texture we all know and love. Traditional slime recipes use borax (sodium borate) as the cross-linking agent, but many people prefer alternatives due to safety concerns, especially when crafting with children.

This is where soap comes in. Certain soaps, particularly liquid laundry detergents and some dish soaps, can contribute to this cross-linking process, either directly or in combination with other ingredients. The specific chemicals responsible for this effect vary, but they essentially help to connect the polymer chains in the glue (or other base ingredient), thickening the mixture and giving it that signature slime consistency.

Soap Selection: Not All Soaps Are Created Equal

Liquid Laundry Detergent: A Reliable Activator

Liquid laundry detergent, especially formulations like Tide, is often cited as a reliable slime activator. This is because many laundry detergents contain borates and other chemicals that promote cross-linking. While it might be a safer alternative to pure borax, it’s still important to handle laundry detergent with care and supervise children during the slime-making process.

Tips for using liquid laundry detergent:

• Start with small amounts. A little goes a long way!
• Add the detergent gradually, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
• Be aware that laundry detergent will likely color your slime. Consider using clear detergent or matching the color of the detergent to your desired slime color.
• Different brands of laundry detergent may produce different results. Experiment to find what works best for you.

Dish Soap: A Complementary Component

Dish soap alone is usually not a strong enough activator to create slime using just glue. However, dish soap can be combined with other ingredients, such as baking soda, cornstarch, or saline solution, to make slime. The dish soap acts as a surfactant, helping to bind the other ingredients together and create a smoother, stretchier texture.

Tips for using dish soap:

• Choose a dish soap with a thick consistency for better results.
• Experiment with different dish soap brands and formulations.
• Combine dish soap with other ingredients like baking soda or cornstarch.
• Add dish soap gradually until you achieve the desired slime consistency.

Other Soaps: A Note of Caution

Hand soap, body wash, and shampoo are less reliable slime activators. While some recipes may call for these ingredients, they typically function as add-ins to improve texture or scent rather than as primary activators. It’s crucial to manage expectations when using these types of soaps for slime-making.

Recipes That Rock: Soap-Based Slime Formulas

Here are a few recipes that utilize soap to create awesome slime:

Cornstarch and Dish Soap Slime

This is a simple, two-ingredient recipe that’s great for beginners.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
• 1 1/2 tablespoons of dish soap

Instructions:

1. Combine the cornstarch and dish soap in a bowl.
2. Stir until well combined.
3. If the mixture is too dry, add a bit more soap. If it’s too wet, add a bit more cornstarch.
4. Let the mixture sit for 2 minutes before playing with it.

Dish Soap and Baking Soda Slime

This recipe is a classic and easy to make.

Ingredients:

• Dish soap
• Baking soda
• Optional: Food coloring, glitter

Instructions:

1. Squeeze some dish soap into a container.
2. Add a pinch of baking soda and mix well.
3. Repeat adding small amounts of baking soda until a slime consistency is reached.
4. Add food coloring or glitter for a sparkly effect.

Laundry Detergent and Glue Slime

This is a more traditional slime recipe using laundry detergent as an activator.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of glue
• 1/4 cup of liquid laundry detergent
• Optional: Food coloring, glitter

Instructions:

1. Pour the glue into a mixing bowl.
2. Add food coloring or glitter if desired.
3. Gradually add the liquid laundry detergent, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
4. Continue mixing until the slime pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
5. Knead the slime with your hands until it becomes smooth and stretchy.

Safety First: Precautions for Soap Slime

While soap-based slime is generally considered safer than borax-based slime, it’s still essential to take precautions:

• Supervise children: Always supervise children when they are making and playing with slime.
• Avoid ingestion: Do not eat or ingest slime.
• Wash hands: Wash hands thoroughly after handling slime.
• Store properly: Store slime in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
• Be aware of allergies: If you have allergies to any of the ingredients, avoid using them.

Understanding the Broader Impact: Environmental Considerations

As we create and enjoy slime, it’s important to consider the environmental impact of our activities. Choosing eco-friendly soaps and glues can make a difference. The enviroliteracy.org, The Environmental Literacy Council, provides resources and information on how to promote environmental education and sustainability. Reducing waste and opting for biodegradable materials can further minimize our environmental footprint.

Soap Slime: A Creative and Educational Activity

Making slime with soap can be a fun and educational activity for people of all ages. It’s a great way to explore science concepts like polymers and cross-linking, as well as to unleash your creativity and experiment with different ingredients and textures. With a little knowledge and experimentation, you can become a soap slime master!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best type of glue to use with soap slime?

PVA glue (polyvinyl acetate), also known as school glue or Elmer’s glue, is generally the best type of glue to use for making slime. Clear glue is also very popular. It works well with most soap-based activators.

2. Can I use bar soap to activate slime?

No, bar soap is not typically used to activate slime. Liquid soap is necessary for the chemical reactions.

3. My slime is too sticky. What should I do?

If your slime is too sticky, try adding a small amount more of your chosen activator (laundry detergent, baking soda, etc.) a little at a time.

4. My slime is too hard. How can I make it softer?

If your slime is too hard, try kneading in a small amount of lotion or warm water.

5. How do I store my slime?

Store your slime in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.

6. How long does soap slime last?

Soap slime can last for several days or even weeks if stored properly.

7. Can I add essential oils to my soap slime?

Yes, you can add a few drops of essential oils to your slime for a pleasant scent. Be sure to use oils that are safe for skin contact.

8. Can I use saline solution with soap to make slime?

Yes, saline solution, especially contact lens solution containing boric acid, can be combined with soap and other ingredients like baking soda to make slime.

9. What if I don’t have glue? Can I still make slime with soap?

While glue is the most common base for slime, you can try recipes using cornstarch or flour as a substitute, along with soap and other ingredients.

10. Is soap slime safe for toddlers?

Soap slime is generally considered safer than borax slime, but it’s still essential to supervise toddlers closely and prevent them from ingesting it.

11. Can I add shaving cream to soap slime?

Yes, adding shaving cream can make your slime fluffier and softer.

12. Does hand sanitizer work as a slime activator?

Hand sanitizer can add moisture and stretch to slime, but it is typically not strong enough to be used as a primary activator.

13. Why is my slime not forming?

If your slime is not forming, it could be due to several reasons: not enough activator, the wrong type of soap, or an imbalance of ingredients. Ensure you have a good glue to activator ratio and gradually add your activator, mixing well after each addition.

14. Can you make slime with foam soap?

Yes, you can, but you must mix the foam soap with school glue, baking soda, and contact solution.

15. Why is Tide a good activator for slime?

Tide is a good activator for slime because it contains borates that promote cross-linking of the glue polymers. However, other brands of laundry detergent may also work, depending on their formulation.

Experiment, have fun, and always prioritize safety when making soap slime!