Looking for an easy slime recipe with liquid starch that actually works? This homemade slime recipe uses just 3 simple ingredients to make stretchy, squishy slime in only a few minutes.
Liquid starch slime is one of the easiest ways to introduce kids to basic chemistry and polymers because they can see how materials change when combined. As the glue and liquid starch mix together, they form long, stretchy polymer chains that create the slime texture kids love.
This simple slime recipe is perfect for classrooms, camps, STEM activities, summer learning, sensory play, and hands-on chemistry fun at home.
What Kids Learn From Making Slime
Making slime is more than just sensory play. This activity introduces important chemistry concepts in a fun and hands-on way.
Field: Chemistry—Polymers
Grades: K–5
Concepts Explored: Polymers, non-Newtonian fluids, material properties, viscosity, chemical reactions, cross-linking reactions.
Kids Can Explore:
- How liquids change into new materials
- Why slime stretches and flows differently than water
- How polymers form long chains
- What makes slime thick, stretchy, or rubbery
- How changing ingredients affects texture
Supplies Needed
- ½ cup washable PVA glue (white or clear)
- ½ cup water
- ¼–½ cup liquid starch (such as Sta-Flo)
- Food coloring (optional)
- Glitter, confetti, foam beads, or sequins (optional – best with clear glue)
💡 Explore our favorite slime supplies here.
How to Make Liquid Starch Slime
How to Make Slime With Liquid Starch
Step 1
Add the glue and water to a bowl and stir until completely combined.
Step 2
Mix in food coloring, glitter, or other fun slime mix-ins if desired.
Step 3
Slowly pour in ¼ cup liquid starch while stirring continuously.
Step 4
As the slime begins pulling away from the sides of the bowl, remove it and knead with your hands until smooth and stretchy.
If the slime still feels sticky after kneading, add a small amount of additional liquid starch.
💡 Tip: Add a few drops of liquid starch to your hands before kneading to reduce stickiness.
👉 This recipe works perfectly for lifting and blowing bubbles — try the full how to make slime bubbles activity here.
What Is Liquid Starch?
Liquid starch is a laundry product traditionally used to stiffen fabric. In slime recipes, it works as a slime activator because it contains borate compounds that react with glue to form slime.
Not all starch products work the same way. Spray starch and homemade starch alternatives usually do not contain enough borate to activate the glue properly.
Slime Science Explained
Making slime is chemistry in action!
When you combine glue and liquid starch, the borate ions in the starch react with the polyvinyl acetate (PVA) in the glue. This creates long connected polymer chains that transform the mixture from a liquid into stretchy slime.
A polymer is a material made of repeating chains of molecules. Many everyday materials are polymers, including rubber, plastic, gelatin, and even DNA.
Because slime can behave like both a solid and a liquid, it is considered a non-Newtonian fluid.
Why Does Slime Stretch?
The long polymer chains in slime can slide past each other slowly, allowing the slime to stretch and flow. But when pulled quickly, the chains resist movement and the slime can snap or break.
Changing the amount of activator changes how tightly the polymer chains connect:
- More activator = thicker, firmer slime
- Less activator = softer, stretchier slime
💡 Explore more slime science and polymer experiments here.
Slime Activators Comparison Chart
| Activator Type | Texture | Difficulty | Borate Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liquid Starch | Stretchy | Easy | Sodium Borate |
| Saline + Baking Soda | Soft and stretchy | Medium | Sodium Borate |
| Borax Solution | Rubbery | Medium | Borax Powder |
| Contact Lens Solution | Slightly rubbery | Medium | Boric Acid |
🔎 All effective slime activators include a borate compound that reacts with glue to form slime.
Experiment With Slime Chemistry
Turn this slime recipe into a simple science experiment by changing one variable at a time.
Try Testing:
- More vs less liquid starch
- White glue vs clear glue
- Warm water vs cold water
- Different slime mix-ins
- Stretch distance between slime recipes
Ask Questions Like:
- Which slime stretches the farthest?
- Which slime feels the softest?
- What happens when you add too much activator?
- How does the slime texture change?
How to Store Slime
- Store slime in an airtight container or zip-top bag
- Keep away from direct sunlight or heat
- If slime becomes stiff, knead in a few drops of warm water
- Properly stored slime usually lasts 1–2 weeks
Grab the Free Slime Science Starter Lab
Want to turn slime-making into a real chemistry activity?
This free printable Slime Science Starter Lab introduces kids to polymers, slime activators, non-Newtonian fluids, and hands-on slime investigations through simple STEM challenges and observation activities.
Inside the free guide:
- Slime science explanations
- Investigation prompts
- Observation pages
- STEM questions
- A 5-day slime chemistry lab plan
Slime FAQ
Why is my slime sticky? Usually, the slime needs more kneading time or a small amount of extra liquid starch. Add activator slowly to avoid making the slime rubbery.
Why did my slime turn rubbery? Too much liquid starch creates too many polymer cross-links, making the slime stiff instead of stretchy.
Can I use spray starch instead of liquid starch? No. Spray starch does not contain the correct borate compounds needed to activate slime.
Does liquid starch contain borax? Most liquid starch products contain sodium borate or similar borate compounds that react with glue to form slime.
What glue works best for slime? Washable PVA school glue works best because it reacts properly with slime activators.
Can I make homemade liquid starch? No. Homemade starch alternatives usually do not contain the borate compounds needed for slime-making.
Is slime safe for kids? Yes, with adult supervision and proper handwashing after play.
Slime Troubleshooting Tips
Even simple slime recipes sometimes need small adjustments depending on the glue, humidity, or amount of activator used. These quick guides can help fix the most common slime problems.
Common Slime Fixes
- How to make slime less sticky
- How to soften stiff slime
- Why slime gets rubbery
- How to fix overactivated slime
- Why slime breaks instead of stretches
👉 Look through the how to fix slime troubleshooting guide!
Helpful Slime Guides
- Slime science explained
- How to make stretchy slime
- Best slime activators explained
- Best glue for slime
- Slime safety tips
More Slime Chemistry Activities
👉 Go ahead and turn it into a slime science fair project.
Stretchy & Soft Slimes
Texture-Based Slimes
STEM Slime Experiments
Polymer Science Activities
Take Slime Further
Once kids make their first batch of slime, they usually want to start experimenting:
- What makes slime stretchier?
- Why does one slime feel rubbery?
- What happens if you change the activator?
- Which slime recipe works best?
That’s where slime becomes real chemistry.
Printable Slime Science Investigation Pack
Want to turn slime-making into a real chemistry investigation?
This printable Slime Science Investigation Pack helps kids explore polymers, slime activators, non-Newtonian fluids, and material properties through hands-on STEM activities and guided experiments.
Inside you’ll find:
- Slime experiment prompts
- Investigation worksheets
- Observation pages
- Variable testing charts
- Slime science activities
- Vocabulary pages
- STEM extensions
- Science fair ideas
Perfect for classrooms, homeschool science, STEM clubs, camps, and screen-free summer learning.
👉 See the Slime Science Investigation Pack here.
THIS DID NOT WORK. We used all of the ingredients and it didn’t set instantly. It failed us
I am sorry to hear that. There are times when a bottle of Elmer’s has failed us for no specific reason. I would try again if you can. I have many many viewers who love this recipe, so I would hate for you to miss out on the fun.
Hi! I should have read thru the comments before attempting on making our version today :'(. Used Bovax clear glue and self made liquid starch (cornstarch + water + heat). Safe to say, it didn’t work. Was very liquidy, so i kept adding in ingredients (measurements now are completely whacked!). Lol. Our slime turned out super sticky. I’ve made such a big batch it’s now in a plastic container sitting in or fridge. Should I just dump it? :p
Yes, I am not sure there is anything you can do to make it come out any better at this point. I have been there. If you can get the Elmers washable school glue that would be the best as well as liquid laundry starch. You are welcome to email me at getmovingfitness@gmail.com and I can make some other suggestions depending on what part of the world you are in and what supplies you have available!
Does this work with homemade liquid starch?
No it does not. It will not have the same ingredients necessary to form the slime.
HI – I love your site but cannot see where the actual slime recipe. Lots of great photos but the links to the recipe just clicks to another photo. Possible to just post the recipe? Thanks so much.
Hi! Please scroll down to the end of the post as you will find step by step directions with photographs.
I followed the recipe exactly as printed. Stayed liquid even after hours of waiting. Big disappointment for my grandson and me. I searched other recipes and they said you must use HOT water. Maybe you could add this to your recipe so others aren’t disappointed.
Make sure you use the right glue! Every once in awhile, I come across an Elmer’s glue that is a flop. I don’t why this is but I can pull out another bottle and it comes together perfectly. Hope you will try it again.
I wanted to try this for class party but have each child make their own batch…you said recipe would work for 3 servings. Can I cut the recipe into thirds to make individual portions?
Or do you have measurements for a single portion?
You can make a single batch and pull apart the slime. That’s how I go about making my slime party favors. If you take a look at our newest Valentines Day slime, I made two batches to fill 10 condiment cups.
Not sure what I did wrong, but mine turned out pretty runny and didn’t glob like the recipe shows.
The biggest thing is the right type of glue. Elmers washable glue. However, every now and then I have gotten an Elmers that has not worked for me. Definitely try it again and double check the measurements.
did i miss something when i read directions,, supply list says you need water but how much? and is it a total of 1/2 cup of glue like 1/4 of clear elmers glue with 1/4 c glitter glue?
Hi, you need to just keep reading down the directions but it’s a 1/2 cup!
Hello. I just made one and it worked just fine. I am doing this for your melted snowman theme. It came out more like noise putty and not stretchy/melting snowman like. What should I add? Water? Glue? Starch?
Thanks!
Terrific!
What can I add to make them more loose or runny I guess?
Have you ever make Slime with homemade liquid starch?
Anyone?
I have never made my own liquid starch, let me know how it goes!
I have tried everything, but can’t find the recipe for the slime…help!!what are the amounts of glue, starch and water???
If you are on desktop you simple need to keep scrolling down to the supply list and step by step instructions. If you are on mobile you need to press the READ MORE button to see the rest of the post. Please email me at getmovingfitness@gmail.com if you have problems.
same – what’s the actual recipe?
Please scroll through the entire post to find the recipe. It is located near the bottom with step by step instructions.
I am wanting to use the christmas tree slime for my preschool class. But I cannot find how much ingredients I would need to make it and give out to about 25 or so kids. Please help. Thank you!:)
I would go with about three servings per bottle of glue! If you scroll down through the post you will see the directions and ingredients. If you are on mobile make sure to click the READ MORE button under the first image.
Hi! I am planning on doing your “inside out” intervention with my counseling kids- I was wondering when you added the food coloring, since in your instructions on this page, its the second step… but Im assuming that you needed to separate the different “colors” first?? Does that make any sense? Maybe if you could just quickly give me the new basic directions for how you do this for multiple different colors. Thanks so much!!
Kathryn,
I can not open up the full comment for some reason. Please feel free to contact me at getmovingfitness@gmail.com and I can answer your questions!
The laundry starch slime has been a big hit. We had a failure at first (which resulted in a hand drawn Observations Notebook , so no loss there). SO, check your laundry starch. Mine was CONCENTRATED. After thinning it down to medium strength, we got slime that is firm and stretchy. BONUS: when pushed into a container, our slime makes loud gassy noises. Fun!
I tried this and my slime just came out as liquid? It’s not just too watery, it’s not slime at all. What did I do wrong?
What did you use for glue and starch? Brands?
Great slime i like this!!! thanks for your tutorial