If you’ve ever scrolled through satisfying slime videos or watched kids stretch gooey blobs for hours, you already know: slime isn’t just a trend—it’s a full-on obsession. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or DIY enthusiast, learning a reliable slime recipe with borax opens up a world of textures and creativity. In this guide, you’ll get multiple tested variations of borax-based slime, including printable tips and no-glue options.
Let’s break down the best slime recipe with borax and all its popular twists—fluffy, clear, stretchy, and even water-based slime. Ready? Let’s get gooey.
What Is Borax and Why Is It Used in Slime?
Borax, also known as sodium borate, acts as a slime activator. When mixed with water and glue, it helps form the cross-links that turn your liquid mix into a stretchy, moldable substance. It’s safe when used correctly and in small amounts—just keep it out of your eyes and mouth.
Basic Slime Recipe with Borax Powder
This is your starting point. It’s simple, repeatable, and beginner-friendly.
Ingredients:
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1 cup white PVA glue
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1 cup warm water
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1 tsp borax powder
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Food coloring (optional)
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Fragrance (optional)
Instructions:
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Make the activator: Mix 1 tsp borax powder with 1 cup warm water. Stir until completely dissolved.
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Make the slime base: In a separate bowl, pour 1 cup of white glue. Add a few drops of food coloring or fragrance if you want.
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Combine: Slowly add the borax activator into the glue mix, 1 tablespoon at a time, stirring well in between.
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Knead: Once it starts coming together, use your hands to knead until smooth.
This simple slime recipe with borax can be transformed into all kinds of cool textures. Keep reading for all the fun variations.
Fluffy Slime Recipe with Borax and Shaving Cream
Fluffy slime adds a cloud-like texture, thanks to shaving cream. It’s soft, squishy, and fun to stretch.
What You’ll Need:
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1 cup white glue
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2-3 cups shaving cream
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1/2 tsp borax powder + 1 cup warm water
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Food coloring (optional)
Steps:
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Mix glue and shaving cream in a large bowl.
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Add food coloring and mix again.
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Slowly add your borax activator until it pulls away from the bowl.
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Knead until fluffy and soft.
This slime recipe with borax and shaving cream is super fun for kids and makes a great sensory activity.
Clear Slime Recipe with Borax
Looking for that crystal-clear, glass-like slime? This version uses clear glue and a little patience.
Ingredients:
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1 cup clear glue
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1 cup warm water
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1 tsp borax powder
Instructions:
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Mix the glue with 1/4 cup water for a more stretchable base.
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Stir your borax powder into the remaining water until dissolved.
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Slowly combine the two mixtures.
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Let your slime rest in a sealed container for 1-2 days to fully clear.
The best clear glue slime recipe with borax needs time to de-bubble and become transparent—but the results are worth it.
Slime Recipe with Borax and White Glue
Using white school glue gives your slime that classic opaque finish. It’s stretchy, satisfying, and great for beginners.
Just follow the basic recipe above and use white glue instead of clear. Add glitter or pigments for fun.
Want a printable version? Scroll to the end for your slime recipe with borax printable download instructions.
Stretchy Slime Recipe with Borax
Stretchiness comes from the right glue and hydration. Here’s how to achieve that ultra-stretchy pull.
Tips:
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Use a mix of white and clear glue (50/50)
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Add 1 tbsp lotion or glycerin
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Activate slowly—overactivating makes it stiff
Try this slime making recipe with borax and tweak the hydration until it stretches several feet without tearing.
Butter Slime Recipe with Borax
Butter slime spreads like soft clay. It’s thick and moldable but still stretchy.
You’ll Need:
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1 cup white glue
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1/4 cup air-dry clay
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1 tsp borax in 1 cup warm water
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1 tbsp baby oil or lotion
Mix the glue, then slowly add activator. Once slime is formed, knead in your clay until it gets a buttery consistency.
This butter slime recipe with borax is a fan favorite for its satisfying texture.
Slime Recipe with Borax and Contact Solution
This hybrid method uses borax in the form of sodium borate found in contact lens solution.
How-To:
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Mix white glue and baking soda (1/2 tsp per 1/2 cup glue)
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Add contact solution that contains boric acid
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Stir and knead
This slime recipe with borax and contact solution gives you a low-maintenance, travel-friendly slime recipe.
Slime Recipe with Borax Without Glue (Yes, It’s Possible)
Want to skip the glue? You’re in luck—though results vary.
Try this slime recipe with borax no glue using cornstarch and shampoo:
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1/2 cup shampoo
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1/4 cup cornstarch
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Mix and freeze for 10-15 mins
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Add tiny bits of borax water
It’s not traditional slime, but it’s fun and safe for younger kids.
Water Slime Recipe with Borax
Water slime feels jelly-like and squishy. It’s more liquidy, so don’t expect the same stretch.
Steps:
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Mix 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup clear glue
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Add 1/2 tsp borax in warm water
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Stir until it gels slightly
This water slime recipe with borax is great for sensory bins and stress relief.
Non-Sticky Slime Recipe with Borax
Sticky slime is a common issue, but easily fixed.
Solutions:
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Add activator slowly
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Knead with oiled hands
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Use glycerin or baby oil in your recipe
This trick turns any base into a non sticky slime recipe with borax that’s easy to play with and store.
Best Slime Recipe with Borax: EmoSlimes’ Method
From the popular Reddit thread in r/Slime, here’s a pro tip:
Use 24 oz glue + 1 tbsp glycerin + 8 oz water. Mix activator slowly: 1.5 tsp borax in 1 cup warm water, then cool.
It’s smooth, professional-grade, and a contender for the best slime recipe with borax if you’re starting a slime shop or just want top-tier quality.
Slime Activator Recipe with Borax
Here’s a quick activator guide you can reference for every recipe:
| Activator Type | Ingredients | How to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Borax Solution | 1 tsp borax + 1 cup warm water | Add 1 tbsp at a time to glue |
| Contact Lens | Must contain boric acid | Add drops slowly |
| Combo Activator | 1 tsp borax + 1 tbsp baking soda + water | Good for fluffy slimes |
This slime activator recipe with borax gives you full control over consistency.
Slime Recipe with Borax Printable (Free Download)
Want to save these recipes? You can create your own slime recipe with borax printable by compiling the recipes above into a Word or PDF document. Print it for your next craft day, classroom activity, or slime party.
Tip: Include notes on textures, stretchiness, and custom add-ins so kids (or you) can make the perfect slime every time.
Conclusion
Slime-making is more than a hobby—it’s a science experiment, stress reliever, and creative outlet all rolled into one. Whether you’re trying a fluffy slime recipe with borax, a crystal-clear version, or something stretchy enough to pull across the room, the right activator and ingredients make all the difference.
This guide included everything from a slime recipe with borax and white glue to a slime recipe with borax without glue, so there’s truly something for every slime fan.
Now it’s your turn. Try one of these recipes and share your creations—or tweak the textures to invent your own version. Want more printable slime guides or troubleshooting tips? Drop a comment below and let’s get sliming.