Free tool · no sign-up

Slime Fixer: What Went Wrong, and How to Save It

Too sticky, runny, hard, dry, full of bubbles? Pick the problem: the Slime Fixer explains the cause and gives you the steps to save your slime.

What’s the problem?

Tap the problem that looks like yours.

Every problem and how to fix it

A slime fail is almost never a lost cause. Most problems come down to the amount of activator: too little and it’s sticky; too much and it snaps. Here are the twelve most common problems, with the cause and what to do to save your slime.

It sticks to my fingers

Why: Not enough activator yet, or not kneaded enough. Almost every slime is sticky for the first minute.

  1. Knead for a good minute before deciding.
  2. Add ¼ teaspoon of contact lens solution, knead, and repeat if needed.
  3. Rub a tiny bit of oil or hand lotion on your hands to handle it.

Next time: Always add the activator a little at a time: you can add more, but you can never take it out.

The basic recipe, step by step

It’s still runny and won’t set

Why: The baking soda was forgotten, or the contact lens solution contains neither boric acid nor sodium borate. Some glues (glue sticks, super glue, “PVA-free” glue) don’t react.

  1. Check the label on the solution: it needs boric acid AND sodium borate.
  2. Add the ½ teaspoon of baking soda if it’s missing.
  3. Check the glue: it should be white or clear PVA glue.

Next time: A plain saline “rinse” without borate will never make glue set.

The right ingredients

It’s hard, rubbery and breaks

Why: Too much activator: there are too many bridges between the glue chains.

  1. Soak it in a bowl of warm water for 1 to 2 minutes, then knead.
  2. Add a teaspoon of glue and knead for a long time.
  3. A dab of hand lotion softens it too.

Next time: Stop adding activator as soon as the slime pulls away from the bowl.

Check the amounts again

It won’t stretch, it tears

Why: Slightly over-activated, too cold, or a little dry.

  1. Warm it up in your hands for a few minutes.
  2. Add a few drops of warm water and knead.
  3. A small spoonful of glue brings back its stretch.

Next time: Keep it in an airtight container so it doesn’t dry out.

A super-stretchy slime

It’s too soft, it spreads and melts

Why: Slime that gets old or warm (sun, a pocket) loses its hold. Or there was barely enough activator.

  1. Add a few drops of contact lens solution and knead.
  2. Put it in the fridge for 15 minutes (not the freezer) before playing.

Next time: Store it in the shade, away from heaters.

The go-to basic recipe

It dried out and has a crust

Why: The container wasn’t closed, or the slime was left out in the air.

  1. Peel off the crust if it’s thick.
  2. Add a few drops of warm water and knead for a long time.
  3. A dab of hand lotion helps rehydrate it.

Next time: An airtight container, every time.

Butter slime, the one that dries out fastest

It’s cloudy and full of bubbles

Why: Air bubbles got trapped while mixing. That’s normal for a freshly made clear slime.

  1. Close it in a container and let it rest for 1 to 3 days without touching it.
  2. Mix slowly next time.

Next time: Stir the glue and water gently.

Clear slime

It smells bad or has spots

Why: Mold or bacteria: unwashed hands, slime that’s too old or too wet, food ingredients.

  1. Don’t try to save it: throw it in the trash.
  2. Wash the container in hot, soapy water before using it again.

Next time: Clean hands before playing, a clean container, and remember that slime doesn’t keep for months.

Make a fresh batch

It’s losing its glitter or beads

Why: The add-ins went into slime that was already activated, or there are too many.

  1. Fold the slime over the add-ins several times to trap them.
  2. Take out some of the beads if there are too many.

Next time: Mix glitter and beads into the liquid glue, before the activator.

Glitter slime

My fluffy slime went flat

Why: The shaving cream bubbles pop over time: that’s normal.

  1. Enjoy it as a regular slime.
  2. To get it puffy again, you have to make a new one: adding shaving cream to slime that’s already activated makes it sticky.

Next time: Make fluffy slime on the day you want to play with it.

Fluffy slime

It stains my hands

Why: Too much coloring, or a coloring that isn’t washable.

  1. Wash your hands with soap and water.
  2. Next time, one or two drops are enough, or use washable paint.

Next time: Add the coloring to the glue, before the activator, and go easy on it.

Color ideas

It’s stuck on clothes, carpet or hair

Why: Slime clings to fibers.

  1. Don’t rub it while it’s dry: first remove as much as you can.
  2. Follow our step-by-step guide for each surface.

Next time: Play at a table, on a tray.

Get slime out of clothes, hair or the couch

Always try this first

Before fixing anything, knead for a good minute: lots of “failed” slimes just haven’t been worked enough yet. Then add fixes in small amounts, one at a time, and wait to see what happens. If nothing works, start over with the basic recipe and the Slime Quantity Calculator.

Slime Quantity CalculatorSlime Idea GeneratorDaily Slime ChallengeSlimer’s LogbookFair Trade Calculator (W, F or L)