How to Fix Watery Slime

Reviewed by Amy Guerrero

Last Updated: November 3, 2023 Fact Checked

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Making homemade slime is a fun way to explore both art and science from your own kitchen. However, it can be frustrating when you make homemade slime that isn’t the right consistency, as it’s easy to make slime too runny or solid. To fix watery slime and to make it thicker, you can add thickening agents such as borax, glue, or cornstarch depending on the type of slime that you have made. You can also use alternative solutions such as draining the excess liquid out of the container, kneading the slime further, or adding baking soda if it’s made with saline solution.

Things You Should Know

Add a thickening agent like clear glue if your slime is made with liquid starch. If your slime has a saline solution base, use backing soda to thicken it.
Stir in more cornstarch to thicken slime made with cornstarch, more borax for Borax slime, and add a small handful of shaving cream to fluffy slime.
Pour out excess liquid in the container to thicken slime. Knead it for 5 minutes if it’s made with glue, or freeze shampoo slime for up to 10 minutes.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Adding Thickening Agents

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1
Add ¼ cup (60 ml) of clear glue if the slime is made with liquid starch. Measure out the clear glue, and place it directly into the bowl of slime. Use a spoon to mix it into the slime thoroughly, and once it starts to hold together, take the slime out and knead it. After 2-3 minutes, the slime should no longer be runny.^{[1]
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- If ¼ cup (60 ml) of clear glue isn’t enough to thicken the slime, add another ¼ cup (60 ml) of clear glue and stir the mixture again. It should change to a thicker consistency.
- If you have the time, leave the slime in a sealed bag overnight once you have added the clear glue. This will help it to gel together.
2
Use baking soda to thicken slime that is made with saline solution. Add an extra ¼ tsp (1 g) of baking soda to the slime if you have made it with clear glue. If you have used white glue, add an extra ½ tsp (2 g) of baking soda. Use a spoon to mix the extra baking soda into the slime and then knead it for 2-3 minutes. Add more baking soda if the slime is still too watery.^{[2]
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- Baking soda is a necessary ingredient for making slime with saline solution, as it helps to thicken the mixture.
- Be careful not to add too much baking soda at once, as this can make the slime hard.
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Place an extra ½ tsp (3.1 g) of cornstarch into the bowl with the slime. Mix it in using a spoon.^{[3]
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When making cornstarch and dish soap slime, the dish soap is used to make the slime flexible, while the cornstarch helps to make the slime firm and less runny.
4
Include more cornstarch to thicken cornstarch and glue slime. Use around 1 tsp (6.2 g) of extra cornstarch, and stir it into the slime. Cornstarch and glue slime can take a while to combine properly, so keep mixing for up to 5 minutes.^{[4]
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- If it doesn't thicken, continue adding small amounts of cornstarch to the slime and then mixing it in. However, be careful not to add too much cornstarch at once, otherwise, the slime can turn hard.
5
Add 1 small handful of shaving cream if you are thickening fluffy slime. If you have kneaded the slime and it is still runny or thin, add extra shaving cream. Simply add the extra shaving cream to the center of the slime, and knead it in.^{[5]
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- Keep adding shaving cream until the slime reaches your preferred consistency.
Get the extra Borax, and place it into the bowl with the slime. Use a spoon to thoroughly stir it into the slime. Keep adding ¼ tbsp (0.43 g) of borax at a time until there is no excess liquid left'^{[6]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using Alternative Solutions

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1
Pour out any excess liquid from the container. Place the slime back into the bowl or container, and gently tilt it over the sink. Pour out as much excess liquid as possible. Drain the water slowly, and wait until there is no more excess liquid.^{[7]
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- Hold the slime back with your hand, or press a plate over the bowl or container as you are draining it to prevent the slime from falling out. Leave a tiny gap so that the liquid can get through.
- You can remove the excess liquid from any type of slime, and this should help to make it slightly less watery. It’s a good idea to remove the excess liquid before you begin trying to thicken the slime.
2
Knead the slime for approximately 5 minutes if it contains glue. Place the slime on a clean work surface. See if it becomes less watery as you knead it. Also try working the slime in your hands to remove some excess moisture.^{[8]
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- Many types of slime, such as Borax, liquid starch, and saline solution, all contain either clear or white glue. These types of slime change in consistency as you knead them, and normally become less runny and thicker as you knead.
3
Freeze the slime for up to 10 minutes if it contains shampoo or soap. Place the slime into an airtight container. Keep the slime in the freezer for approximately 5-10 minutes, or until it has thickened sufficiently.^{[9]
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- Alternatively, store the slime in a Ziplock bag rather than an airtight container.

Community Q&A

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Question

I do not have cornstarch, shaving foam, contact solution or detergent. What can I do?

LunarEclipse

Community Answer

Alternatively, you could use eye drops, dish detergent, liquid starch or -- as a last resort -- flour.

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Question

I just bought slime from the store and when I opened it, it was sticky and kind of melted. I am 12 and so cannot buy slime activator. What can I do?

LunarEclipse

Community Answer

Try laundry detergent! Most detergents will have borax, and I'm assuming you have laundry detergent at your house. If you're okay with it turning a bit blue/whatever color your detergent is, then it'll work!

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I made my slime with shampoo, but it isn't thick enough. What should I do?

Community Answer

Try adding a small pinch of salt or two and mix until it looks like jelly. Put it in the freezer and check it every 5 minutes until it's not watery anymore.

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Tips

NEVER put water in slime that is not made with water.

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If you accidentally spill the slime on clothing or on the carpet, dab it with vinegar and this will help to dissolve the slime.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

If you accidentally spill the slime on clothing or carpet, try dabbing it with vinegar to dissolve the slime.
Try to avoid putting more than 2 or 3 drops of coloring in the slime or it may stain your hands.

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Warnings

Always wash your hands after touching slime.

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Wear gloves if you are making slime with borax, liquid starch, or saline solution and you have sensitive skin. All of these ingredients contain boron, which can be a skin irritant.^{[10]
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