How to Soften Slime

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Last Updated: December 2, 2024 Fact Checked

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Slime is stretchy and glossy in all the right ways. It's perfect for stress relief, but if you've pulled your slime out of its container only to find it's hard as a rock, don't worry. Fortunately, we have a few tricks up your sleeve that you can use to turn your slime soft again.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using Simple Methods to Soften Slime

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1
Add a bit of water. Sounds too simple, right? It's true, some slimes can be revived this way. Put the slime in a bowl, and add a small amount of water to it. You likely won't need more than spoonful. Then just knead away until the slime softens.^{[1]
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- Remember, water can make or break your slime. Make sure you only add a little bit of water if you don't want jiggly slime.
2
Mix in some hand sanitizer or antibacterial gel. Another way to soften slime is to add a drop or two of hand sanitizer. The brand doesn't matter, just make sure you like the scent. Place the slime in a bowl, and just drip the gel in. Use your fingers to fold the hand sanitizer into your slime until it's a desirable consistency. Bonus, now your slime will be bacteria-free and smell great (for a while, anyway).^{[2]
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- You can add more gel if it doesn't soften on the first try.
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Lotion keeps your skin nice and soft, and it can do the same for your slime. Go figure! Just put a spoonful or two in a bowl (four or five pumps if your lotion comes with a pump). Throw the slime into a bowl with your lotion and poke it with your fingers. Once your slime is covered in the lotion, you can take it out and knead it until it's soft.^{[3]
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4
Add more glue. If you used a recipe that called for glue plus Borax, laundry detergent, contact lens solution, or liquid starch, adding a bit more glue can help the situation. Add a spoonful or so at a time, and knead it in to soften it.^{[4]
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- Be sure you match the type of glue you add with the glue you made your slime with. For example, don't add white glue to clear slime.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Moisturizing Slime by Heating

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Pour some warm water into a bowl, and place the slime in it. You can mix it around with your hands a bit. Keep it in the water for a minute or so. It may seem like it's coming apart, but it will still be fine.^{[5]
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Pull the slime out of the water, and squeeze it. You don't want all that water to come with the slime. Put it in a microwave-safe bowl and stick it in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Let it sit outside of the microwave for about a minute so you don't burn your fingers. No slime is worth burnt fingers.^{[6]
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3
Add some lotion for extra softening power. Squirt in a spoonful or two of lotion. It doesn't matter what kind. If you use a good-smelling one, then your slime will smell good, too. Use your hands to mix the lotion in. High-five! You've fixed your slime.^{[7]
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- If it looks too runny at the end, add a dash of activator. Activator is just whatever you used to make the slime in the first place, such as half a teaspoon of Borax dissolved in a glass of water.

Community Q&A

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Question

My friend said my slime is getting hard because I played with it too much, is this true?

Community Answer

Yes. I fix this by putting it into the microwave for about 5 seconds, then adding lotion. If it's sticky, add a little bit of activator.

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Will the slime release any harmful fumes when I heat it in a microwave?

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No, not at all.

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Will the slime make noises in the microwave?

Community Answer

It shouldn't if you leave it in for just 10 seconds and make sure you add water.

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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.

Let your slime dry out completely into a solid puck first before attempting to rehydrate and soften it. Very firm slime absorbs moisture better.
Knead softened slime vigorously with your hands to evenly distribute any added water, lotions or sanitizers throughout the entire batch.
Store reconditioned slime in an airtight plastic bag or container to lock in moisture and prevent it from drying out again quickly.
To avoid over-softening in the microwave, only heat problem slime for 5-7 seconds at a time, testing consistency after each burst.
If your slime feels too sticky after adding moisture, sprinkle in a pinch of baking soda and knead to absorb the excess.
Adding a drop of glycerin purchased from a craft store can help revive especially stubborn slime texture issues.

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