How to Store Slime

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Last Updated: November 3, 2023 Tested

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Making your own slime is the perfect do-it-yourself afternoon project. You can make it from simple ingredients, and then you can play with it for hours. Of course, after making it, you want to keep it fresh, and the best way to do that is to put it in something airtight and stick in the fridge. When it does go bad, you'll want to toss it in the trash.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Using a Ziplock Bag

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A simple ziplock bag from the kitchen will suffice for storing your slime. Pick one that's just big enough to hold your slime. You don't want one that's too big, as you want as little air in the bag as possible.^{[1]
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Zip up the bag partway, and then squeeze out as much of the air in the bag as you can. Air will cause your slime to dry out, so getting it out will help preserve your slime.

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Once you have as much air out as you can, zip the bag up tight. Go over the zipper again to ensure it's fully closed. Keep in mind the slime may stick to the bag.
Sticking the bag in the refrigerator will help preserve the slime. The slime can grow bacteria and/ or mold , which will make the slime gross, but the refrigerator can slow that process down.^{[2]
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Research source} Keep in mind that some slimes get hard when you refrigerate them, though.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Keeping Slime in an Airtight Container

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Pick a container just large enough to hold your slime. You don't want your slime to dry out, so air is your enemy. Go for a container that just barely holds your slime. It can also help to tuck some plastic wrap on top of the slime to keep it from drying out. Press the plastic wrap onto the slime.
- A plastic food container will work just fine.
Close up the container tightly, making sure it's sealed all the way around. You can also use a screw-top container or jar. You want to keep that air out as best you can!^{[3]
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The best place to keep your slime is in the refrigerator. The cold will help slow down the growth of bacteria, mold, and other yucky stuff.^{[4]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Keeping Your Slime Fresh

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If your slime lands somewhere gross, such as in the dirt, you'll likely need to toss it. It's best to just keep it away from these areas to help preserve it.
The bacteria on your hands can increase the chances of nasty stuff growing on your slime. Try washing your hands thoroughly before playing with your slime. Use soap and warm water, and be sure to scrub for 20 seconds. But if your slime is a softer watery slime, scrub for 5-10 second or it will become runny and too sticky to touch. You may also leave your dirty slime in a bowl of warm water for 10 minutes (not hot or it could melt your slime).
Add water to dry slime. If your slime has dried out a bit, you can put it in a bowl and add some water. Mix it together with your hands until it softens. You can also use a drop or two of antibacterial gel in place of the water.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Disposing of Slime

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Your slime won't last terribly long, usually a week or less. Make sure you play with it before it goes bad, and check on it in a week to see if it has.^{[5]
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If your slime starts growing anything, it's time to toss it out. It might grow white or blue fuzz on top of it, which is mold. If you see it, just think of it as a sign to make new slime.^{[6]
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If you notice your slime is getting grungy, it's time to toss it. You may notice it's a different color or that it smells funny. It's also time to toss it if you accidentally drop it somewhere gross.
You might be tempted to throw slime down the drain because it seems liquidy. However, it's much better to toss it in the trash, as it can clog up the drain.^{[7]
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Community Q&A

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Question

What is the maximum amount of time that my slime can last?

Community Answer

As long as it is stored in an airtight container, it should last for a few weeks to a few months.

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Question

Do you need to refrigerate slime?

Community Answer

No, you don't have to refrigerate slime. In fact, many people found that their slime lasts longer outside of the fridge, as long as they seal the baggie tightly. Keeping the slime in the fridge will help prevent mold and bacterial-growth, however.

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Question

Is there any way to store slime without putting it in a refrigerator?

Community Answer

Yes. The best way to store slime is by putting it in an airtight container. It is not mandatory to refrigerate if you put in an airtight container.

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