How to Make Water Slime

A Crystal-Clear Slime Recipe That’s Cold, Jiggly, and Fun to Play With

To make water slime, mix ½ cup of clear glue with 3½ cups of water. Prepare an activator using 1 cup of water mixed with 2 tablespoons of borax powder—this is key, as regular slime activators won't work. Stir everything together and place it in the fridge for 3 hours. Once chilled, your clear, wobbly water slime is ready to play with.

➣ ½ cup clear school glue

➣ 3½ cups of water

➣ 1 cup of warm water

➣ 2 tablespoons of borax powder

➣ Food coloring or glitter for fun effects

➣ A sealed container for storage

➣ Mix Glue and Water In a large bowl, combine ½ cup of clear glue with 3½ cups of water. Stir well until fully blended.

➣ Prepare the Activator In a separate container, mix 1 cup of warm water with 2 tablespoons of borax powder. Stir until the powder is fully dissolved. This mixture is your slime activator.

➣ Combine Slowly add the activator to your glue mixture, stirring continuously. The slime will begin to form right away. Keep mixing until it thickens and pulls away from the bowl.

➣ Chill Place your finished slime in a sealed container and refrigerate it for 3 hours. This helps it firm up and gives it that cool, “watery” texture.

➣ Play! Once chilled, take out your slime and enjoy. It should be stretchy, clear, and cold—just like water slime should be!

This slime recipe only works with a strong, homemade borax activator. Off-the-shelf activators may be too weak to set the glue-water mixture properly. The high water content makes this recipe different from regular slime—so using the correct activator is essential for success.

➣ Store your water slime in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh.

➣ It can last up to a week if stored properly.

➣ If it starts to get cloudy or sticky, it’s time to make a fresh batch.

This recipe contains borax, which should be handled with care. It’s safe for older children with supervision but not recommended for toddlers or children who may put slime in their mouths. Always wash hands after playing with slime.

Q: Can I use white glue instead of clear glue? A: No. Clear glue is essential for that watery, translucent effect.

Q: Can I skip the fridge step? A: Chilling the slime gives it the water-like feel and helps it firm up. Skipping this step will result in a runnier texture.

Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Yes, just maintain the same ratios for the glue, water, and activator.

Q: Is borax safe? A: In small, diluted amounts and with proper supervision, borax is generally safe for crafting. However, always store it out of reach of young children and avoid ingestion.

Water slime is a mesmerizing and satisfying craft that’s perfect for sensory play, stress relief, or just a rainy afternoon project. With the right mix of glue, water, and a borax-based activator, you can create your own clear, cold, and stretchy slime at home. Don’t forget to refrigerate it for that perfect texture!