How to make dish soap slime
Chemistry
Quick
Make stretchy, glossy dish soap slime using safe household ingredients. Measure, mix, and test textures while learning chemistry basics and cleanup tips. Download the PDF for complete instructions.
Step-by-step guide to make dish soap slime
Step 1
Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them so your slime stays clean.
Step 2
Clear a small workspace and place a paper towel underneath to catch spills.
Step 3
Pour 1/2 cup of dish soap into the mixing bowl using the measuring cup.
Step 4
Scoop 1/4 cup of cornstarch and add it to the bowl.
Step 5
Stir the mixture slowly for about 30 seconds until it looks smoother and a little thicker.
Step 6
Pinch a tiny bit between two fingers to check if it stretches or sticks to your skin.
Step 7
If the slime feels too sticky add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the bowl.
Step 8
Stir again for 15 seconds after adding cornstarch to see how the texture changes.
Step 9
If the slime feels too stiff add 1 teaspoon of dish soap to the bowl.
Step 10
Stir for 15 seconds after adding dish soap to loosen the texture.
Step 11
Add one drop of food coloring or a pinch of glitter if you want color or sparkle.
Step 12
Stir gently for 10 seconds to spread the color or glitter.
Step 13
Use clean hands to knead the mixture for about one minute until it becomes glossy and stretchy.
Step 14
Rinse the bowl and spoon under warm water and wipe the table with a paper towel to clean up.
Step 15
Take a photo or write about your stretchy glossy dish soap slime and share your finished creation on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can I use if I don’t have cornstarch or dish soap?
If you don’t have cornstarch, substitute arrowroot powder measured as the same 1/4 cup, and if you’re out of dish soap use a thick liquid hand soap in place of the 1/2 cup while following the same pouring and stirring steps.
My slime is still sticky after stirring and the pinch test; what should I try?
Follow the instructions to add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch at a time, stir for 15 seconds after each addition, and then knead the mixture for about one minute until the slime stops sticking to your skin.
How can I adapt this activity for younger kids or older kids?
For younger children have an adult pre-measure the 1/2 cup dish soap and 1/4 cup cornstarch and guide them through the stirring, pinch test, and one-minute kneading, while older kids can experiment by changing cornstarch or dish soap amounts and recording which ratios make the glossiest, stretchiest slime.
How can we make the slime more interesting or keep it longer?
To personalize and preserve the glossy slime, add a drop of vanilla extract or one drop of food coloring and a pinch of glitter when instructed, knead in tiny craft beads during the one-minute kneading for texture, and store the finished slime in an airtight container before photographing it to share on DIY.org.
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Facts about kitchen chemistry for kids
🌽 Cornstarch can make a fun non-Newtonian mixture (oobleck) that acts like a solid when you hit it and a liquid when you slowly stir it.
🧼 Dishwashing liquid contains surfactants that cut grease and help make slime glossy and smooth.
🧴 Many kid-friendly slime recipes skip borax and use gentle household ingredients like dish soap and cornstarch for safe play.
🧪 Slime gets its squishy stretch from polymers—long molecules that slide past each other to make stretchy goo.
💧 Surface tension and the way liquids mix affect how shiny and smooth your slime turns out—slow mixing can make it glossier.
How do I make dish soap slime?
What materials do I need for dish soap slime?
What ages is this dish soap slime activity suitable for?
What are the safety and cleanup tips for dish soap slime?
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