How to make dish soap slime
Make stretchy dish soap slime by mixing dish soap, cornstarch, and water, then stirring and kneading to explore textures and safe chemistry.
About this activity
Make stretchy dish soap slime by mixing dish soap, cornstarch, and water, then stirring and kneading to explore textures and safe chemistry.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Wash your hands with soap and water so they are clean before you start.
- 2
Step 2
Lay a tray or mat on the table to protect the surface.
- 3
Step 3
Place your mixing bowl and spoon on the mat so everything is ready.
- 4
Step 4
Measure 1 cup of cornstarch and pour it into the mixing bowl.
- 5
Step 5
Measure 1/2 cup of dish soap and pour it into the bowl with the cornstarch.
- 6
Step 6
Add 2–3 drops of food coloring to the bowl if you want colored slime.
- 7
Step 7
Stir the mixture slowly with the spoon until it becomes thick and hard to stir.
- 8
Step 8
If the mixture is crumbly add 1 tablespoon of water and stir; if it is sticky add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and stir.
- 9
Step 9
Use your hands to knead the mixture for 1–2 minutes until it feels smooth and stretchy.
- 10
Step 10
Stretch the slime slowly to see how far it goes and poke it to explore its texture.
- 11
Step 11
Put your slime into an airtight container to keep it fresh when you are done playing.
- 12
Step 12
Wash your hands with soap and water after handling the slime.
- 13
Step 13
Take a photo or write about your stretchy dish soap slime and share your finished creation on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do you make dish soap slime?
To make dish soap slime, pour about 1/2 cup dish soap into a bowl, add 1 cup cornstarch, then mix. Add water a tablespoon at a time (about 1–2 tbsp) until mixture can be stirred; then knead with clean hands until stretchy and not sticky. If too dry, add a little water; if too sticky, add more cornstarch. Allow an adult to supervise and adjust small amounts for texture.
What materials do I need for dish soap slime?
You'll need dish soap (a non-concentrated, mild variety), cornstarch, and water. Also gather a mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, a mixing spoon, and a washable surface or tray. Optional: food coloring, glitter, small containers for storage, and damp wipes for quick cleanup. Keep a towel and a sink nearby for washing hands and tools after play.
What ages is this dish soap slime activity suitable for?
This dish soap slime activity suits children ages about 4 and up. Preschoolers (4–5) will enjoy sensory exploration but need close adult supervision to prevent tasting. Children 6–10 can mix and knead with more independence. Younger toddlers are not recommended because ingredients can be messy and pose an ingestion risk. Always supervise, adapt explanations to age, and allow older children to help with measuring and cleaning.
What are the safety tips for making and playing with dish soap slime?
Safety tips: use non-toxic dish soap and avoid concentrated industrial formulas. Keep slime away from mouths and eyes; discourage tasting. Do a small skin patch test before extended play, and stop use if irritation occurs. Play on washable surfaces and wear clothes you don't mind getting messy. Wash hands thoroughly after play and store slime in a sealed container for short-term use; discard if it smells bad or grows mold. Supervise all children.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have cornstarch, dish soap, or food coloring?
If you can't find cornstarch try cornflour (same ingredient in many countries), use a thick gel hand soap or liquid castile soap instead of dish soap, and substitute washable paint or colored toothpaste for the 2–3 drops of food coloring while storing the slime in any clean plastic container if you don't have an airtight one.
My mixture is either crumbly or too sticky—what should I do?
Follow the instructions' troubleshooting: if the mixture is crumbly add 1 tablespoon of water and stir, and if it's sticky add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, then knead the mixture for 1–2 minutes until it feels smooth and stretchy.
How can I adapt this activity for younger or older kids?
For preschoolers, have an adult pre-measure the 1 cup cornstarch and 1/2 cup dish soap and supervise kneading and hand-washing, while older kids can safely experiment with extra food coloring drops, different soap brands, or ratio changes and record results to share on DIY.org.
How can we make the slime more special or extend the activity?
Personalize the slime by adding glitter, sequins, or a drop of scented oil when you add the food coloring, press small safe toys into the slime during the stretching step, and keep the finished slime in the airtight container before photographing and sharing your creation.