How to Make Slime Without Glue

Published June 19, 2025
Slime has become a popular DIY activity. Read on to learn how to make slime without glue. Get a slime recipe using glue alternates such as cornstarch, shampoo and liquid starch. Plus, find out how to make slime without an activator such as borax.
Tip: Always wash your hands before and after making slime.
Table of Contents
Ingredients and Tools
Mix Ingredients
Knead Slime
Other Glueless Slime Recipes
Playing With Glueless Slime and Other Tips
Ingredients and Tools

There are several simple products you can use to make glueless slime. For the budget-friendly slime recipe below, you'll only need two ingredients.
- Cornstarch
- Thick, gel shampoo
- Water
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
- Food coloring or watercolors (optional)
- Glitter or confetti (optional)
Mix Ingredients

In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup of thick, gel shampoo with 1 1/2 cup of cornstarch. Mix the ingredients together until the cornstarch dissolves and forms a thick, smooth paste. If the mixture is too runny, add more cornstarch. If it is too thick, add a teaspoon of cool water until it is right. Knead slime until it is stretchy.
Tip: If you wish, stir in your favorite color, glitter or confetti a little at a time.
Knead Slime

Knead the slime with your hands until it reaches the desired consistency. Have fun playing with your slime! You can stretch it, squish it, and let it flow through your fingers.
Tip: Create a scented slime by adding drops of essential oils during the kneading process.
Other Glueless Slime Recipes

Below are a few more slime recipes that show you how to make slime without glue.
Dish soap slime:
- Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of salt into a bowl. Add 1/4 cup of water and stir until salt is dissolved. Pour in 1 1/2 cups of dish soap. Mix very well. Cover the mixture. Let it rest for 2 or 3 days or until it gels and you can roll it into a ball.
Stretchy, liquid starch slime:
- Add 1/2 cup of liquid starch to a mixing bowl. Add a few drops of food coloring. Slowly mix the liquid starch with a spoon until it is smooth and gooey. Keep mixing until the slime is stretchy. If your slime is too sticky, keep adding more laundry detergent.
Fluffy, laundry detergent slime:
- Pour 1/2 cup of liquid laundry detergent into a bowl and stir until it has a slime-like, stretchy texture. Continue adding detergent and mixing until the slime has the consistency you want. Gradually stir in 1-2 tablespoons of shaving cream until the slime has the fluffiness you want.
Tip: When making slime from detergent, experiment with different detergent types and scents.
Playing With Glueless Slime and Other Tips

- Play with your slime on a tray or plastic tablecloth.
- Always supervise children playing with slime.
- Cut your slime with cookie cutters to make jiggly shapes.
- Use a plastic straw to blow bubbles into your slime.
- If the slime dries out, try adding a little liquid and knead. Repeat until the slime is the right consistency again.
- Experiment with different glitter colors to add sparkle to your slime.
- Use colorful confetti to give your slime a different look.
- Add foam beads to create a crunchy, slime texture.
- Store your slime in an airtight container so it stays moist.
Making glueless slime is a fun activity everyone can enjoy. Knowing how to make slime without glue can be budget friendly too. Be creative with your add-ins such as colors and glitter. Ready to make up a big batch of glueless slime? Find products fast with image search in The Home Depot Mobile App. Snap a picture of an item you like and we'll show you similar products.