How to Make Slime with Contact Lens Solution

First introduced by Mattel in the 1970s, slime was originally sold as a toy in small plastic containers. Its appeal grew over time because of its unique texture and variety of ways of playing with it.

One of the easiest ways to make slime with contact lens solution is by using a few simple ingredients you may already have at home. Read on to learn what slime is, how it works and how you can make it at home using contact lens solutions and some simple household items.

What is slime?

Slime is a soft, stretchy material made by combining PVA glue with an activating ingredient. On its own, glue has a smooth and runny consistency. However, once an activator is added, its texture changes to form a gel like material.

The science behind using contact lens solutions for making slime

Many contact lens solutions contain ingredients such as boric acid or borates, which act as an activating agent. When combined with glue, these ingredients cause the glue molecules to link together in a process called cross-linking. This is what changes the mixture from a liquid to a flexible, stretchable material. As a result, the slime can stretch and stay intact without breaking easily.

How to make slime at home?

The process of making slime at home is easy and straightforward. You only need a few ingredients and the method is simple to follow.

List of ingredients

• ½ cup white PVA glue
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1-2 tablespoons contact lens solution (containing boric acid or borates)
• Food colouring (optional)
• Glitter or beads (optional)

Step-by-step method to make DIY slime at home

To make slime at home, follow these steps:

1. Pour the glue into a clean bowl
2. If you want, add a few drops of food colouring and mix until the colour is evenly combined. You can also add glitter or beads for added texture
3. Next, add baking soda and stir thoroughly till fully combined and you achieve a smooth consistency
4. Once everything is mixed, add the contact lens solution and stir continuously. The mixture will begin to thicken and start to pull away from the sides of the bowl
5. Once it becomes difficult to stir, knead the mixture gently with your hands until it forms a smooth and stretchy texture
6. If the slime feels sticky, add a small amount of contact lens solution and continue kneading until it is smooth

You can also customise this recipe by adding shaving cream to create variations such as fluffy slime.

Safety note: Avoid contact with eyes when handling slime or its ingredients and wash your hands thoroughly after use. Adult supervision is recommended for younger children.

Different ways to play with slime

Slime can be used in a variety of simple and engaging ways. You can:

• Stretch and pull to explore its elasticity
• Fold and twist to create different shapes
• Press or poke to create textures
• Add beads, glitter or charms to change the texture
• Press letters or shapes into the slime to create patterns
• Hide small objects within the slime for a search-and-find activity

These variations can make the activity more engaging, especially for younger children, but ensure any small objects used are age-appropriate to avoid choking hazards.

Benefits of slime

In addition to being enjoyable, slime offers several benefits, such as:

• Helps promote relaxation through repetitive hand movements
• Supports sensory play and tactile development
• Helps improve focus and hand coordination
• Encourages creativity through colour and texture changes
• Provides a simple hands-on way to take a break from screens
• Can offer a short period of quiet, focused activity, helping reduce restlessness

Precautions: Things to keep in mind

Although a fun and easy activity, it is important to be mindful of basic safety precautions while playing with slime, such as:

• Avoid getting slime near your eyes
• Wash your hands before and after playing with slime
• Do not eat slime
• Ensure children are supervised during use
• Store slime in an airtight container to maintain its texture and prevent it from drying out

Disclaimer: The advice in this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical care or an in-person check-up. Please check with an eyecare professional before purchasing any products or remedies. For information on our article review process, please refer to our Editorial Policy.