How to soften slime? What to add to slime so that it stretches and does not tear if it dries out

Slime can harden for various reasons. A change in slime density occurs due to improper use or expiration date. There are several ways to soften slime at home.

For this purpose, it is not necessary to use special thickeners; sometimes improvised means, which are found in almost every home, are sufficient.

Why is this necessary?

Slime is a popular toy for relieving stress. It is a jelly-like viscous composition characterized by the properties of a non-Newtonian fluid. If the consistency of the toy changes, the slime begins to knead poorly, breaks, and does not stretch. Therefore, slimers strive to correct the situation using available methods.

There are various ways to soften slime at home so that it becomes normal and clicks. The procedure is performed with or without applying heat to the slime. The following can act as a softener:

water;
toothpaste;
hand gel;
lotion;
vegetable oil;
PVA glue.

Why does slime harden?

Slime is a jelly-like toy that contains an activator and a thickener. The second component acts as a gelling agent, which reacts with water and holds it inside the slime. Improper care and storage lead to moisture evaporation, which causes:

volume reduction;
decreased elasticity;
petrification.

When creating any slime, a thickener must be used. Its molecules are curled into balls. But when they get into water, they unwind due to solvation - electrostatic interaction between the components of the solvent and the solute. As a result, the mobility of water molecules is limited and the viscosity of liquids increases.

If moisture evaporates over time, the density of the slime increases, but its elasticity, on the contrary, decreases. To check the degree of “dehydration” of the toy, you need to stretch it. If the mass does not stretch or breaks, it needs to be softened. Depending on the recipe, the following are used for these purposes:

warm or hot water;
shower gel;
office glue;
hand cream;
body lotion;
dishwashing liquid.

Factory-produced slimes are produced in special containers with liquids that prevent drying. Therefore, they become unusable much later than homemade slimes.

Toothpaste and Panthenol

If the slime breaks, you can soften the slime at home using toothpaste. The recipe is recommended for both manufactured and store-bought “anti-stress”.

2 g of toothpaste are squeezed onto the toy.
Lizun is warming up.
Panthenol spray is added to the mixture.
The mass continues to be actively kneaded.

It usually takes up to 10 minutes for the toy to regain the desired consistency. If necessary, add a little more toothpaste to it.

How to soften slime without toothpaste

If the slime does not stretch, but breaks, you can use other recipes. In addition to toothpaste, to soften slime that has dried, you can use lotion or hand cream from any manufacturer. It is effective to use only Panthenol spray. It is sprayed onto the mass (2-3 presses), then the toy is gently kneaded until it returns the required structure.

Exposure to heat. One way to make slime soft is to expose it to high temperatures. When heated, the structure of the slime changes, making it softer and regaining its ductility. Procedures should be carried out under adult supervision so that children do not get burned. If the slime does not stretch, then boiling water, a microwave oven, and other methods can be used.
No heat required. There are also quite a lot of ways to soften the slime without heating it. Both cosmetics and PVA glue, glycerin, etc. are used as auxiliary substances. It is important to maintain proportions so that the slime does not become liquid, which will only worsen the characteristics.

How to change slime

If the slime has dried out, you can fix the problem yourself. To do this, a number of interesting and original methods are used. Beforehand, study what you can and cannot use.

Exposure to heat

To restore, the slime can be warmed up a little. Exposure to heat should be short-lived. For example, holding the slime over a water bath for no more than 10-15 seconds, depending on the size, will make the slime softer.

Remember, the larger the toy, the longer it will take to warm up. Make sure that the slime does not spread and become liquid. Therefore, it is better to heat it in short sessions.

Change of structure

Under the influence of a higher temperature, the mass will be significantly softened. Hard slime will become more viscous and elastic.

Boiling water

How to restore slime using only hot water:

Pour 150-200 ml of boiling water into a deep bowl, preferably glass;
Immerse the dried slime in water and leave it covered;
It is advisable that the toy be in boiling water for at least seven to eight minutes.

Expert opinion
Svetlana

Slime expert

You need to take the toy in your hands for active kneading. The mass should still be warm - this way it will warm up much better. This method can be used when the slime has not yet completely dried.

In the microwave

Another method that will help if homemade or store-bought slime has thickened:

place the toy in a glass container with high sides;
pour in a little boiling water;
place the dishes in the microwave for 35-45 seconds.

Expert opinion

Svetlana

Slime expert

Remove any clear or colored slime that has dried out and knead it. This will help revive the toy and return it to its original appearance.

No heat

You can restore slime without the influence of heat. Changes can be achieved through additional components.

Boric acid

How to restore slime with this substance? Buy it at any pharmacy. Follow the following algorithm:

pour 50 to 100 ml of boiling water into a wide bowl and squeeze out a little regular toothpaste without granules or crystals;
mix the ingredients thoroughly - the slime at home will become softer if bubbles begin to form in the mass;
place the toy in the prepared solution and start stirring;
At first the mass will stick to the walls, but gradually, as it is mixed, it will turn into a fairly elastic lump;
add a few drops of boric acid and continue stirring.

Expert opinion

Irina Nikolayevna

Specialist in licks and slimes.

To make it soft after drying, you can use boric acid. Other components will not be as effective.

Shower gel

If the slime has dried out and deteriorated, you can use shower gel to restore it. You need to pour 100 ml of boiling water into a container and pour a little shower gel into it. Use a thick mixture and mix all ingredients thoroughly.

Immerse a toy that does not stretch into the solution and begin kneading by hand. This must be done before the composition softens. Place the mixture on a towel to drain off excess liquid. Additionally, you can introduce boric acid. The toy will not stick to the skin or fingers.

Dilution with lotion

Slime stretches well if it is elastic enough. If the slime has dried out, regular body lotion will help correct the situation. In addition, the tool will allow you to change and increase the size of the toy.

No more than 10 ml of the composition is enough, which is poured onto the surface and then kneaded. In a few minutes, jelly and any other store-bought slime will be restored.

Adding Body Cream

This is another answer to the question of how to restore slime if it has dried out. If the slime becomes hard, you can use liquid hand cream. Required:

squeeze at least 20 ml of the composition into the container;
add 10 ml of water;
Immerse the slime in the mixture for five minutes.

Knead the dried toy with your hands. But before that, lubricate your hands with cream. The texture of the slime, including the slime batter , will improve and become elastic.

Varnish remover

You can also use this remedy if the toy dries out and breaks. You need to pour about two ml of solution onto the slime and knead it. You need to add a little shaving foam and knead it with your fingers. This will return the slime to its original texture.

Shaving foam

How to change the structure of slime with this tool? Squeeze a little foam onto the sticky mass and knead thoroughly for several minutes. Due to the impact, the toy will become very soft and increase in size. Adding a small amount of boric acid will help avoid sticking to your hands.

Toothpaste and Panthenol

If the slime breaks, you can use a mixture of two ingredients. To do this you need:

Squeeze 2g of toothpaste onto the surface;
thoroughly, with light movements, knead the toy;
take Panthenol in the form of a spray and squeeze it onto the lump twice, then continue kneading.

After nine minutes, the jelly or even fluffy slime will acquire its lost shape and texture.

Antibacterial gel

How to make slime soft and elastic again? You can use any antibacterial gel.

Place the slime in a container, add a little product and mix the mixture with a spoon. Take the damaged toy in your hands and knead it intensively. This must be done until the slime becomes elastic.

Vegetable oil

When the slime has dried out and you need to very quickly, using gentle methods, return it to its normal state, you can use refined vegetable oil. Prepare flaxseed, olive or sunflower mixture for this.

You need to apply a few drops to the surface of the toy. The slime will become soft and elastic again. However, if it is very hardened or it is the crispy variety, oil alone is not enough.

PVA glue

The component is suitable for improving the condition of homemade or purchased slime. However, do not use it in large quantities - the toy will stick to your fingers.

How you can use the composition:

place the toy in a plastic bag, thick enough;
add a small amount of PVA glue;
Tie the bag and mix the mixture vigorously until it is homogeneous.

Expert opinion

Irina Nikolayevna

Specialist in licks and slimes.

Leave the slime in this state for five minutes, then untie the bag. Knead the toy. After this it will be ready for use. The method will help soften most slimes: ninja, cloud.

Do you often make slime?

Shower gel

An effective way of what to do if the slime has dried out is to use shower gel or thick shampoo. To thicken the slime you need to follow the algorithm:

Add 10 ml of thick consistency cosmetic product to half a glass of boiling water.
The mass is mixed well until it increases and softens.
The slime is removed from the liquid.
The toy is placed on a paper napkin to dry slightly.
5 ml of boric acid is added to the mass and mixed well.

If everything is done correctly, the slime becomes viscous and elastic, and stops sticking to your hands. But if more ingredients are added than required, the mass will be too liquid. You can save the situation by combining a teaspoon with half a glass of water and pouring 15 ml of the mixture into the slime.

Boric acid

Slime can become hard when it contains a lot of liquid. Over time, it hardens and begins to release water. If the slime does not stretch, you can use boric acid to improve its properties. In this case you will need:

0.5 tsp. toothpaste (non-whitening);
50 ml hot water;
15 ml boric acid.

To make the slime soft, you need to mix hot water with toothpaste. The toy is lowered into the resulting composition. The mixture is thoroughly mixed. Initially, the mass will stick to the walls of the container, but will gradually begin to curl up. It is necessary to introduce boric acid into the composition and continue to stir. After a while, the slime will curl and the slime will again become soft and viscous. If this does not happen, then another 10 ml of boric acid can be added.

What care should be taken to avoid loss of elasticity?

A good stretchy slime will crunch and click for a long time if you follow a number of requirements and recommendations:

The toy is not designed for long-term continuous use. It begins to fall apart and may even stop stretching. This is due to the harmful effects of air particles.
At the same time, if you do not play with slime for a long time, it will also begin to dry out and lose its mass. Infrequent play with slime leads to loss of elasticity.
It is allowed to store the mass only in sealed containers. This could be a bag with clips or a jar with a lid.
“Feeding” the slime must be done at least 2 times a week.
Slime needs to have a “bath day” once a week, that is, wash it thoroughly with soap.

Having figured out the reason why the slime has ceased to be elastic and no longer stretches, you can easily solve this problem.

You can extend the life of a purchased toy by simply familiarizing yourself with its composition. Due to the fact that special components are used for original slimes, it is better to carry out the restoration procedure without adding any complex components. For example, you can use plain warm water. Heating it in the microwave also has a great effect on the elasticity of the slime.

With self-created slime, things are much simpler. The main thing here is to use the ingredients that are already in its composition. Thanks to these little tricks, the slime will serve for a long time and delight its owner.

Vegetable oil

To make the slime stretch and not tear, you can use vegetable oil. To do this, follow the following instructions:

The slime is placed in a dry container.
A spoonful of vegetable oil is added to the mixture.
The composition is carefully stirred until it reaches the desired consistency.

For this method of making slime stretchy, you can use not only vegetable oil, but also any other oil, including linseed or olive. It is recommended to take a refined composition that has no odor or color, which can ruin the original appearance of the toy.

Using varnish remover

To make the slime stretch and crunch, you need to add nail polish remover to it. The mixture contains the following components:

isopropyl alcohol;
acetone;
glycols

The product is used to soften hardened varnish, since the substances contained in it help reduce the density of the composition. Therefore, it is also suitable for ensuring that the slime does not tear and becomes soft and stretchy. To use varnish remover you must:

Place the slime in a clean container.
Add half a teaspoon of remover and 3 tablespoons of any toothpaste, except whitening, to the container.
The mass is gently kneaded for 5-10 minutes.
The “hand chewing gum” is pulled out of the container when it returns to its original characteristics.

This method helps to restore the condition so that the slime stretches. However, bench remover is not completely safe for humans. Therefore, after each use of chewing gum, you must wash your hands thoroughly. The procedure itself is performed in a well-ventilated area.

Adding Body Cream

Hand cream will help you make stretchy slime at home.

20-25 ml of any brand of cosmetic product is squeezed into a bowl.
Add 2-3 tbsp to the cream. spoons of heated water.
The slime is immersed in the liquid for 5-10 minutes.
The mass is kneaded in your hands until completely softened.

This method can be used to save jelly slime if it does not stretch well. Hand cream can be replaced with any other cosmetic body care product.

Using boiling water

If the slime has become hard and no longer stretches, it is suggested to liquefy it with boiling water.

The toy is placed in a plastic bag that closes tightly.
Add 2-3 tsp to it. water.
The hermetically sealed bag is placed in a container of boiling water for 15 minutes.
Over time, the toy is thoroughly kneaded to the desired state.

This method is used to soften glass slime. If the toy is not soft enough, then you need to repeat the procedure.

How to remove dirt

Handgams with a sticky surface quickly become dirty. This is especially noticeable when playing with transparent slime. To clean it from dirt, you need to:

pour 100 ml of warm water into a container;
add 1 tbsp. l. salt;
wash the slime in it.

If there are black specks on the surface or inside the toy, it is better to throw it away. These inclusions indicate mold growth. This slime is a source of fungal infection, so it is better to get rid of it.

Antibacterial gel

To make thick slime liquid, use antibacterial hand gel. It can be used for any type of slime, purchased or made independently. It will help turn thick slime into liquid in just a few minutes. 3-5 drops of the product are added to the anti-stress mixture, after which it is first stirred with a spoon and then with your hands.

Note! Antibacterial gel can not only soften the mass if the slime has dried out. It is recommended to use it periodically to clean the toy from harmful microbes. To do this, you need to add 2-3 drops of anti-stress gel and knead the mass well.

What can be made from a hardened product?

If the slime is not needed or is very hard, you can use it. This mass can be used for useful things.

Filler for slime

Dry and hardened slime can be crumbled and then added to the soft mass for a new version of slime. You need to soften the mass and give it a round shape. You will receive a toy prepared independently, with additional elements.

Space bottle

If it is no longer possible to introduce anything into the slime to soften it, but it is clean and beautiful, you should place it in a container. It is desirable that it be transparent and glass.

To decorate the toy, beads, sparkles and other decorative details are introduced. The composition will decorate any interior.

Bouncing ball

If the toy is not completely dry and it is still possible to knead it, you can make a small jumper. The recipe is simple - you will need to roll out several balls of different diameters - from large to small.

Leave them in the air to harden the mass. Several small slimes of different colors mixed into one will look especially beautiful.

How to save with shaving foam

You can use shaving foam to soften the slime without much effort. It is not recommended to use the gel, as its use will not have the desired effect. To restore the slime, if it stretches poorly and breaks, follow these steps:

The mass is placed in a plastic bag.
Make 3-4 sprays per slime.

The mixture is kneaded well until it increases in size and becomes fluffy.
If the toy sticks to your hands, you can add a few drops of boric acid.

What to do if the slime is dry

To restore slime if it has dried out, various methods are used. Among them are the addition of substances such as clear, toothpaste, body oil, etc. When choosing a method, you need to focus on the type of anti-stress, since the composition of toys varies.

Glycerol

Glycerin is used to make the slime soft again. The product can be purchased at a pharmacy at a low price. A few drops of the substance are added to the container with the dried mass, after which it is thoroughly mixed.

Antibacterial gel

If the slime is dry, you can use antibacterial gel. It helps to return to its original shape if the slime is tight or completely frozen. The procedure is performed in the same way as for softening.

Hand lotion

Hand lotion will be a more effective solution for store-bought toys. It is also suitable for homemade regular slime. A few drops of the product are added to the surface of the mass, after which the anti-stress is kneaded with hands to the desired consistency.

Water

You can add regular water to dried slime to make it stretch. The liquid should be at room temperature. The slime is placed in a container with water for 10-15 minutes, which will help increase its size and make it soft.

Hand cream

To make the slime stretch, you need to add hand cream to it. This will help make it chewy and soft. For the procedure, it is enough to use 5-10 ml of cream.

Lemon acid

Citric acid is one of the things that can be added to slime to make it stretch. It is used for various types of toys. For a standard slime, it is enough to sprinkle a pinch of acid on the surface, after which the anti-stress is kneaded. Citric acid will not help if the mass has already begun to fall apart.

Method 5: water

There are 3 proven ways to soften slime with plain water:

First you need to heat it well. Then the tight mass is poured with boiling water so that the liquid completely covers it. You need to soak the toy in water for 10-15 minutes. After this, carefully remove it from the liquid with a spoon and knead it with your hands until the mass has cooled. If it turns out to be too fluid, you should add a little activator.
Pour some water into the bowl with the slime and place the container in the microwave for 15-30 seconds. Instead of a household appliance, you can use a steam bath. The melted slime must be kneaded very carefully, as it will be hot. If the consistency is too liquid, add an activator. Then the mass is kneaded again.
Pour some warm liquid into the bowl with the hardened slime. And knead with your hands so that the water is completely absorbed into the mass. But this simple method is suitable if the slime has dried out a little and lost its former elasticity. For very hard slime that tears at the slightest attempt to stretch it, more radical measures are needed.

What to add to slime to make it stretch?

To make the slime stretch, you can add substances such as:

shaving foam;
body lotion;
boric acid;
varnish remover, etc.

If the made slime does not stretch and breaks, then toothpaste is added to it. Glycerin is considered an effective remedy; only a few drops are needed to make the toy more chewy. Anti-stress properties are restored with the help of glue and sodium tetraborate.

We save with shaving foam. You can revive the slime so that it stretches with shaving foam. It is applied to the surface of the mass with 3-4 sprays. Next, the slime is kneaded well for 5-10 minutes.
Dilute with Johnson's Baby Lotion. Homemade slime, if it becomes hard, can be softened with Johnson's Baby lotion. To do this, place the toy in a container, where a tablespoon of the product is added. The mass is thoroughly kneaded with a spoon to the desired consistency.

What to do if the slime does not stretch but breaks?

If the slime breaks, then the following methods are used:

adding a pinch of citric acid to the mass;
apply shaving foam to the rubber slime and knead it;
use toothpaste without whitening particles;
drip a little PVA onto the toy.

Sometimes heating the slime with boiling water or a microwave helps. This helps to change the structure and restore the original properties.

Method 7: without water

In addition to the previously mentioned methods, you can soften dried slime without water by adding:

Shaving foams . You will need 3-4 tbsp. l. means, and then the mass needs to be kneaded properly with your hands.
Air plasticine. This method is suitable for opaque slimes. The amount of plasticine is determined by the size of the spoiled slime. It can also be combined with shaving foam.
Body cream or lotion . This method is good for toys with a dense texture, handgams, but should not be used with jiggly and crystal. The fatty component should be added little by little, mixing into the mass each time.

Prevention

There are many reasons why slime breaks and does not stretch, but the main one is improper storage and expiration date. Spoiled slime can be remade or agents can be added to it to help improve its properties. But it is better to initially follow the storage rules so that the toy does not break down longer.

How to store slime so it doesn't dry out

To prevent the slime from drying out, it is necessary to store the slime properly.

The toy must be in a hermetically sealed container.
Do not leave slime in the open air for a long time.
Playing too long can cause it to dry out.
Anti-stress is recommended to be periodically cleaned of dust and dirt, for which antibacterial hand gel is used.

It is recommended to store the slime so that it does not dry out in a dark place where there is no direct sunlight.

Adding thickener

If the slime becomes hard, it should be softened, for which various means are used. For prevention, it is necessary to periodically add a few drops of thickener to the mixture. After this, the mass is thoroughly mixed for 5-10 minutes.

What not to “feed”

Components such as starch and flour cannot be added to slime, as they worsen the properties of the toy. In addition, these substances contribute to the development of pathogenic microflora on “hand chewing gum.” To prevent the appearance of bacteria and microorganisms, it is recommended to periodically add 2-3 drops of an antiseptic to the slime.

How to prevent slime from drying out and hardening

Over time, the slime decreases, which indicates the evaporation of moisture. If not properly cared for, handgam remains elastic for about 5-12 days. To protect it from drying out, you should:

store slime in a container with an airtight lid;
leave in the refrigerator door overnight;
Add liquid to the mass once every 3-5 days.

The plastic toy needs periodic water treatments. In hot weather and with frequent play, it quickly thickens. To prevent this, you need to place the slime in a container with a small amount of water. After 30 minutes, knead it thoroughly.