Useful properties of sodium tetraborate for slimes, replacement options

In 1976, Mattel began producing jelly-like children's toys that resemble slime. These toys, known as slime or slug, can be squished, reshaped, and thrown against walls without any restrictions.

What is sodium tetraborate and why is it needed in slimes

Slime consists of two main components: a thickener and an activator. Most often, sodium tetraborate (Na₂[B₄O₅(OH)₄]·8H₂O) is used as an activator – sodium salt of boric acid. Borax increases the density and elasticity of the future slime.

It is important to note that such toys are easy to make at home, because the main ingredients are readily available. The same sodium borate can be freely purchased at a pharmacy, because it is not a toxic substance. However, if you consider the fact that small children taste everything during the game, and borax can cause many negative consequences if it gets into the body. In this regard, it is preferable to make slime from safer activators, so the question arises: what can replace sodium tetraborate?

Is it possible to do without borax at all?

Using sodium borate is not the only way to trigger a chemical reaction that changes the consistency of the mixture and turns it into handgum. There is a large list of both organic and inorganic compounds used by humans in everyday life that can also help trigger the conditions for a chemical reaction. You can make slime from contact lens fluid, gelatin, iodine, starch, PVA glue, dishwashing liquid, soda, shaving gel, peel-off mask, etc.

Slime Thickeners: What and How to Thicken Slime

As a replacement for sodium tetraborate in slime, you can use shaving foam. There are many recipes for making slime, the simplest and most effective one is presented below.

You will need the following ingredients:

• PVA glue – 100 ml.
• Shaving foam – 150 ml.
• Mixing container – 1 pc.
• Mixing device – 2 pcs.

Pour all the glue into the mixing container and add some foam, then mix all the ingredients. Add shaving foam in small portions and mix well each time until you get the consistency you need for slime. After that, take the slime in your hands and knead it thoroughly so that it acquires its properties. So, the handgum is ready.

DIY Toothpaste Lizun

You can make a colored slime using brightly colored toothpaste. The recipe is also very easy to make.

The following ingredients are required:

• PVA glue – 100 ml.
• Toothpaste – 100 ml.
• Mixing container – 1 pc.
• Mixing device – 2 pcs.

Squeeze toothpaste into a mixing container, then gradually add PVA glue and mix gently. Repeat adding glue until you get a consistency that starts to peel off the sides of the container. Put the finished mixture in the refrigerator for 20 minutes, then knead it until it has a uniform consistency. This slime can be given to a child without fear.

Two ways to make slime from PVA glue

PVA glue is an active binding element of slimes. There are many recipes for making slimes using this ingredient. Below are recipes for handgum made from soda and starch.

To make slime from starch you will need the following ingredients:

• PVA glue – 100 ml.
• Starch – 50 ml.
• Water – 100 ml.
• Thick plastic bag – 1 pc.
• Gouache paints – 1 pack.
• Mixing container – 1 pc.
• Mixing device – 1 pc.

In a mixing container, dilute potato starch with water. Then put 70 ml of diluted starch, a few drops of paint, and a quarter of the glue into a plastic bag. Tie the bag and mix the mixture until you get a thick mass. Drain the remaining liquid, and use the slime.

To make slime from soda you need to take:

• Baking soda – 100 ml.
• Detergent – ​​50 ml.
• Water – 100 ml.
• Gouache paints – 1 pack.
• Mixing container – 1 pc.
• Mixing device – 1 pc.

In a container, you need to mix the detergent, water, dye and soda until a homogeneous consistency is achieved. That's the whole recipe.

Fluffy Slime from Peel-off Mask

Slimes are made from all sorts of things, trying to figure out what can replace sodium tetraborate for slime. Handgam made from a face mask film is very popular.

List of ingredients:

• PVA glue – 100 ml.
• Gouache paints – 1 pack.
• Detergent – ​​50 ml.
• Boric acid – 25 ml.
• Mixing container – 1 pc.
• Mixing device – 1 pc.

PVA glue and boric acid must be mixed in a container, then add 15 ml of detergent, mix everything thoroughly again. Then add the remaining detergent to the mixture. All this must be kneaded manually, then you can add dye for brightness. Here is the slime ready.

No Glue from Shampoo and Salt

An incredibly simple, amazing and colorful way to make a slime can be a recipe for making a slime from shampoo and salt, the ingredients of which are:

• Shampoo – 50 ml.
• Salt – 100 gr.
• Mixing container – 1 pc.
• Mixing device – 1 pc.

Pour the shampoo into a mixing container, gradually adding salt. After each addition, mix everything carefully. As soon as the mixture acquires a viscous consistency, place it in the refrigerator for half an hour.

Homemade slimes made from flour and sugar

Slime made from flour is rightfully considered the safest. You will need the following ingredients:

• Flour – 2 tbsp. spoons.
• Hot water – 50 ml.
• Dye – 1 pack.
• Apron – 1 pc.
• Mixing container – 1 pc.
• Mixing device – 1 pc.

The flour should be sifted through a sieve and poured into a mixing container, water is poured in and all the ingredients are mixed until completely homogeneous. If desired, you can add a dye to the finished mixture. The finished product should be placed in the refrigerator for 2 hours, after which it can be freely used.

Slime can also be made from sugar with the following ingredients:

• Sugar or powdered sugar – from 1 tsp.
• Liquid soap - 50 ml.
• Shampoo – 50 ml.
• Mixing container – 1 pc.
• Mixing device – 1 pc.

Mix all ingredients in a mixing container, leave for 2 hours, then put in the freezer for 30 minutes.

Recipe using clear liquid soap and sugar

A recipe for handgam made from soap and sugar with the following ingredients may seem very interesting:

• Liquid soap – 1 tbsp.
• Toothpaste – 1 tbsp (the thicker the consistency, the better).
• Sugar – 1-2 tablespoons (you may need more).
• Mixing container – 1 pc.
• Mixing device – 1 pc.

Liquid soap and toothpaste should be mixed in a mixing container, pour sugar into this mixture and dissolve it, then heat the slime in the microwave for one minute. The resulting mass should be kneaded by hand and you can play with this wonderful transparent slime.

How to Make Slime from Laundry Gel

Washing gel is also often used to make DIY slime. The ingredients are as follows:

• PVA glue – 125 gr.
• Washing gel – 125 gr.
• Mixing container – 1 pc.
• Mixing device – 1 pc.

Pour all the glue into the mixing container and add the gel in parts, mixing everything thoroughly each time, until you get a solid slime. Then knead the handgum with your hands - the work is done.

What to do if the craft with the activator does not thicken

Sometimes, during the process of making slime, the proportions are violated or ingredients with an expired shelf life are used. For such cases, there are several ways to save the slime:

• Add PVA glue.
• Place in the refrigerator.
• Mix thoroughly.
• Add an activator (Barox, contact lens solution, starch or air freshener).

Storage methods

Below are the best ways to store slime:

• Fridge.
• Jars from creams, processed cheeses, coffee, medicines.
• Zip-locks.

Thus, we can conclude that despite the fact that borax is the most commonly used activator for making slimes, you can use many slime recipes that you can make yourself at home with other active substances, involve children in the process and discover a lot of new things.