When I was a kid a really popular toy was Gak. It was a gooey, slimy substance that you could squeeze, bend, fold, bounce, and pop. It was a lot like Silly Putty, but it had brighter colors and a slimier feel.
I also remember that if you got any dirt on it, you'd never get it off. The Gak would get filthy after a couple of uses.
Maybe that's how people got the idea to use this gooey slime specifically for cleaning.
That's right. You'd probably think anything that could be described as "an ooze" would do the opposite of clean, but not only are people using it to clean, they have figured out how to make their own homemade slime.
There are quite a few recipes out there, and most include borax. If you're concerned about the toxicity of borax, you can also liquid starch (available in the laundry aisle of your local grocery store), and I've included that recipe.
To get started, here's all the ingredients you'll need:
- Liquid starch (Sta-Flo, 1/2 cup) *Several sources cite that this is the best liquid starch to use.
- Elmer’s glue (4 oz. bottle, clear or white)
- Water (1/4 cup)
For fun enhancements (if you’re making it as a kid’s toy) you can also opt to add:
- Food coloring
- Glow-in-the-dark paint
- Glitter
- Wiggle eyes, toy critters
Supplies:
- Bowl
- Measuring cups
- Plastic bag
See how it all comes together in the video below, and please SHARE this fun, freaky craft. You never know who might find this handy!
Because of the slime's natural malleability, it can clean hard to reach crevices and crannies without making a mess.
The sticky substance picks up the dust without doing any damage. It's a popular cleaner on electronics for this reason.
Some companies have tried to capitalize on the slime's secret ability to clean, but why spend the money when you can make your own at home?
Of course, you can also just make it for fun with kids. Generations have loved playing with this stuff. Just think of the success of Silly Putty, Play-doh, and even Gak.
It looks messy and gross — but it can clean the house!
Instructions on making your own slime are below. Try it out and let us know how you did!
Please SHARE if you enjoy this idea!
