Liquid Starch Slime
One of our favorite sensory recipes is liquid starch slime! We prepare it frequently because it is so quick and simple to prepare. Only three simple items are required.
Liquid Starch Slime Ingredients
- 1/2 Cup of Washable PVA Clear Glue or White Glue
- 1/4-1/2 Cup of Liquid Starch
- 1/2 Cup of Water
- Food coloring, confetti, glitter, and other fun mix-ins
How to Make Liquid Starch Slime
- Blend 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup glue in a mixing dish and well combine.
2. Now is the moment to add some color, glitter, or confetti to your project! When you add color to white glue, keep in mind that the color will be lighter. For jewel-toned colors, use clear glue.
3. There’s no such thing as too much glitter! In a separate bowl, combine the glitter and color with the glue and water mixture.
4. Stir in 1/4 cup liquid starch well.
5. The slime will begin to form and pull away from the bowl’s sides almost immediately. Continue churning until you get a slimy glob. The liquid should no longer be present!
6. Get your slime kneading! It will appear stringy at first, but as you work it with your hands, the consistency will improve.
Make Liquid Starch Slime Tip:
When making, a few drops of liquid starch on your hands before scooping up the slime is a good idea. Keep in mind, however, that while adding additional liquid starch lessens stickiness, it will eventually result in a firmer slime.
SAFETY
Slime has sparked parental alarm. The majority of the worries revolve around the possible toxicity of one of Slime’s ingredients: borax.
Sheila Goertemoeller, a pharmacist and clinical toxicologist at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. She has 22 years of experience in poisoning management at the Drug and Poison Information Center Hotline at Cincinnati Children’s. Debunking any slime myths and concerns, revealing the potential toxicity of borax to warn parents how to intervene by choosing the proper ingredients and supervising their children when they play slime.
BORAX/ SODIUM BORATE
This section is dedicated solely to the use of Borax/Sodium Borate. Because this component is linked to the few toxicity issues that have appeared with slime, we’ll explain why it raises worry and what you can do to avoid any potentially harmful consequences.
Many detergents, cosmetics, and enamel glazes use borax as a component. It is now widely utilized as an activator in slime production. Its function is to give slime that strangely enticing thick, sticky consistency.
Although borax, also known as sodium tetraborate, is not acutely poisonous, it is very alkaline, causing discomfort if used undiluted.
Borax is widely used as a “slime activator” in the form of Borax powder combined with warm water and introduced into the slime mixture. Other slime activators with lower levels of borax, such as liquid starch or contact lens solution, can also be used.
All of the instances of slime toxicity have been linked to the use of too much borax as an activator. High quantities of Borax in slime have caused skin irritation, as well as diarrhea, vomiting, and cramping when consumed. Because consumption of Borax is TOXIC and UNSAFE, it should only be used in limited doses and under adult supervision.
Borax/Sodium borate is "usually harmless"
On the other hand, the US government declares that Borax/Sodium borate is “usually harmless.” Dr. Kyran Quinlan, head of the Council on Injury, Violence, and Poison Prevention of the American Academy of Pediatrics, has previously said that “Borax is a moderate irritant.” “I think it’s great that kids are having a good time with slime, and it’s typically safe.”
Furthermore, according to Dr. Goertemoeller (who was previously mentioned), making homemade slime is a safe and enjoyable activity as long as it is done under adult supervision. The main concern is if any of the non-edible slime ingredients are eaten or swallowed, so keep an eye on young kids and pets while slime-making is going on.
There are several slime recipes that are genuinely edible as an alternative! Look online for some inspiration like birthday cake slime.
WHAT ARE THE RECOMMENDED LEVELS OF BORAX
If swallowed, as little as 5 grams of borax can be hazardous and perhaps lethal to a kid, according to the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. Commercial slimes, on the other hand, must include certain ingredients.
Borax should be diluted in warm water or utilized with alternative substances that include lesser amounts of borax (liquid starch or contact lens solution).
To avoid any unintentional ‘ingestion,’ adult supervision is required when playing and producing slime, as well as ensuring that kids wash their hands after ANY and EVERY activity.
OTHER CONCERNS RELATED WITH GERMS
We are all affected by Covid 19 these days, and there is now an even greater safety worry about germs, bacteria, or any other issue with toys that might harm children.
A virus is the most frequent infectious germ that exists, according to Josh Schaffzin, MD, PhD (assistant professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Cincinnati), yet it CANNOT thrive on slime. They can, however, get there through someone’s hands or a sneeze and survive for a few hours.
Bacteria and molds, for example, require food and a comfy atmosphere, which is often a warm, dark location. Most DIY slime recipes call for white glue and borax, which don’t create that type of environment. So it’s doubtful that any bacteria or mold would develop on your slime at all, and if so, it would grow extremely slowly.
As a result, slime isn’t always a “blob of bacteria.”
However, once you’ve finished playing with it, we recommend putting it away in a plastic bag or container to provide a safer experience when playing with it and to preserve its squishy consistency over time. In the fridge, bacteria and mold development may be slowed even more.
We are all affected by Covid 19 these days, and there is now an even greater safety worry about germs, bacteria, or any other issue with toys that might harm children.
SO… IS SLIME TOXIC?
SLIME IS NOT TOXIC, according to a number of doctors, pharmacists, and scientists.
Slime and DIY slime is primarily a pleasant hobby with several advantages and hours of amusement. However, it should be constructed and played with under adult supervision, just like any other toy, especially when used by kids.
Slime should be played with by children above the age of five.
We propose using contact lens solution or saline solutions containing boric acid and sodium borate instead of pure borax for DIY slime.
Furthermore, because viruses cannot grow on slime, it is not a source of infection. However, to prevent other germs such as bacteria or molds from sticking to or growing on the slime, we recommend that children wash their hands before and after playing with it (AND WITH ANY OTHER TOY/ ACTIVITY), seal it in a bag or container, and store it in the fridge for better conservation and durability.
HOW TO INFORM YOURSELF ABOUT SAFETY PROPERLY
- Slime and DIY Slime should be properly labeled, with the formula and required ingredient information.
- It would need to specify the appropriate age for playing with this product
- Indicate that you should play with an adult.
- Advise children to wash their hands before and after playing with slime to avoid germs sticking to and/or growing on it, as well as to avoid skin discomfort.
After all of this study, it’s evident that producing homemade slime or playing with slime is a safe and enjoyable pastime that entertains youngsters while also allowing them to explore in new ways, making this toy incredibly popular among children (and parents!). As a result, we consider it not only a safe and enjoyable pastime, but also a game that we would enthusiastically suggest! Of course, as long as it’s done with adult supervision and WITH WASHED HANDS!