How to Soften Slime: 7 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (2024)

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Last Updated: May 6, 2024Fact Checked

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   Add a bit of water. Sounds too simple, right? It's true, some slimes can be revived this way. Put the slime in a bowl, and add a small amount of water to it. You likely won't need more than spoonful. Then just knead away until the slime softens.^[1]

   • Remember, water can make or break your slime. Make sure you only add a little bit of water if you don't want jiggly slime.
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   Mix in some hand sanitizer or antibacterial gel. Another way to soften slime is to add a drop or two of hand sanitizer. The brand doesn't matter, just make sure you like the scent. Place the slime in a bowl, and just drip the gel in. Use your fingers to fold the hand sanitizer into your slime until it's a desirable consistency. Bonus, now your slime will be bacteria-free and smell great (for a while, anyway).^[2]

   • You can add more gel if it doesn't soften on the first try.

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   Moisten it with lotion. Lotion keeps your skin nice and soft, and it can do the same for your slime. Go figure! Just put a spoonful or two in a bowl (four or five pumps if your lotion comes with a pump). Throw the slime into a bowl with your lotion and poke it with your fingers. Once your slime is covered in the lotion, you can take it out and knead it until it's soft.^[3]

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   See Also

   How to Make Slime Stretchy Again: 8 Steps (with Pictures)How To Make Slime Stretchy Again (+video)- Fun with MamaHow To Make Slime Stretchy: 5 Easy TipsHow to Make Slime Stretchy (Free Printable Recipe) - Little Bins for Little Hands

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   Add more glue. If you used a recipe that called for glue plus Borax, laundry detergent, contact lens solution, or liquid starch, adding a bit more glue can help the situation. Add a spoonful or so at a time, and knead it in to soften it.^[4]

   • Be sure you match the type of glue you add with the glue you made your slime with. For example, don't add white glue to clear slime.

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   Let the slime soak in warm water. Pour some warm water into a bowl, and place the slime in it. You can mix it around with your hands a bit. Keep it in the water for a minute or so. It may seem like it's coming apart, but it will still be fine.^[5]

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   Microwave the slime for 10 seconds. Pull the slime out of the water, and squeeze it. You don't want all that water to come with the slime. Put it in a microwave-safe bowl and stick it in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Let it sit outside of the microwave for about a minute so you don't burn your fingers. No slime is worth burnt fingers.^[6]

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   Add some lotion for extra softening power. Squirt in a spoonful or two of lotion. It doesn't matter what kind. If you use a good-smelling one, then your slime will smell good, too. Use your hands to mix the lotion in. High-five! You've fixed your slime.^[7]

   • If it looks too runny at the end, add a dash of activator. Activator is just whatever you used to make the slime in the first place, such as half a teaspoon of Borax dissolved in a glass of water.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

• Let your slime dry out completely into a solid puck first before attempting to rehydrate and soften it. Very firm slime absorbs moisture better.
• Knead softened slime vigorously with your hands to evenly distribute any added water, lotions or sanitizers throughout the entire batch.
• Store reconditioned slime in an airtight plastic bag or container to lock in moisture and prevent it from drying out again quickly.
• To avoid over-softening in the microwave, only heat problem slime for 5-7 seconds at a time, testing consistency after each burst.
• If your slime feels too sticky after adding moisture, sprinkle in a pinch of baking soda and knead to absorb the excess.
• Adding a drop of glycerin purchased from a craft store can help revive especially stubborn slime texture issues.

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