How To Make Water Slime That Kids Go Crazy For

Create crystal-clear, bouncy slime in just minutes using simple household items – no glue, no borax, just pure squishy fun!

Published by: Joseph Kluge

Posted on: December 9, 2025

Last modified on: December 9, 2025

Ready to create amazing jiggly water slime without using glue? This super simple recipe uses just shampoo and water to make stretchy, wobbling slime that's perfect for sensory play. No complicated ingredients needed!

Quick Recipe Overview

  • Makes: 1 small slime portion (about palm-sized) 
  • Time: 5 minutes prep + 2 hours chilling 
  • Level: Super easy for beginners 
  • Adult Supervision: Recommended for children under 8

What You'll Need

Ingredients (US Measurements)

  • Thick shampoo: 4 tablespoons (¼ cup) 
  • Cold water: 1-2 teaspoons (add drop by drop!)

Tools

  • Medium mixing bowl 
  • Spoon for stirring
  • Measuring spoons
  • Refrigerator access

Pro Tip: Thicker, gel-like shampoos work much better than thin, watery ones. Head & Shoulders or Suave work great!

Safety First!

⚠️ Important Health Cautions: 

  • Never eat this slime - it contains soap! 
  • Wash hands thoroughly before and after making 
  • Keep away from eyes and mouth 
  • Adult supervision required for kids under 8 
  • Don't use if you have sensitive skin 
  • Keep away from pets and toddlers

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Start with your shampoo base

  • Pour 4 tablespoons of thick shampoo into your bowl 
  • Choose a thick, gel-like shampoo for best results 
  • Avoid thin or watery shampoos

Step 2: Add water super slowly

  • Add just ½ teaspoon of cold water 
  • Stir gently for 30 seconds 
  • The mixture should look slightly runny but thick

Step 3: Keep adding tiny amounts of water

  • Add another ½ teaspoon of water
  • Mix well after each addition 
  • Stop when it looks like thick, gloopy soup 

Warning: Too much water will ruin your slime!

Step 4: Mix until smooth

  • Stir for 2-3 minutes until completely combined 
  • The mixture should be smooth with no lumps 
  • It will look runny but that's normal

Step 5: Chill your slime

  • Put the bowl in the refrigerator 
  • Leave it for 2 full hours 
  • Set a timer every 30 minutes to stir it
  • This stirring helps it turn into slime

Step 6: Test your water slime

  • After 2 hours, check the texture
  • It should be jiggly and stretchy 
  • A little stickiness is totally normal 
  • If it's too sticky, chill for another 30 minutes

Alternative Method: Cornstarch Water Slime

Want to try something different? Here's another no-glue recipe:

What You Need

  • Cornstarch: ¼ cup 
  • Warm water: 2-3 tablespoons 
  • Food coloring: 2 drops (optional)

Quick Steps

  • Mix cornstarch and 2 tablespoons warm water
  • Add water slowly until it flows like honey 
  • Add food coloring if wanted 

This creates a different type of "liquid" slime that hardens when you grab it!

Troubleshooting Your Water Slime

Problem Easy Fix
Too sticky and won't come together Put back in fridge for 30 more minutes
Too runny and watery Start over with less water next time
Won't turn into slime Try a different, thicker shampoo brand
Separating in the fridge Stir it every 30 minutes while chilling
Not stretchy enough Add 1 more drop of water and mix

Storage & Care Tips

  1. Store: Keep in a covered container in the fridge
  2. Lifespan: Use within 5-7 days for best texture 
  3. Refresh: If it gets stiff, add 1 drop of water 
  4. Dispose: Throw away if it smells bad or looks moldy 
  5. Clean up: Use warm soapy water for sticky messes

Fun Water Slime Variations

  • Rainbow slime: Add 1-2 drops of different food coloring 
  • Glittery slime: Mix in a tiny pinch of craft glitter 
  • Scented slime: Use flavored shampoo for fun smells 
  • Two-tone slime: Make two small batches and swirl together

Why This Recipe Works

Thick shampoos contain special ingredients called surfactants that help create a slime-like texture when mixed with small amounts of water and chilled. The cold temperature helps these ingredients bond together into that perfect jiggly consistency!

Pro Tips for Success

  • Use thick shampoo: Gel-type works best 
  • Add water slowly: Too much ruins everything 
  • Be patient: Chilling time is super important 
  • Stir regularly: This helps it form properly 
  • Start small: Make a test batch first

Making shampoo water slime is a fun, budget-friendly way to create satisfying sensory play without needing special slime ingredients. Remember to be patient with the chilling process - that's the secret to getting perfect jiggly texture!

Joseph Kluge

Joseph Kluge

Joseph Kluge is the voice behind the PoppyMello Slimes blog. A graphic designer and writer by trade, Joseph brings his eye for creativity and storytelling to every post. He’s also the proud father of three daughters — the imaginative powerhouses who inspire and shape the slimes that PoppyMello is known for. Through the blog, Joseph shares family-driven stories, slime care tips, and behind-the-scenes looks at the colorful world his wife and daughters bring to life.

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