Making slime is a fun DIY project for kids of all ages. From fluffy cloud slime to sticky clear slime, there are tons of cool textures and consistencies to explore. But one key component to quality slime is finding the right laundry detergent as an additive. The detergent helps give the slime stretch and foam.
What to Look for in a Good Slime Detergent
When deciding which detergent makes the best slime, there are a few key factors to consider:
1. Type of detergent – You’ll want to use a liquid or powder laundry detergent rather than pods or packs. The liquid or powder contains cleaning agents that react well when mixed into slime.
2. Fragrance – Look for a lightly scented or fragrance-free detergent. Heavy perfumes or dyes can end up changing the color and smell of your slime in unfavorable ways.
3. Ingredients – Check that the detergent does not contain bleach or oxygenated bleach. These can prevent slime from forming properly.
The Best Detergents for Perfect Slime
After lots of mixing and testing, here are my top 3 recommended laundry detergents for flawless slime every time:
All Free Clear Liquid Detergent
- Fragrance-free and dye-free
- Creates super stretchy, clear slime
- Gentle ingredients won’t irritate skin
Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Detergent
- Unscented liquid formula
- Makes airy, fluffy slime textures
- Rinses easily from surfaces and clothes
Tide Original Scent Powder
- Light powder scent
- Excellent for glossy and crunchy slimes
- Available in huge boxes for big slime batches
I suggest going with the affordable Arm & Hammer or All brands if you’ll be making frequent slime. The big boxes of Tide work well for classroom projects or slime parties where you need a lot.
Slime Detergent Tips & Tricks
Once you’ve selected the right laundry detergent, keep these tips in mind:
- Start with a small amount of detergent and add gradually
- Mix thoroughly so detergent dissolves completely
- Store slime in air-tight containers away from heat or humidity
- Wash hands carefully after handling to prevent drying skin
With the proper ingredients and care, you’ll be stretching, poking, and popping picture-perfect slime creations in no time! The right detergent makes all the difference.
References
Sensory Moon DIY. “Best detergents for slime | What makes slime sticky & glossy.” YouTube, 3 Mar. 2020, https://youtu.be/6Yo-9HHp-T0
Crafting with Slime. “How To Make The BEST Slime.” Instagram, 12 Nov. 2021, https://www.instagram.com/p/CWRCTSUF4ij/.
Susan’s Slime Shack. “Our Favorite Slime Recipes E-Book.” https://www.slimeshack.com. Accessed 15 Jan 2024.
Laura has had an enthusiasm for laundry ever since she was a teenager experimenting with wash cycles. She went on study textile science in college before working in product testing.
Soon, Laura found friends and family constantly asking her laundry advice, realizing she had become an unofficial laundry guru. The questions kept coming in, so Laura decided to start sharing laundry tips online to help more people. The enthusiastic response led her start the blog “Laundry How”.
Now in her late thirties, Laura uses Laundry How to tackle all kinds of laundry topics – stains, fabric care, detergents, and more. She provides advice from both her studies and experience testing techniques out firsthand. Laura continues to grow an engaged community of laundry learners, feeling fulfilled empowering people to make laundry an easy, confidence-building ritual rather than a dreaded chore.