Glow in the Dark Slime Recipe: Homemade Hands-On Fun

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Take one of kids’ favorite activities to a whole new level by making glow in the dark slime! This homemade goo is just as soft and fun to play with – and when the lights go out, it lights up and glows! Glow in the dark slime is a simple recipe that kids can easily help make and will enjoy for hours as they engage in sensory play and revel in its mysterious glow.

Glow-in-the-dark slime is a fascinating and enjoyable activity for kids and adults alike, capturing everyone’s attention with its vibrant colors and mesmerizing texture.

Forget about buying glow-in-the-dark slime because creating your own is SUPER simple with just a few everyday ingredients! What’s more, you can customize your slime’s color, texture, and level of glow, providing endless possibilities for experimentation.

And not only is it a fun and engaging pastime, but it’s also an opportunity to explore the science behind its luminescent properties.

I have more easy slime recipe ideas too! Check out some of our other favorite slime recipes, including Orange Fall Glitter Slime Recipe and Fluffy Slime (With Only 4 Ingredients), for even more fun any time of the year!

What makes slime glow in the dark?

The glow is caused by phosphorescent crystals in the glue, which absorb light energy and emit a glow over time.

In order for your slime to glow, it needs to “charge” in light during the day so it can hold that light energy and share its glow at night!

How to Make Glow in the Dark Slime

Here’s what you need to know to make this fun recipe!

Ingredients

Glow in the dark slime is not only a fun and fascinating project, but it’s also simple to make! You’ll need only 4 simple ingredients that are easy to find, and whipping it up only takes a few minutes.

To create your own homemade slime that glows, you’ll need these materials:

Bottle of glow-in-the-dark glue
Baking soda
Contact lens solution – or saline solution
Glow in the dark stars
Mixing bowl
Mixing spoon
Plastic mat

NOTE: For the detailed recipe, please see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. If you need a lot of slime, you can double the recipe!

Directions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to create your easy glow in the dark slime! Don’t forget to have fun and get creative with different colors, and most importantly, enjoy the glowing results!

Step 1

Pour the glue into the mixing bowl.

Step 2

Add the baking soda and stir well until combined.

Step 3

Pour in the contact solution and stir until the slime becomes stretchy.

Note: Your slime will feel sticky at first, and it will seem like there’s too much contact solution. However, keep kneading the slime, and it will get to the desired consistency! I did not have to add any extra solution to this recipe.

Step 4

Once the slime is at the desired consistency, it’s ready! Add the glow in the dark stars to the slime, if desired.

Find a dark room or closet to see the slime and stars glow in the dark!

Pro Tip: Use a plastic mat for playtime.

Store the slime in an airtight container or a jar.

Glow in the Dark Slime Recipe Variations

Believe it or not, there are more ways than one to make glow-in-the-dark slime! Here are some alternatives you can use

Borax-Based Recipe

To make a borax-based glow in the dark slime, you’ll need to gather these ingredients:

Borax (sodium borate)
Water
Bottle of glue (Elmer’s glue is the best)
Glow in the dark powder
Food coloring (optional)

In a bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of borax with 1 cup of warm water. Stir until the borax is completely dissolved.
In a separate bowl, mix 1/2 cup of glue with 1/2 cup of water. Add a few drops of food coloring and your glow-in-the-dark paint or powder. Mix well.
Slowly add the borax solution to the glue mixture, stirring continuously. Your slime will begin to form!
Knead and play with your stretchy slime until it reaches the desired consistency.

Remember to be patient and adjust the ingredients as needed to achieve the perfect slime consistency. Enjoy your glow in the dark slime!

Creating that Glowing Effect

Using glow in the dark glue isn’t the only way to create a glowing effect for your special slime!

You could use regular glue and add glow powder or glow paint to create an amazing glow.

Now, if you want to make your glowing slime truly pop, try adding a few more elements to the mix. For example, adding a few drops of neon food coloring can create an even more vibrant effect.

Additionally, if you have access to a black light, you can make your slime glow even brighter when exposed to it. This can make the activity even more engaging and fun.

Slime Consistency Variation Ideas

When making glow in the dark slime, you can choose the consistency that suits your preferences. Different ingredients can be added to create unique textures and results. Here are a few variations for fun slime recipes for your kiddo.

Fluffy Slime is popular, thanks to its airy, light texture. To achieve this consistency, simply add shaving cream to your regular slime recipe. Start by mixing one part non-toxic glue with one part water, then add a few drops of food coloring and your glow-in-the-dark powder. Gradually fold in shaving cream, adjusting the amount to achieve the desired fluffiness. Remember, the more shaving cream you add, the fluffier the slime will be!

Colored Slime offers a fun color to enjoy when playing with slime during the day. To make slime in a variety of colors, simply use colored glow in the dark glue instead of the clear variety. Or you can use clear glue and different colors of glow powder!

Adding cornstarch to your slime recipe can result in a thicker, more moldable consistency. Experiment by mixing one part non-toxic glue with one part water, then add cornstarch until the desired texture is reached. Don’t forget your glow-in-the-dark powder for that extra element of fun!

Glitter Slime is a breeze to make with glitter glue and glow powder for a shimmery glow slime your kids will love!

Feel free to mix and match these variations to find the consistency that’s just right for you. With a little bit of experimentation, you’ll be able to customize your glow-in-the-dark slime precisely to your liking. Have fun!

Glow in the Dark Slime Safety and Precautions

When making and playing with glow in the dark slime, it’s important to consider safety precautions to ensure the experience is both fun and safe for everyone involved.

First and foremost, check if the ingredients used in the slime are safe for kids. Some slimes may contain toxic substances or high levels of boron, which can irritate the skin and eyes. To avoid this, you can create your slime using non-toxic materials such as glow in the dark glue or by adding glow in the dark powder to regular, child-safe glue.

It’s also a good idea to make the slime using a borax solution, as this is considered safer than some other recipes that may contain harsh chemicals. Keep in mind that borax can still be harmful if ingested, so make sure children know not to eat the slime and to always wash their hands after playing with it.

Even with safe ingredients, it’s essential to have adult supervision whenever kids are making or playing with slime. Adults can help ensure that children follow the proper steps and don’t accidentally ingest or mishandle the materials.

In case of accidental ingestion or skin irritation, medical attention should be sought immediately. Make sure to keep emergency contact information and the necessary precautions on hand, just in case.

Storage and Care

Caring for your glow in the dark slime is important to ensure it lasts longer and maintains its glow. Here are some tips to help you store and maintain your slime properly.

First, remember to knead your slime regularly. This not only helps in ensuring an even distribution of the glow powder but also maintains the slime’s elasticity. Gently stretch and fold the slime for a few minutes each time you play with it.

To store your slime, always use an airtight container. This prevents the slime from drying out and losing its stretchiness. Make sure the container is clean and dry before storing the slime to avoid any contamination.

Slime activators like saline solution or borax powder play a crucial role in preserving the texture of your slime. Ensure you have the right amount mixed into your slime. If your slime becomes too sticky or loses its stretch over time, add a few drops of the activator (contact solution or saline solution) to bring it back to the desired consistency.

To maintain the glow effect, expose the slime to light from time to time. The phosphorescent crystals in the glow powder need to absorb light energy to emit the glow. Leave the slime near a sunny window or under a bright lamp for a few minutes to recharge its glow before playing with it.

Glow in the Dark FAQs

How long does glow in the dark slime last?

Glow in the dark slime can last for a few months to a year, depending on how it’s stored and cared for. To keep your slime at its best, store it in an airtight container when not in use. Avoid exposing it to excessive heat or sunlight, as this can affect its glow.

Is glow in the dark slime safe to use?

Yes, glow in the dark slime is generally safe to use when made with non-toxic ingredients like Elmer’s clear glue, food coloring, and non-toxic glow powder.
However, it’s important to supervise younger children during play, as they might be tempted to put the slime in their mouths. Remember to wash your hands after handling the slime to avoid any potential skin irritation.

Why does slime glow in the dark?

Slime glows in the dark due to a special ingredient called phosphorescent powder or glow powder. This powder absorbs light and then releases it in a slower manner, creating the glowing effect. The glow can be enhanced by charging the slime under a bright light or a black light before use.

Does Elmer’s glow in the dark glue work for slime?

Yes! Elmer’s glow in the dark glue can be used to create slime. This specialty glue already contains the glowing agent, allowing you to skip the addition of glow powder. Simply combine the glow in the dark glue with liquid laundry starch until you achieve the desired slime consistency.

More Hands-on Fun!

If you love this glow in the dark slime recipe, you (and your kids) will love these other easy recipe ideas too!