HOW TO MAKE SLIME OUT OF PLAY-DOH: THE SECRET TO SUPER STRETCHY SLIME

How to Make Slime Out of Play-doh

What are a kid’s two favorite moldable materials for sensory play? If you guessed Play-Doh and slime bingo! Both are super fun and offer hours of squishy, hands-on play, which is why I’ve covered tons of Play-Doh recipes and slime recipes. As fun as each material is on its own… what if we could combine them?

Slime-making is one of the easiest and most popular sensory activities it encourages kids to use their creativity and build fine motor skills while having fun. I’ve talked about shaving cream slime, cloud slime, and even jelly slime, but today, we’re adding something new to the list! 

I’m sharing a fun and simple guide on how to make slime out of Play-Doh. Whether you’re a seasoned slime maker or new at experimenting, this is a super easy and fun way to create an engaging activity your little ones will love. Let’s get started!

How to Make Slime Out of Play-doh: the Secret to Super Stretchy Slime

How to Make Slime Out of Play-Doh: The Secret to Super Stretchy Slime

You may be skeptical, and I get it! Play-Doh and slime are two entirely different textures, and we use each material for entirely different activities how could they possibly be combined? 

That’s why, in this post, I’ll answer the big question: can you really make slime out of Play-Doh? I’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide, share some helpful tips, and set your expectations before diving in. I guarantee you (and your kiddos) will have plenty of fun along the way! 

Can You Make Slime With Play-Doh?

Yes, you CAN make slime with Play-Doh! While it will still provide hours of entertainment, it won’t be that same traditional slime consistency you’re used to. Play-Doh slime is thicker and firmer, which allows this material to hold its shape more effectively and stretch even more

It doesn’t ooze or drip like regular slime (a benefit for parents, right?), and it’s a bit softer and smoother. Essentially, it has the same satisfying squish without as much of a mess! It’s a great opportunity to introduce little ones to a new sensory experience that’s just as beneficial and fun

Whether you’re using my homemade playdough recipe or you already have the materials on hand, this step-by-step guide will help you get the perfect Play-Doh slime every time.

How to Make Slime Out of Play-doh

How To Make Slime With Play-Doh

  • Step 1: Gather all of your materials. You’ll need 1 can of Play-Doh, ½ cup of water, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, and 1 tablespoon of contact lens solution (with boric acid).

  • Step 2: Break the Play-Doh into small pieces. This will make it easier to mix it with the other ingredients. 

  • Step 3: Place the Play-Doh pieces in a bowl and slowly add ½ cups of water. Once you’ve added the water, sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of baking soda and stir until the Play-Doh softens. 

  • Step 4: Add 1 tablespoon of contact lens solution and stir. After a few minutes, the mixture should begin to form more of that expected slime consistency. 

  • Step 5: Take the mixture out of the bowl and knead it until it becomes smooth and stretchy. Once it’s the perfect consistency, enjoy your Play-Doh slime!

how to make play-doh slime less sticky

How To Make Play-Doh Slime Less Sticky 

  • Add more contact solution: When your Play-Doh slime turns out to be too sticky, add a couple extra drops of contact solution. Because it acts as an activator, it will help solidify the material, making it firmer! 

  • Put in more Play-Doh: When in doubt, add more Play-Doh. It’s not ideal to go back to step 1, but it will only take a couple of minutes to create the consistency you want. 

  • Try kneading it for longer: Sometimes, slime just needs a little more time to come together. Try kneading the material for a few more minutes and see if that improves the consistency. 

  • Sprinkle more baking soda: Like contact solution, baking soda can double as an activator. When your slime turns out too sticky, just add a pinch of baking soda to fix it right up!

  • Add cornstarch: If none of the other recommendations improve the texture, try dusting the material with a little bit of cornstarch. It may thicken up the Play-Doh slime a bit, but it will also absorb any excess moisture that’s making it too sticky. 

Making slime out of Play-Doh adds an exciting, interactive twist perfect for sensory play!

I love incorporating slime and Play-Doh into playtime as much as possible, and it’s not just because it keeps my kids engaged! Both materials are perfect for providing an engaging, developmentally beneficial activity. What better way to increase the benefits than by combining the two and having some experimental fun?! 

For more fun and imaginative independent play, pre-order our new book, Playful by Design! It’s a guide to transforming your home into a place of creativity and connection, igniting your kids’ imagination and fostering independence. 

For more engaging sensory play recipes, check out the Mothercould blog! And, if you’re looking for more in-depth tutorials, helpful cleaning tips, and exciting activity packs, download the Mothercould in your Pocket resource. 

Myriam Sandler