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Putty Dough and Slime
How to Soften Slime Download Article Co-authored by Amy Sheree
Last Updated: June 7, 2025 Fact Checked
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Using Simple Methods to Soften Slime
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Moisturizing Slime by Heating
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This article was co-authored by Amy Sheree. Amy Sheree is a Slime Expert based in Destin, Florida. She is the founder of Amma Slimes, an online slime retailer selling her handcrafted slime products. She started Amma Slimes in 2022, after spending months developing her recipes and products. Prior to running her business, she had a career as a food stylist and recipe developer, which informed her approach to perfecting her products and creating content. She sells a variety of slime types and textures, including thick and glossy, snow fizz, silica sand, her proprietary sizzly butter slime, and more. Many of her slime recipes are modeled after popular desserts and treats, like orange sherbet, apple crisp, and more. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 871,905 times.
Slime is stretchy and glossy in all the right ways. It's perfect for stress relief, but if you've pulled your slime out of its container only to find it's hard as a rock, don't worry. Fortunately, we have a few tricks up your sleeve that you can use to turn your slime soft again.
This article is partially based on an interview with Amy Sheree, a Slime Expert based in Destin, Florida.
The Best Way to Soften Slime
Expert slime crafter Amy Sheree explains that the best way to soften slime is to add white vinegar. To avoid using too much and dissolving your slime, dip your fingers in the vinegar and knead the slime gently to work it in. Repeat the process until your slime is soft enough.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 2:
Using Simple Methods to Soften Slime
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1 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.[1]X Expert Source Angelina LySlime ExpertExpert Interview You likely won't need more than spoonful. Then just knead away until the slime softens.[2]XResearch source
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.
2 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).[3]XResearch source
You can add more gel if it doesn't soften on the first try.
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3 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.[4]X Expert Source Angelina LySlime ExpertExpert Interview [5]XResearch source
4 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.[6]XResearch source
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.[7]XResearch source
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 2:
Moisturizing Slime by Heating
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1 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.[8]X Trustworthy Source American Chemical SocietyScientific society for those involved with chemistry and publisher of several leading peer-reviewed scientific journals Go to source
2 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.[9]XResearch source Be careful when microwaving slime, as it can get very hot. Let it sit outside of the microwave for about a minute so you don't burn your fingers. No slime is worth burnt fingers.[10]X Expert Source Angelina LySlime ExpertExpert Interview
3 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.[11]X Trustworthy Source American Chemical SocietyScientific society for those involved with chemistry and publisher of several leading peer-reviewed scientific journals Go to source
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.[12]XResearch source
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Question My friend said my slime is getting hard because I played with it too much, is this true? Community Answer Yes. I fix this by putting it into the microwave for about 5 seconds, then adding lotion. If it's sticky, add a little bit of activator. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 276 Helpful 667
Question Will the slime release any harmful fumes when I heat it in a microwave? Community Answer No, not at all. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 335 Helpful 740
Question Will the slime make noises in the microwave? Community Answer It shouldn't if you leave it in for just 10 seconds and make sure you add water. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 281 Helpful 642
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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.
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about slime, check out our in-depth interview with Angelina Ly.
Co-authored by: Amy Sheree Slime Expert This article was co-authored by Amy Sheree. Amy Sheree is a Slime Expert based in Destin, Florida. She is the founder of Amma Slimes, an online slime retailer selling her handcrafted slime products. She started Amma Slimes in 2022, after spending months developing her recipes and products. Prior to running her business, she had a career as a food stylist and recipe developer, which informed her approach to perfecting her products and creating content. She sells a variety of slime types and textures, including thick and glossy, snow fizz, silica sand, her proprietary sizzly butter slime, and more. Many of her slime recipes are modeled after popular desserts and treats, like orange sherbet, apple crisp, and more. This article has been viewed 871,905 times. 9 votes - 80% Co-authors: 27Updated: June 7, 2025 Views: 871,905 Categories: Putty Dough and SlimeArticle SummaryX
The easiest way to soften slime is to add a liquid agent like water, antibacterial gel, or hand lotion to it, then knead the slime with your fingers. Start out by adding just a spoonful or two of the liquid, then knead the slime until it's fully absorbed. If the consistency is still harder than you'd like, add a little more of the liquid and knead the slime again. You can also let the slime soak in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes. Then microwave it in a heat-safe dish for about 10 seconds to soften it up! If you want to learn how to soften slime in the microwave instead, keep reading the article!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
Jane Fitzoman
Jul 17, 2018
"My cousin came here on a holiday and made slime. Everytime I was the slime I would remember her. However, one day, soon after she gave it to me, it dried out. I was devastated. So I went on wikiHow and it told me to add water. My slime was revived."..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Amy Sheree Slime Expert Co-authors: 27Updated: June 7, 2025 Views: 871,90580% of readers found this article helpful. 9 votes - 80% Click a star to add your vote
Jane Fitzoman
Jul 17, 2018
"My cousin came here on a holiday and made slime. Everytime I was the slime I would remember her. However, one day, soon after she gave it to me, it dried out. I was devastated. So I went on wikiHow and it told me to add water. My slime was revived."..." more
Mxtsxri
Feb 21, 2022
"At first, I did not get it and I tried it 5 times and it kept breaking and was still very hard but I realized that I put too little lotion the slime turned soft, so thanks It helped me out!"..." more
EMI O.
Apr 15, 2024
"Okay so my slime dried out and I thought that microwaving it would help, but to be safe I searched up "how do you make ur slime soft and it said to put hand lotion. GOODNESS IT WORKED!!!"..." more Rated this article:
Omar Bayoumy
Nov 25, 2017
"Really, it worked. My slime is clay slime and it's hard as rock. I tried everything except for the microwave, and when I tried the microwave it worked. Thanks a lot wikiHow."..." more
Susanna Bijkerk
Jun 28, 2020
"I first tried water and hand sanitizer, but that didn't work, so I did the microwave and the lotion thing, and it's a miracle! It's back the way it was before it dried out!"..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Co-authored by: Amy Sheree Slime Expert This article was co-authored by Amy Sheree. Amy Sheree is a Slime Expert based in Destin, Florida. She is the founder of Amma Slimes, an online slime retailer selling her handcrafted slime products. She started Amma Slimes in 2022, after spending months developing her recipes and products. Prior to running her business, she had a career as a food stylist and recipe developer, which informed her approach to perfecting her products and creating content. She sells a variety of slime types and textures, including thick and glossy, snow fizz, silica sand, her proprietary sizzly butter slime, and more. Many of her slime recipes are modeled after popular desserts and treats, like orange sherbet, apple crisp, and more. This article has been viewed 871,905 times. 9 votes - 80% Co-authors: 27 Updated: June 7, 2025 Views: 871,905 Categories: Putty Dough and Slime Article SummaryX
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1 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.[1] You likely won't need more than spoonful. Then just knead away until the slime softens.[2] 
2 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).[3] 
4 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.[6] 
2 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.[9] Be careful when microwaving slime, as it can get very hot. Let it sit outside of the microwave for about a minute so you don't burn your fingers. No slime is worth burnt fingers.[10] 
Community Answer Yes. I fix this by putting it into the microwave for about 5 seconds, then adding lotion. If it's sticky, add a little bit of activator. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 276 Helpful 667 
Community Answer No, not at all. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 335 Helpful 740 
