Sure, Borax works well when used as a laundry aid, but you might be surprised what else you can do with it. Did you know you can make your own versions of the trademark brands of Floam and Slime? You can!
Micro Bead Craft Foam (like Floam)
Items Needed:
- 2/3 (up to one cup) warm water
- 1 cup glue (craft/”Tacky Glue” or look for Polyvinyl alcohol in the ingredients)
- 2 teaspoons Borax (near laundry aids and laundry detergents)
- 3 cups* of micro beads (stuffed animal or bean bag stuffing found in craft stores)
- 2 packets unsweetened powdered instant drink mix (for color and scent)
- 2 large airtight sealable plastic bags (one for each color)
NOTES: Use different flavors of powdered drink mix to make different colors.
*You may need to add more micro beads depending on their size and texture, and you may need to adjust the amount of water.
1. Pour Borax into a mixing bowl and stir in half of the warm water, continuously stirring until Borax is fully dissolved.
2. In another bowl, add the rest of the water and stir in the powdered drink mix. Stir until drink mix is dissolved then stir in glue.
3. Pour half of the micro beads into one bag, half into the other then pour half of each liquid mixture into each bag. You may need to add more beads to achieve the proper consistency.
4. Remove air from bag and seal. Squish and knead the solutions until well mixed. Let stand about 20 minutes then squish around some more until you achieve a good consistency.
Slippery Goo (like Slime)
Items Needed:
- 2 regular size bottles of school glue or craft glue
- 2 cups of warm water
- 1 packet unsweetened instant powdered drink mix (like Kool-Aid)
- 2 teaspoons Borax
1. In one bowl, mix drink mix and water until drink mix is fully dissolved. Stir in glue until mixed well.
2. In another bowl, mix Borax with the rest of the water. Stir until Borax is fully dissolved.
3. Pour one mixture into the other and stir slowly until a ball begins to form.
4. Pour out any excess water and kneed the glop until it is soft and pliable.
*Neither the trademark versions nor these recipes are to be eaten. Both must be stored in airtight containers.