Introduction
Are you looking for a fun and easy DIY experiment to try at home? Look no further than making goo with glue and soap. This simple experiment will provide hours of entertainment for both kids and adults alike. The best part? You only need a few materials to get started. Follow these step-by-step instructions for making your own goo and get ready to have some messy fun!
What is goo and why should you make it?
Goo is a fun and easy DIY craft that has become increasingly popular in recent times. It is a stretchy, slimy and gooey substance that you can mold and shape in different ways. Goo can be made using a variety of household items, one of which is glue. You may wonder why anyone would want to make goo. The answer is that it’s a simple and affordable project that both kids and adults can enjoy. Goo can also be used as a stress reliever or a sensory toy for children with special needs. Plus, it’s a great way to get creative and explore science. So, take a break from your daily routine and experiment with making some goo using glue, soap, and a few other ingredients you likely already have on hand. With this simple DIY craft, you can find out how to create unique textures, shapes, and even experiments that will keep you entertained for hours. And if you’re interested in other fun crafts made from glue, check out these fake braces or this article on frosted glass with glue.
Materials
Gather your supplies: Now that you have learned about the exciting world of goo, it’s time to get started! Here’s what you’ll need for this fun and easy DIY experiment: glue, liquid soap, food coloring, and activator. Don’t worry if you don’t have all of these items on hand, you can easily find them at your local craft store, or even in your own home. Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need to make your goo. And if you’re curious about other crafts you can make with glue, check out what you can make with glue and water for even more inspiration!
What you’ll need
For this fun DIY experiment, you’ll need to gather a few materials beforehand. You will need:
- Glue: You can use any type of glue you have at home, but white school glue works the best.
- Dish soap: Use any brand of dish soap or hand soap that you have.
- Food coloring: Choose any color that you like to make your goo stand out.
- Bowl: Use a mixing bowl to combine all the materials together.
- Spoon: You will need a spoon to mix the ingredients
- Borax: This is the activator for the goo. You can find it in the laundry aisle of your local store or on Amazon.
- Water: You need hot water to mix with the Borax.
Make sure you have all the materials ready before you start making the goo. Don’t worry if you don’t have some of the materials specified above. You can substitute them with other household items you might have. For example, you can use liquid laundry detergent instead of dish soap or hand soap. You can also use different materials to mix in with the goo. There are many DIY experiments you can find that are similar to this one, such as making eraser putty with glue or flubber with glue.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have your materials ready, it’s time to dive into the fun part – making your very own goo! Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure your experiment goes smoothly and produces the perfect consistency. For more glue-based DIY experiments, check out our articles on how to make flubber with glue or how to make slime with baby powder and glue.
1. Mix together the soap and glue
To make your goo, the first step is to mix together the soap and glue. For this, you’ll need to take a container and pour in about a 1/4 cup of liquid glue. If you don’t have liquid glue, you can make eraser putty with glue by following this tutorial. Then, to the glue, add a tablespoon of liquid soap. Mix these two ingredients together thoroughly using a spoon or a spatula.
It’s important to make sure that you are using clear liquid soap. If you use opaque or colored soap, it can affect the color of your goo. Once you have mixed the glue and soap together, you should have a thick and sticky mixture. This combination is what gives the goo its stretchy and slimy texture that everyone loves.
If you want to create a fun sensory experience for kids, you can add in some food coloring. This will not only add to the visual appeal, but also make it easy to customize your goo to your favorite colors. If you want to create a different sensory experience, you can try making sand sculptures with glue or even window clings with glue, by following these instructions or this tutorial.
Once you have finished mixing these ingredients together, you’re ready to move on to the next step: adding the activator.
2. Add in the food coloring
Once you have mixed the glue and soap together thoroughly, it’s time to add in some color! Adding food coloring is a fun way to customize your goo to your liking. Here’s how to do it:
- Choose your colors: Decide which colors you want to add to your goo. You can use any food coloring you have on hand, but be aware that some colors may stain more than others.
- Add in a few drops: Start by adding just a few drops of food coloring to the glue and soap mixture. Stir it in well with a spoon or spatula. You can always add more if you want a darker color.
- Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try out different color combinations. You could mix red and blue to create a purple goo, or yellow and blue to make green. Get creative with it!
Adding food coloring is a quick and easy way to give your goo some personality. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try adding glitter or small plastic toys to your mixture. It’s all about experimenting and having fun!
Note: If you are interested in making liquid latex with Elmer’s Glue, check out our step-by-step guide for more information.
3. Mix in the activator
Now that you have mixed together the glue and soap and added some food coloring, it is time to add in the activator. This is the key ingredient that will transform your mixture into goo!
What is the activator?
The activator is a solution of water and borax powder. When borax is dissolved in water, it creates borate ions that bond with the polyvinyl acetate in the glue. This forms a polymer, which gives the mixture its stretchy, gooey texture. It’s important to note that although borax is safe for this project, it should not be ingested.
How to make the activator:
| Materials: | Amount: |
|---|---|
| Borax powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Warm water | 1 cup |
To make the activator solution, dissolve 1 teaspoon of borax powder in 1 cup of warm water. Stir the mixture until the powder is completely dissolved.
Mixing in the activator:
Now that you have your activator solution, it’s time to mix it into the glue and soap mixture. Start by adding a small amount of the activator solution to the glue and soap mixture. Use a spoon or spatula to mix the solution together thoroughly. You should start to notice the mixture thickening and clumping together.
Continue to add small amounts of the activator solution and mix well until you get the desired consistency. It’s important not to add too much activator solution at once, as this can make the mixture too firm and difficult to play with.
Troubleshooting:
If your mixture is too runny, you can add more glue to thicken it up. If it’s too firm, you can add a bit more warm water to loosen it up. You can also adjust the amount of activator solution you add depending on the desired consistency.
Now that you have mixed in the activator, your goo is ready to play with! Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after playing with it, and store it in an airtight container when you’re finished.
Tips and Tricks
Now that you’ve made your goo, you may be wondering how to perfect it. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with some useful tips and tricks to help you achieve the best goo possible. Take a look at these suggestions and give them a try to see how your goo turns out! From subtle tweaks to major changes, these tips will help you make a goo that you can’t help but play with. So, let’s dive into the finer points of making your goo!
How to get the perfect consistency
When making goo with glue and soap, consistency is key. Getting the perfect texture can make the difference between a successful DIY experiment and a frustrating mess. Here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect consistency for your goo:
| Tip | Description |
| Use equal parts glue and soap | Start by mixing together equal parts of glue and soap. This will give you a base consistency to work with. |
| Add activator slowly | When adding the activator (typically borax or contact lens solution), do so slowly while continuing to mix. Adding too much activator at once can cause the mixture to become too stiff. |
| Adjust glue to soap ratio | If your mixture is too sticky or not stretchy enough, adjust the ratio of glue to soap accordingly. Adding more soap will make it more stretchy, while adding more glue will make it firmer and less sticky. |
| Knead with your hands | Once your goo is mostly mixed together, knead it with your hands to help work out any lumps or inconsistencies. This will also help bring the goo together and give it a more cohesive texture. |
By following these tips and adjusting as needed, you’ll be able to achieve the perfect consistency for your goo. Remember, it’s all about finding the right balance between stickiness and stretchiness to create the most satisfying sensory experience.
How to store your goo
Proper storage is essential to keep your goo fresh and long-lasting. Here are some tips on how to store your goo to ensure it stays perfect for future use.
| Storage Container | Description |
|---|---|
| Ziplock bag | A Ziplock bag is a great option for storing goo. Seal it tightly to prevent air from getting in. |
| Airtight container | Use an airtight container to store your goo. This will prevent air exposure to harden the goo. |
| Plastic container with lid | A plastic container with a lid is another option for storing your goo. Make sure the lid is tightly sealed to prevent air from getting in. |
No matter which container you choose, make sure it is clean and dry before storing your goo. Keep your goo in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, and extreme temperatures.
Avoid storing your goo for a long time or keeping it exposed to air as it will harden and lose its texture. If you notice that your goo has hardened, it may be time to make a new batch. By following these simple tips, your goo will last longer and be ready to use anytime you want to play with it.
Experiment and Explore
As you delve into the world of homemade goo, the possibilities for experimentation and exploration are endless. Once you’ve created your basic goo recipe, you can begin to add in different mix-ins and explore the scientific properties of this fascinating substance. So, it’s time to let your creativity run wild and see what exciting textures and forms of goo you can create! Let’s dive into some ideas for experimentation and exploration.
Try different mix-ins for different textures
When it comes to making goo, there are endless possibilities for mix-ins that can create different textures and sensations. Adding these mix-ins can take your goo-making to the next level and make it even more fun and exciting. Here are some ideas to try:
| Mix-In | Resulting Texture/Sensation |
|---|---|
| Gel Beads | Creates a bumpy texture, almost like small beads were added to the goo |
| Baking Soda | When mixed in, it creates a fizzing sensation and makes the goo softer and more moldable |
| Lotion | Makes the goo softer and gives it a smooth texture |
| Shaving Cream | Adds air to the mixture, resulting in a fluffy and light texture |
| Glitter | Adds a sparkly touch, perfect for a princess or unicorn-themed goo |
| Cornstarch | Adding cornstarch can create a thicker and more dough-like consistency for the goo |
It’s important to remember that adding too much of any mix-in can alter the consistency of the goo. It’s best to start with small amounts and add more as needed to achieve the desired texture and sensation.
With these mix-in options and the basic recipe, you can experiment and create different types of goo for endless hours of sensory play.
Explore the scientific properties of goo
Once you’ve made your goo, it’s time to explore the scientific properties of this fascinating substance. Here are some things you can do to learn more:
- Experiment with different ratios: Try making goo with varying amounts of glue, soap, and activator. Record your findings and compare the textures and stretchiness of each batch.
- Observe how it reacts to different temperatures: Place your goo in the fridge or freezer and note how it changes. Then, put it in a warm place, like a sunny window, and see what happens.
- Test its viscosity: Measure how long it takes for a small amount of goo to drip or spread. Try this with goo made with different ratios and see if there’s a pattern.
- Investigate its elasticity: Compare the way your goo stretches and bounces to other materials, like rubber bands or slime. Try stretching it slowly versus quickly and see if there’s a difference.
By exploring the scientific properties of goo, you can gain a better understanding of the materials you used to make it and the unique properties that make it so appealing. Have fun experimenting and let your curiosity guide you!
Clean-Up
Now that you’ve finished making your goo and had fun experimenting with it, it’s time to talk about the clean-up process. While making goo is a fun and easy DIY experiment, it can also be messy. But don’t worry, with some simple steps and precautions, you can clean up your space and properly dispose of your goo. In this section, we’ll go over the best practices for clean-up to ensure that your space remains clean and safe. Let’s get started!
How to properly dispose of your goo
When you’re done playing with your goo, it’s important to dispose of it properly to avoid any negative impact on the environment. Here are some tips for disposing of your goo:
- Do not pour it down the sink: Pouring your goo down the sink or toilet can clog your pipes and harm marine life.
- Throw it in the trash: Wrap your goo in a plastic bag before disposing of it in the trash. This will prevent it from sticking to other items and making a mess.
- Don’t leave it on surfaces: Goo can be messy and difficult to remove from surfaces like carpets or furniture. If any goo residue remains, use a clean cloth and warm, soapy water to wipe it away.
- Consider composting: If you used natural ingredients in your goo, like cornstarch, you can consider composting it. However, check with your local composting facility to see if they accept goo as compost material.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your goo making experiment remains fun without harming the environment. Remember to always be mindful of how you dispose of your materials.
Conclusion
As we come to the end of this fun and easy DIY experiment, it’s time to put the finishing touches on your newly made goo! Looking at your creation, you might be wondering about the best way to store it and how to properly dispose of it once you’re done playing with it. But don’t worry, we have you covered. Keep reading to find out all the tips and tricks for getting the most out of your goo and having a great time doing it!
Have fun with your new goo!
Once the goo is made according to the instructions, the fun really begins. The possibilities for play and experimentation with goo are endless. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Stretch it: One of the most satisfying parts of playing with goo is stretching it. Grab a handful and pull it slowly apart to see how far it can stretch before it breaks.
- Squish it: Goo is great for sensory play. Squish it between your fingers and hands to feel its unique texture.
- Mix in different items: Try adding in glitter, small plastic toys, or beads to give your goo new textures and visual interest.
- Explore properties: Goo is unique in its properties, and exploring those properties can be a fun and educational activity. Try testing out if the goo can bounce, how well it sticks to different surfaces, or if it changes when heated or cooled.
- Get creative: Goo is a blank canvas for creativity. Use it as a substitute for paint or clay and create unique art pieces with it.
The goo is a great DIY experiment that is easy to make and provides hours of fun. Get creative with it, explore its properties, and have fun! Just be sure to dispose of it properly when you’re done playing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use any type of glue?
It is recommended to use white school glue for this experiment, as it has the appropriate properties to create a gooey texture.
2. How much activator should I use?
The amount of activator can vary depending on the consistency you desire, but a good rule of thumb is to use a 1:1 ratio of activator to glue mixture.
3. Can I substitute liquid soap for dish soap?
Yes, you can use liquid hand soap or dish soap for this experiment. However, it may alter the texture or consistency of the goo slightly.
4. How can I make my goo less sticky?
If your goo is too sticky, try adding more activator to the mixture, little by little, until you reach the desired consistency.
5. Can I reuse my goo?
Yes, you can reuse your goo as long as it is stored properly in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
6. What can I do with my goo once I’m finished playing with it?
Goo can be used as a sensory play activity for children or as a stress reliever for adults. You can also experiment with different mix-ins to create different textures and qualities.
7. How can I store my goo?
Store your goo in an airtight container or zipper bag to prevent it from drying out. You can also keep it in the refrigerator to prolong its shelf life.
8. Can I add glitter to my goo?
Yes, you can add glitter to your goo for a fun and sparkly effect. Simply mix in the desired amount of glitter before adding the activator.
9. How do I properly dispose of my goo?
Goo can be disposed of in the trash, but it is important to avoid pouring it down the drain, as it can clog pipes.
10. Is this experiment safe for children?
This experiment is safe for children with adult supervision, but it is important to avoid ingesting the mixture and to wash hands thoroughly after playing with the goo.