Can Hand Sanitizer Be Used as an Activator for Slime? A Complete Guide
The process of slime-formation is a favorite “Do it Yourself” activity for kids as well as for adults who are interested in crafting. The process typically involves mixing glue with an activator to create the desired stretchy, gooey consistency.
Traditionally, we use substances like borax or contact lens solution as slime activators, but with the changes in interest patterns, people look for something accessible or at hand.
As a result, we are facing the challenge of making choices from multiple options. In this article, we will delve deep into using one of the most accessible substances and so answer the important question: Can hand sanitizer be used as an activator for slime? Let’s explore the science, experimentation, and results of using hand sanitizer.
Understanding the Basics of Slime Activators
Prior to making the choice of activator, we must know about activators. let’s come to know about the activators.
What is a Slime Activator?
Activator is definitely the base of every slime recipe. An activator for slime helps the glue molecules cross-link at the first step. Then it transforms the glue’s liquid polymers into the stretchy texture.
The most common slime activators are:
- Borax powder mixed with water
- Contact lens solution (containing boric acid)
- Liquid starch
These ingredients contain compounds that interact with the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) in glue. So, the process creates the right chemical reaction for slime.
The Importance of Activators for Slime
Activators help to transform the sticky and runny original state of glue to develop our favorite slime texture. Actually, activators support give slime its:
- Stretchiness: The activator binds the glue polymers together, allowing the slime to stretch without breaking.
- Elasticity: Good activators create a bouncy, rubbery feel to the slime.
- Consistency: The right balance of glue and activator determines how thick or runny the slime becomes.
Can Hand Sanitizer Be Used as an Activator for Slime?
After the general discussion about activators, now there is turn to answer the main question whether we can use hand sanitizer as an activator for slime or not?
The Chemistry of Hand Sanitizer
Before using hand sanitizer as activator for slime, we must know what hand sanitizer is made of. Peculiarly alcohal based hand sanitizers have the following ingredients:
- Alcohol (ethanol or isopropanol): Usually the main ingredient in sanitizers, responsible for killing germs.
- Glycerin: Used to keep skin moisturized.
- Water: Used as a solvent.
Alcohol becomes the interesting point of discussion here. Alcohol doesn’t have the same cross-linking properties as boric acid or sodium tetraborate (found in borax) like traditional activators. However, hand sanitizer’s other substances can surely influence the slime-making process.
Experimenting with Hand Sanitizer as an Activator for Slime
Can hand sanitizer be literally used as an activator for slime, we must go through experimentation to respond to this. Here is simple recipe to test its effectiveness:
Materials:
- PVA-based white glue
- Hand sanitizer
- A bowl
- A mixing spoon
Steps:
- Pour a half cup of glue into the bowl in the start.
- Add one teaspoon of hand sanitizer at a time and stir constantly.
- Continue mixing until the slime thickens. The duration of the process will take few minutes.
- After getting thick slime, knead the mixture well to get the desired slime texture.
Does Hand Sanitizer Work with All Types of Glue?
The type of glue with hand sanitizer, we use for making slime activator is very important for producing the desired results.
- PVA White Glue: This is the most commonly used glue for slime and is the best for testing hand sanitizer. You might get better results due to its high polymer content.
- Clear Glue: While similar to white glue, clear glue often creates a different slime texture. It may produce inconsistent results when paired with hand sanitizer.
Possible Risks or Failures
We can not ignore downsides of using hand sanitizer as an activator for slime. Lets be aware of these sides as well:
Inconsistent Results
Due to the lack of boric acid in hand sanitizer, the slime might not have the appropriate consistency.
Stickiness
The slime may remain stretchy, and thus fail to form the desired stretchy texture.
Breakdown of Slime
Slime can break faster because alcohol in hand sanitizer might weaken the polymers in glue over time.
Know more: https://activatorforslime.com/what-can-you-use-as-activator-in-slime/
Best Hand Sanitizers for Making Slime
Best Hand Sanitizers for Making Slime
When making slime with hand sanitizer, there’s no specific brand or type that’s required—it all comes down to your personal preference, especially regarding scent, texture, and moisturizing properties. That said, here are a few popular hand sanitizers that work well in slime-making:
Purell Advanced Instant Hand Sanitizer
Purell is a favorite brand for its germ-killing properties and is best for making DIY slime. It does not have a strong aroma, so it is equally suitable for kids and adults. Purell is not toxic and is also available in a variety of colors. It’s great fun to use Purell Advanced Instant Hand Sanitizer.
Gelright Hand Sanitizer
Gelright hand sanitizers come in easy-to-use squeeze bottles and are perfect for slime-making at home. While it may not be as well-known as Purell, Gelright’s formula is designed to leave hands soft and smooth without any sticky residue. It’s hypoallergenic and safe for people of all ages, making it a good option for parents who want something gentle for their children to use.
SafeHands Alcohol-Free Hand Sanitizer
SafeHands Alcohol-Free Hand Sanitizer is an excellent choice for making slime, especially if you prefer a gentle option. Unlike other products, it leaves no sticky residue behind. Moreover, its alcohol-free formula is non-toxic, ensuring it’s safe for children. You can confidently use it in classrooms or at home for slime-making projects, knowing it won’t harm sensitive skin. This sanitizer not only keeps the slime-making process safe but also enhances the experience with its smooth, kid-friendly formula.
Alternative Slime Activators You Can Try
As a result from the above discussion ,we can have certain other choices of activators if we are unable to get the desired results from hand sanitizers.
Traditional Activators for Slime
There are many genuine activators that will work for the desired results in the process of slime formation. The most popular options are:
- Borax Solution: Mix 1 teaspoon of borax powder into 1 cup of water and add it to the glue mixture, slowly and slowly.
- Contact Lens Solution: This solution including boric acid is a fine choice for making slime.
Natural or Household Alternatives for Slime Activators
If you’re looking for alternatives to commercial activators, some household items may do the trick:
Baking soda and water
This mild activator for slime is often combined with contact lens solution for a simple, effective recipe.
Laundry Detergent
Some detergents, especially ones that contain borates, can be used as an activator.
Kid-Safe Activators for Slime
It’s essential to choose non-toxic activators for the safety of children in particular.
Saltwater
A salt water solution can produce basic slime, though ma not be as effective.
Cornstarch and water
Cornstarch and water is the safest choice. Though the slime it produces is another type as oobleck.
The Pros and Cons of Using Hand Sanitizer as an Activator for Slime
There are different pros and cons of using hand sanitizer as an activator for slime. Let’s come to know.
Advantages of Using Hand Sanitizer
There are some benefits to using hand sanitizer, particularly in terms of accessibility and ease:
Easily Accessible
People find hand sanitizer easily available at home, so they consider it a better alternative.
Alcohol Content
Alcohol in hand sanitizer causes thickness in slime to a certain extent.
Disadvantages of Using Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer may not perform the best role as an activator for slime due to many reasons.
Inconsistent Results
Hand sanitizer does not have the required chemical properties to produce the desired slime.
Sticky Texture
With the use of hand sanitizer, the produced slime might not get a sticky texture.
Potential Slime Breakdown
Alcohol can make slime weaker by degrading the glue polymers.
Conclusion: Is Hand Sanitizer a Viable Activator for Slime?
Finally, hand sanitizer can be used as an activator to make slime, but we can not expect the desired sticky and stretchy slime from it. On the other hand, traditional activators like borax and contact lens solutions can produce the results we want and love to have. But you can discover anything outside the box to have fun and use hand sanitizer as an activator for slime. But it’s better to secure your desired results by using tried-and-true traditional activators to get the best slime structure.
