Learn how to make car cleaner slime with just four simple household ingredients.
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Time 10-15 minutes
ComplexityBeginner
Cost$0 - $20
Introduction
Here's how to make satisfying car cleaning gel that pulls dirt from every nook and cranny of your car's interior.
Ready to channel your inner mad scientist? We’re turning a childhood toy into a car-cleaning life hack. It’s simple, takes little time to make, and actually works! Best of all, you can have your kids help out! It’s the kind of science kids love. They’ll think that it’s a fun experiment, but only you will know that it’s your secret car detailing weapon to get your vehicle’s interior squeaky clean.
Tools Required
- Measuring spoons
- Medium Glass bowl
- Small Glass jar or zip-lock bag
Materials Required
- Baking soda
- Blue food coloring
- Contact solution
- Elmer's white glue
- Plastic spoon
Project step-by-step (4)
Prepare the mixture
In a medium glass mixing bowl, pour:
- An entire 4-oz. bottle of Elmer’s white glue.
- 2-tsp of baking soda.
- A few drops of food coloring (If you wish to color it).
- 1-2 tbsp of contact lens solution
Using a glass bowl ensures easy cleanup and prevents the mixture from sticking to the container. Use a plastic spoon to stir the mixture thoroughly after adding each component. Ensure all clumps are eliminated, and the mixture is smooth and consistent before adding the contact lens solution.
Note: Use a contact lens solution that contains boric acid or sodium borate—these ingredients are what activate the car cleaning gel.
Mix and knead
The contact lens solution is what transforms the liquid into a gel or slime consistency. The mixture will immediately begin to thicken on contact. Use the spoon to fold the slime over itself (like bread dough) in the bowl to incorporate all ingredients.
Once the mixture has thickened into a cohesive ball of gel, remove the spoon and begin kneading it by hand. You may have excess contact solution at the bottom of the bowl when mixing, and that is normal. Once you start kneading and stretching the gel over it, the gel will soak up the excess. At first, the gel may stick to your hands and fingers, but after a few minutes of kneading, folding and stretching, the gel will become smooth and elastic. That means it’s ready to use.
Note: Some people may be sensitive to glue or boric acid. Wash your hands thoroughly after mixing or handling the slime.
Use the car cleaning gel
Before you do a full cleaning of your car, test a small, inconspicuous area first. Use the car cleaning gel on hard plastic surfaces such as cup holders, air vents, buttons, etc. Avoid using it on upholstery or other porous surfaces, as it could leave residue or get stuck. If the gel leaves some residue or is too soft, add a little more contact solution to firm it up.
To use, push it onto the hard plastic surfaces to pick up any hair, crumbs or debris. When you need to pick up more, fold the car cleaning gel over to reveal a new, clean side and repeat.
To store it, put it into a small glass container or a zip-lock bag in a cool location. Don’t leave it in your car! Depending on where you live, the heat will melt it.
FAQ
Is car cleaning gel reusable?
Car cleaning slime/gel is totally reusable. Fold over the used parts of your slime/gel and bring forth a nice, clean side to continue cleaning.
How long does car cleaning gel last?
Once your gel stops picking up dirt and debris, it is time to replace it. Meaning, it could last one use if your car is extremely dirty, or four or more uses. The frequency with which you clean your car and how dirty it is will determine how long it lasts. What’s great is that it is so simple to make in so little time.
How often should I clean my car interior?
Every two to four weeks, when you wash the exterior of your vehicle, it is a good idea to pick up all the trash and debris and shake out the floor mats. Deep cleaning of your vehicle’s interior only needs to be done every 3 to 4 months.
