Discover the Fun Side of Borax: DIY Bouncy Balls Tutorial
I’ve always had a soft spot for Borax. Growing up, I’d watch my grandmother pull out her trusty box of Borax and sprinkle it into the laundry. That simple act of adding a laundry booster was like magic—stains vanished, and clothes sparkled. Over the years, I’ve found countless uses for Borax around the house, from removing stubborn stains to exploring their website for cleaning tips. But today, let’s dive into something a bit more playful: making Borax bouncy balls!
Unleash the Fun: Borax Bouncy Balls
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Servings: Makes 1 bouncing ball
A Blast from the Past: The Charm of DIY Bouncy Balls
Borax bouncing balls have been a staple of DIY fun for ages. They’re not just a childhood craft; they’re an engaging project for all ages. Combining Borax with simple ingredients like school glue and water, you can create a squishy, bouncy ball that provides hours of entertainment. Trust me—there’s something deeply satisfying about watching a homemade ball bounce across the room!
Ingredients:
- 1 Tablespoon (15 grams) 20 Mule Team Borax
- 1/2 Cup (120 milliliters) Warm Water
- Ziploc Bag
- 3 Tablespoons Elmer’s School Glue
Steps to Create Your Bouncy Ball:
- Prepare the Borax Solution:
- Pour 1/2 cup of warm water into a Ziploc bag.
- Add 1 tablespoon of 20 Mule Team Borax.
- Seal the bag and gently knead until the Borax is fully dissolved. This creates your Borax solution.
- Incorporate the Glue:
- Quickly add 3 tablespoons of Elmer’s School Glue to the Borax solution. The glue will start to thicken rapidly, so work fast!
- Mix and Knead:
- Seal the Ziploc bag again and knead the mixture. It might feel a bit lumpy at first, but keep kneading until the mixture becomes less sticky.
- Shape the Bouncy Ball:
- Once the mixture firms up, remove it from the bag and continue kneading with your hands. Shape it into a round ball.
Test Your Creation:
- Your homemade bouncy ball is ready once it’s no longer sticky. Give it a bounce and enjoy the fun!
Expert Tips for the Perfect Bouncy Ball:
- Work quickly when adding the glue, as the mixture can become stiff in seconds.
- If your ball gets sticky after use, store it in the Borax solution to prevent drying out. Knead it again before playing.
- Leftover mixture? Store it in an airtight container and label it for future fun.
FAQs About Borax Bouncing Balls:
Q1: Is Borax safe for this activity?
A1: Yes, Borax is generally safe when used as directed. However, it’s essential to handle it with care. Avoid ingestion or eye contact and supervise children.
Q2: Can I add color to my bouncing ball?
A2: Absolutely! Add food coloring to the glue before mixing it with the Borax solution for colorful bouncy balls.
Q3: My ball is too sticky—what should I do?
A3: If the ball remains sticky, knead it more or add a bit more Borax to reduce stickiness.
Alternative Names for Borax Bouncy Balls:
- DIY Bouncy Balls
- Homemade Squishy Balls
- Glue and Borax Bouncers
Ready to Dive Into Your DIY Project?
Are you excited to create your own Borax bouncy balls? Grab your supplies and get started! For all your Borax needs, consider checking out this Amazon link for top-quality products. Share your bouncy ball creations with us in the comments below—I’d love to hear about your experiences and any fun twists you’ve added to the recipe!
The Versatility of Borax: Beyond Bouncing Balls
Borax isn’t just for DIY bouncy balls—it’s a versatile household hero. Here are some other fantastic uses:
- Cleaning Agent:
- Borax can clean almost anything! Use it to remove stains, scrub sinks, deodorize carpets, and more.
- Laundry Booster:
- Add Borax to your laundry detergent to boost cleaning power and brighten whites.
- Pest Control:
- An effective natural deterrent for ants, cockroaches, and fleas.
- Weed Killer:
- Mix with water to create a solution for killing unwanted plants (but be careful where you apply it).
- Fire Retardant:
- Used in manufacturing fire-resistant materials.
- Rust Remover:
- Make a paste with Borax and lemon juice to tackle rust on metal surfaces.
- Flower Preservation:
- Dry flowers beautifully by burying them in a Borax and cornmeal mixture.
- Fungicide:
- Control fungal growth on plants by spraying a diluted Borax solution.
- DIY Slime:
- A key ingredient in homemade slime recipes.
- Candle Making:
- Coats wicks for a more even burn.
- Dishwasher Detergent Booster:
- Enhances the effectiveness of dishwasher detergent.
- Craft Projects:
- Use Borax for crystal ornaments or snowflakes.
- Metal Welding:
- Acts as a flux to prevent oxidation during welding.
- Fireworks Production:
- Creates green-colored flames in fireworks.
- Buffer Solution:
- Used in laboratories for creating buffer solutions.
Borax is a remarkably versatile product, but always use it responsibly and with care, especially around children and pets.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.Julee Morrison