You can try baby powder, but it must have cornstarch in it. Read the ingredient label to make sure. [4] X Research source You can also try potato starch, but don’t use baking soda or flour. Baking soda will just fizz while flour will turn into paste. [5] X Research source
The original recipe calls for 2 parts cornstarch and 1 part water. Arrowroot powder, tapioca powder, and potato starch are all direct substitutions. [7] X Research source To make your oobleck look more interesting, add some food coloring into the water. Start with 2 to 3 drops, then add more until you get the color you want.
If the oobleck is too watery, add more powder. If the oobleck is too hard, add more water.
You should still do this even for dried out oobleck. This is because it can get rehydrated in the drain the next time you turn on the water.
Use a kitchen scale to measure out your cornflour. Cornflour is essentially the same thing as cornstarch, but with a different name. There are some differences, however, in terms of amounts and water temperature. Make sure that you get cornflour and not corn flour. Cornflour is more powdery than corn flour, which is grainy, like corn meal. [10] X Research source
Start with just 2 to 3 drops, then give the water a stir. If it’s not dark enough for you, add more food coloring. If you skip this step, the oobleck will be white. This is perfectly fine if that’s what you want.
The water should be hot, unlike for cornstarch.
Food coloring can stain skin, so the plastic gloves will help keep your hands clean.
Be sure to mix the oobleck well after each addition.
Don’t toss dried oobleck down the drain either. The next time you use the sink, the oobleck might get rehydrated and clog the drain.
