How to Create Elephant Toothpaste for an Afternoon of Science Fun

If you didn’t know, Pinterest is one of the largest search engines on the internet. It’s not just for pinning recipes and design ideas that we might never use; it’s also a fantastic resource for DIY activities to enjoy with your children. If your little ones are into STEM, you’ll discover countless ideas—more than you could realistically attempt, that’s for sure. However, if you’re like us, you’re looking for enjoyable, straightforward projects that don’t require trips to multiple stores or a degree in rocket science. Luckily for you, we have the perfect solution: Elephant Toothpaste!

You might be wondering what exactly elephant toothpaste is. In simple terms, it’s a chemical reaction involving hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, and yeast (yes, the same stuff you use for baking). The result resembles toothpaste but on a much grander scale—hence the name! Before we jump into the details of how to make this fun experiment, a quick note: please do not attempt to brush your teeth with this mixture. We shouldn’t have to mention it, but just in case—people can be unpredictable. But I’m sure you understand not to use dish soap for your dental hygiene, right? Great, let’s move on!

Here’s everything you need to know about making elephant toothpaste, including the recipe and materials. Get ready for a fun-filled afternoon with your kids, complete with laughter (and maybe a little mess).

How to Make Elephant Toothpaste with Your Kids

Here’s your comprehensive guide to crafting elephant toothpaste with your STEM-loving kiddos.

Materials Needed:

Yeast – Found in the baking aisle.
Dish soap – Any kind will do, although the “blue one” is preferred.
Three percent hydrogen peroxide
Warm water
Container – A plastic soda bottle works great, but feel free to experiment with different shapes and sizes!
Measuring cups and spoons
Large spoon – For stirring.
Safety glasses – Because safety is key.
Apron – Optional, but it helps keep clothes somewhat clean.
Large tray or tub – To catch any spills (this is a science experiment, after all).
Liquid food coloring – Optional but highly recommended for added fun.

Where to Do This:

Choose a location that can handle a bit of a mess. The kitchen works, but doing this outside is often a better choice, especially if the weather is nice.

Instructions:

Put on your safety gear for protection.
Gather your supplies beforehand to avoid any mid-experiment ingredient runs. Set up your tray or tub to catch any spills and ensure everything is ready to go.
Pour half a cup of hydrogen peroxide into your container.
Add a generous squeeze of dish soap and stir it well.
Here comes the exciting part! If you want a single color, add a few drops of food coloring and mix. If you prefer stripes to resemble real toothpaste, add drops of food coloring around the rim of the container and let it trickle down without mixing.
In a measuring cup, combine three tablespoons of warm water with one tablespoon of yeast. Stir well for about 30 seconds to activate the yeast.
Now, add your activated yeast to the hydrogen peroxide and dish soap mixture and watch the fun unfold! You should see a reaction that looks like toothpaste being squeezed from a tube, only on a massive scale!

Don’t forget to capture your kid’s amazed reaction for social media. We’d love to see it!

Safety Note:

While elephant toothpaste is not toxic and is safe to handle, it does produce a mild heat during the reaction (an exothermic reaction). It’s not hot enough to cause burns, but ingestion is to be avoided. Ensure participants wear safety goggles and gloves.

What is Devil Toothpaste?

If you’re looking to escalate the fun, consider creating devil toothpaste, a larger-scale version of elephant toothpaste that produces an impressive explosion! This version requires a catalyst like potassium iodide or yeast, hydrogen peroxide, and soap, resulting in a massive, foamy reaction. Check out this video for a demonstration on how to create a giant devil toothpaste explosion!

For more engaging projects and ideas, feel free to explore this post or visit Make a Mom for more resources on home insemination.