By Staff Writer
Making your own bath bombs at home can be a fun and creative project. Bath bombs are a combination of dry ingredients that fizz and release pleasant scents when they come into contact with water. Here’s a basic recipe for making bath bombs:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
- 1/2 cup citric acid
- 1/2 cup Epsom salt or sea salt
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons of your choice of oil (e.g., coconut oil, almond oil, or olive oil)
- 1-2 teaspoons water
- 10-20 drops of essential oils (e.g., lavender, eucalyptus, or citrus)
- Food colouring (optional)
- Bath bomb molds or silicone molds
- Optional: Dried flower petals, herbs, or other decorative items
Instructions:
- Prepare Your Workspace: Clear a clean, flat surface for making the bath bombs. Cover it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the baking soda, citric acid, Epsom salt, and cornstarch. Use a whisk to mix these dry ingredients thoroughly, breaking up any lumps.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, mix the oil of your choice, essential oils, and water. If you want to add colour, add a few drops of food colouring to this wet mixture. Be careful not to overdo it with the colouring; a little goes a long way.
- Gradually Add Wet to Dry: Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients while whisking continuously. It’s crucial to add the wet ingredients gradually to avoid premature fizzing. The mixture should be damp enough to hold together when squeezed but not overly wet.
- Optional Additions: If you want to add dried flower petals, herbs, or other decorative items, gently fold them into the mixture at this stage.
- Mold the Bath Bombs: Fill each half of your bath bomb molds with the mixture, packing it down tightly. Press the two halves together firmly and then gently remove the mold to reveal the bath bomb. If you don’t have molds, you can also use silicone ice cube trays or shape the mixture into balls using your hands.
- Dry: Place the formed bath bombs on a tray or plate and allow them to dry and harden for at least 24 hours. Keep them in a dry, cool place away from moisture.
- Enjoy: Once your bath bombs are completely dry, they are ready to use. Simply drop one into your bathwater, and it will fizz and release the scent and oils, creating a relaxing bath experience.
Remember that bath bombs are fragile, so handle them with care to avoid breakage before use. You can get creative with different scents, colours, and shapes to personalize your homemade bath bombs to your liking.
