M.I.Y - Bath Bombs

Bath bombs or bath fizzies are a nice way to add some sparkle to a bath. They are quite easy to make, and with just a few minor variations and so many different types of moulds available the possibilities are endless.  Wrap them simply in cellophane tied with ribbon, or fill a pretty jar with a lot of mini bath bombs for a lovely handmade gift.

I whipped up a quick lemon bath bomb mix, but you could change the fragrance and colour, or add a few botanicals for an extra special finish.

Here's what you'll need:

200g Sodium Bicarbonate (also known as Bicarbonate of Soda)
100g Citric Acid
60 drops lemon essential oil
scant 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
Spray bottle with water or witch hazel
Moulds (e.g. ice cube trays, muffin tins)

This should make about 4-5 large (e.g. cupcake-sized) or 15-20 small (ice-cube sized) bath bombs, but will obviously depend on what type of mould you use.

Here's what you do:

1. Measure the bicarb and citric acid into a bowl.  Work out any clumps to get a smooth mixture.  I used a whisk, but you could also use a sieve.

2.  Add the (lemon) essential oil and mix well.

3.  Add the turmeric and mix in well.  You should get a nice pastel yellow. If you want a darker or lighter shade then just add a little bit more or less. But be careful if adding more, and add it a little at a time, mixing as you go until you get the shade you want.

A little note before the next step.  The bath bomb mixture will need a little bit of moisture to bind it together and result in a nice solid bath bomb.  However water is also what enables the reaction between the citric acid and sodium bicarbonate to happen.  So too much water and your mix will start to fizz prematurely, but too little and the bath bomb will not harden and will fall apart.  The amount of moisture in the air also has an effect. So if you live in a humid place, or if it's been quite damp lately, you might find you don't need quite as much, or any, additional moisture to get the right consistency as if you lived somewhere quite dry.  Some people use witch hazel instead of water to reduce the risk of "premature fizz" although I've never tried it.

4.  You are aiming for the bath bomb mixture to hold together when squeezed in your hand.  If it's quite crumbly then add a couple of spritzes of water/witch hazel, mix well, then check again.

5. When you have the right consistency press the mixture into the mould of your choice.  I've used a simple block mould and some small hearts.  Make sure that you pack the mixture as firmly as possible and fill the entire depth of the mould.

6. Set the moulded bath bombs aside for 15 minutes. Then turn them out and leave for at least an hour before packaging them up, or store in an airtight container until you are ready to package them.  Try not to squeeze or bend the moulds too much while turning out the bath bombs.  A sharp tap will usually dislodge them.  Use packaging that will keep moisture out, like cellophane.

Variations

Alternative aromas:
   - lavender for relaxation
   - rose geranium and orange, lemon, or grapefruit smells like sherbet
   - peppermint, eucalyptus and lemon for a comforting, cold-busting bath
   - or if you prefer not to use essential oils try non-water based natural food flavouring (check the ingredients)

For different colours you could use pink clay, or natural, non water-based food colouring.  Use the food colouring carefully adding it a few drops at a time and mixing well to check the colour,  Too much colour could stain a bath (not to mention your skin!).

For a professional finish, sprinkle some botanicals, like lavender, calendula or rose petals, in the bottom of the mould before adding the bath bomb mixture.

Moulds

There are so many options for containers that could be used for making bath bombs: ice cube trays, novelty ice cube trays (like those in the picture below), muffin and fairy cake tins to name a few.  The block mould I used was from Ikea (bought a few years ago), and that is a good place to look for reasonably priced shaped trays.  Alternatively if you don't have an Ikea near you the supermarket is another good place to try.  I would recommend a stiffer container that will stand up to having the bath bomb mixture tightly packed into it.  I have found that the really flexible silicone moulds bulge and flex and don't hold their shape, making it harder to get a decent bath bomb.

Try to avoid using containers that you ordinarily use for food, but if you do remember that essential oils are poisonous if ingested, so wash them out thoroughly afterwards, and/or line them first (for example with muffin or cupcake cases).

Supplies

You might be able to get some of the ingredients from the High St. but if you want to make a few then you could try here or here.  For a smoother finish to your bath bombs use the fine (anhydrous) citric acid.

So off you go and create some lovely bath bombs, then tell me all about it in the comments below :)