Cherri's Korner

Who doesn’t like bubbles in their bath?

But did you know that there is science behind those bath bombs?

Here is a “recipe” for bath bombs from Popular Science Magazine.

Make this together with you children (or this could be a great 4-H project!)

Bath Bomb by Rachel Feltman

Yield: 12 (Depending on mold size)

Tools & Materials

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup Epsom salt
• 1/2 cup corn starch
• 1/2 cup citric acid
• large bowl
• whisk
• biodegradable glitter or dried flower petals (optional)
• 2 1/2 tablespoons coconut oil (or any other veggie oil)
• 1 tablespoon water (approximately)
• 2 teaspoons essential oil for scent (approximately)
• 4-6 drops of food coloring small jar or bowl 12-18 silicone molds

1) Mix the dry ingredients (baking soda, Epsom salt, corn starch, and citric acid) together in a large bowl. Use the whisk to make sure the mixture is clump-free. (Science - According to Rachel, “Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a key ingredient in this bathtub explosion: When the high pH powder reacts with a low pH acid, it produces carbon dioxide bubbles. Remember those baking soda and vinegar volcanoes you made in elementary school? Citric acid takes the place of vinegar in this chemical equation, but it doesn’t react with sodium bicarbonate until it gets wet.)”

Add the biodegradable glitter if you want a bit of glam into the mix. Please don’t use regular craft glitter, because it’s not good for our aquatic friends.

2) Mix up the wet ingredients (oil, water, essential oil, and food coloring) in a jar and shake. This is the time when your nose is in control. Adjust the scents to your liking.

If you have a favorite perfume, go with it. Rachel suggests to try “cinnamon, cocoa, peppermint, or coffee scents for the winter holidays (or a combination of all four to make a mocha-licious bath). Or go with something classic, like a spa-like eucalyptus and lavender mix or a straight-up sugary hit of vanilla extract.”

If you want color, add it now.

3) Add a teaspoon at a time of the liquid to the dry mixture.

Whisk as you go, and slow down if things start to look fizzy. You should end up with the consistency of damp sand.

4) Spoon your mixture immediately into your molds before it dries out. Press the mixture down firmly into your molds of choice. (You can use sand box molds for a variety of shapes. Just make sure you have at least 12.) 5) Let the bath bombs dry. If your mold has a lot of detail, let it dry for a whole day. 6) When dry, pop them out of the molding and enjoy!