Such an unfortunate but catchy name. Bath bombs or bath fizzies make a great homemade gift idea because they are one of those luxurious indulgences that people often do not buy for themselves, but love to receive as a gift. They’ll love them even more when they realize it’s a homemade gift. They would make a great homemade gift basket accompaniment to Homemade Gift Idea #99: Easy Homemade Melt and Pour Soap Bars. You have probably seen them at bath boutiques, but basically bath bombs are balls of baking soda and citric acid that when dropped in water it dissolves, effervesces and releases the scents or other ingredients you put in them. Its kind of like bathing in bathtub full of Alka-Seltzer! It can be a soothing and therapeutic experience.
There are a couple of ways to make them. Here is the method I have used is based off a tutorial I found off of teachsoap.com:
The ingredients:
Citric Acid
A powder that you can find here at Brambleberry.com. You also might be able to find it at a local winemaking/brewing shop.
Baking Soda
Should be easy enough to find, check in your cupboard or refrigerator..
Witch Hazel
You can find this at here at Brambleberry.com. Otherwise you might find it at your local health food store or pharmacy..
Fragrance or Essential Oil
You can find this at, yep, you guessed it, Brambleberry.com, or your local heath food store..
Clear Spherical Molds
I found quite the selection here at soapequipment.com. I haven’t tried them, but I probably will. They have molds and bath bomb kits at brambleberry.com but no plain spherical ones which I prefer. I have also heard of people using ice cube trays..
I have tried colorants like food coloring, but think I would now prefer the simplicity of a white bath bomb. It’s just a matter of preference. If you do use food coloring make sure you only use a few drops per batch, otherwise it might stain someone’s tub.
The process.
It’s a bit tricky at first. You might have a bad batch or two in the beginning, or a few bath bombs that fall apart, but don’t get discouraged. You’ll get the hang of it..
1. Thoroughly mix 1 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of the citric acid. Make sure it is mixed well and there are no lumps.
2. Add your fragrance and color. Fragrances are your preference, but I enjoy essential oils like lavender or peppermint. If you are using food coloring, make sure to only use a few drops.
3. Lightly spray on the witch hazel while mixing. You want to spray enough on so the mixture just starts to stick together. Too much and the mixture will start bubbling and reacting.
4. Just after the mixture starts to stick together, press into the molds. Make sure you squeeze the mold halves together hard.
5. Wiat a few minutes, then tap them out of the molds.
6. Let sit a few hours or overnight, and then they’ll be ready for wrapping.
I have also seen some recipes that include epsom salt in the dry mixture, and almond oil to help keep the ball together. Some recipes also include cornstarch. I personally would advise against it, as I have read that it might irritate a rash or make it worse. There are conflicting views on this, but I leave it out to be safe.
I used clear colored wrapping, (I cannot remember what it is called… cellophane?) and raffia ribbon for the presentation of the gift.
I hope you enjoy making them. Make sure you make more than you need so you can indulge in this homemade gift yourself.