Using Baking Soda to make Bath Bombs

Handy to know | Part 6

I recently bought myself some bath bombs as a treat and I was amazed by how much they cost. When I started this series of posts I found this recipe using baking soda to make bath bombs. I decided it would make the most awesome final post in our series on bicarbonate of soda.

Although this is a handy to know post making bath bombs can also be a craft and possibly a way to make some extra money at your local craft fair.

Bath bombs aren’t soap so they don’t do the same job but they are an alternative to bubble baths and bath oils. They are also definitely a lot less messy and slippery. Bath bombs dissolve completely in the water, softening it and filling the air with their fragrance.

How they work

When dissolved in water there is a reaction between the citric acid and the baking soda. This produces a salt called sodium citrate and the reaction creates bubbles. Don’t worry that’s enough of a science lesson. All you need to know is that the acid reacts with the alkaline to give you an amazing bath. The ratio is 2 parts bicarb to 1 part citric acid.

After this you simply add essential oils and a colourant and hey presto. Well there is a little more to it but keep reading.

What do the essential oils do?

Essential oils are a concentrated version of a plant. They are also natural and therefore don’t harm the environment like manufactured scents and perfumes.

Some popular essentials oils

Rose

This naturally has a very strong floral aroma and is used to treat depression, eczema and stress.

Vanilla

Deep brown in colour and a rich, strong and sweet aroma. Used in making vanilla essence it evokes feelings of home and comfort.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass has a strong, earthy lemon smell and is used to treat acne, muscle aches, excessive perspiration and stress. If you suffer with sensitive skin take care with this one.

Lavender

Lavender is calming and can be used for many things. These include the treatment of anxiety, headaches, insect bites, itching, labour pains, sores and sprains.

Recipe for using baking soda to make bath bombs

You will need:

• Baking soda
• Citric acid
• Light oil (for binding)
• Essential oil (for fragrance)
• Distilled water
• A mould to set the bath bombs
• Water soluble colourant like food colouring
• Mixing bowl not used for food preparation

Making 2 bath bombs

• 4oz bicarbonate of soda
• 2 oz citric acid
• 1 tsp vegetable oil
• 10 drops of essential oil like lavender
• 1/2 tsp dried lavender if you have some.

To convert these quantities please download my free printable on Kitchen Conversions by clicking on this link: Kitchen Conversions’ Free Printable

1. Measure the baking soda and citric acid into a large bowl and mix together.
2. Add the vegetable oil and 10 drops of an essential oil.
3. Mix together with your hands. The mixture should feel powdery and not damp or moist so rather add too little than too much as you go.
4. If the mixture does not clump* together you can add a tiny bit more essential oil . Do this slowly a drop at a time. If the mixture is too wet the bath bomb won’t work.
5. If the mixture still does not clump then spray a fine mist of distilled water over the mixture and stir in very quickly.
6. If you are using some dried lavender add this first to the mould and then start packing the mixture on top.
7. Press down as hard as you can as you pack the mixture into the mould. The stronger and more solid the shape the better the bomb will be.
8. Once you are done quickly and confidently bang the moulds onto a plate or tray.
9. Allow to rest and dry in a warm dry spot. This takes between 12 and 24 hours.

*Note: Clumping means the mixture clumps when you squeeze it together hard. You should still be able to break and crumble the powder.

Remember

If you want to colour the bath bomb you can use either liquid or powdered food colouring. Adding 1/8tsp powdered food colouring will add a vibrant colour to the bath bomb. This changes the texture of the mixture though so add some additional essential oil or distilled water.

You can also add 1/2 tsp liquid food colouring but reduce the vegetable oil to make up for the additional liquid you’re adding.

If you bath is dirty or the water is too oily you run the risk of a coloured ring mark around the edge of the bath so take care with colour.

Storing your bath bombs

Store your bath bombs in an airtight container until you want to used them. If you are giving them as a gift wrap them tightly in some cling film before packaging them. Airtight packaging helps slow down the fading of the essential oils.

Bathbombs are always best used fresh!

If you enjoyed this post on making bath bombs and would like to learn what else you can do with baking soda please see my other posts: Baking Soda in the Home, Baking Soda in the Bathroom and Baking Soda in the Kitchen.