How to make your very own DIY bath bombs

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The Washington Post
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Follow this step-by-step guide to add some fizziness and fun to your next soak in the tub; they make awesome Christmas gifts as well!

The Washington Post |
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A candy mold creates several patterns of snowflakes for homemade bath bombs.

When the weather gets chilly, a bath bomb can be delightful. Make these snowflake-shaped bath bombs to give as home-made holiday presents or treat yourself to a fizzy soak when your muscles are aching and it’s cold outside. You’ll be sure to turn bath time into a blast with a little bit of sweet-smelling chemistry!

You may need to grab an extra pair of hands to help with some of the trickier bits. Making the bath bombs takes about 45 minutes but the whole process will take two days to complete. Before you begin, you’ll need to assemble the following items:

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Kitchen supplies

  • measuring cups
  • a medium-sized mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • measuring spoons
  • a small microwave-safe bowl
  • tablespoon
  • paper towels
  • snowflake-shaped silicone confectionery mould tray
  • plastic chopping board
  • plate covered with greaseproof paper
Essential ingredients for a perfect DIY bath bomb.
Photo: The Washington Post

Ingredients (makes 8 bath bombs, 5cm wide, 1cm thick)

  • 1 cup baking soda
  • ½ cup cornflour
  • ½ cup Epsom salts
  • ½ cup citric acid
  • 3 tbsp coconut oil
  • 8 drops blue liquid food colouring
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Method

Step 1: Pour 1 cup of baking soda into a mixing bowl.

Step 2: Add the cornflour, Epsom salts and citric acid.

Step 3: Whisk for 30 seconds until the ingredients are combined.

Step 4: Place coconut oil into the small microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a paper towel, then microwave for 10 seconds.

Step 5: Remove, and stir until the coconut oil is liquid. Heat for an extra five seconds (then stir) if needed.

Photo: The Washington Post

Step 6: Add the vanilla extract to the oil, then the blue food colouring. Whisk for a minute until it becomes dark blue.

Step 7: Slowly add the melted coconut oil to the larger mixing bowl, stirring with the spoon as you pour to prevent fizzing.

Step 8: Mix until combined, about a minute, then use the whisk to break up any clumps.

Photo: The Washington Post

Step 9: Squeeze some of the mixture in your hand. It should stick together like damp sand.

Step 10: Place the silicone mould on the chopping board, then scoop the mixture into the moulds with your hands. Make sure each mould is filled completely, pressing firmly with your fingertips.

Photo: The Washington Post

Step 11: Wipe off extra mixture from the tray and save in a plastic bag to make another batch later.

Step 12: Place the mould flat in the freezer for 30 minutes.

Step 13: Remove tray from freezer. To remove bath bombs, gently tug the silicone away from the side of a mould and slowly push each snowflake up from underneath the mould with your fingers.

Photo: The Washington Post

Step 14: Carefully remove snowflakes, one at a time, and place them on a plate covered with greaseproof paper, (don’t handle them too much to prevent crumbling).

Step 15: Air dry your bath bombs for 48 hours to make sure they harden – they should feel like crunchy biscuits.

Step 16: Presto! Your bath bombs are ready. Pop one in a tub and watch it fizz, then share the others with people you love.

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