How to Make Bubble Mixture

Blowing and chasing bubbles can be clean fun for kids.

It seems that children are enchanted by bubbles and enjoy chasing and popping them almost endlessly. Bubble-blowing mixtures can be found commercially for relatively cheap. But what if you want to be ecofriendly and reduce your packaging consumption or plan on hosting a children's party and want a lot of bubbles? Bubble mixture can be made at home in a few simple steps using only three ingredients. With less effort than it may take to fix a child a snack, you can mix up a clean, low-cost, outdoor activity.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket
• 1 gallon water
• 2/3 cup dishwashing detergent (non-Ultra)
• 2 tbsp. glycerin
• Large plastic spoon
• Sealable container or containers (optional)

Instructions

1. Pour 1 gallon of water into the mixing bucket.

2. Add 2/3 cup of dishwashing detergent to the water. Stir slowly so it does not become frothy.

3. Stir in 2 tbsp of glycerin into the water and soap mixture.

4. Allow the mixture to sit overnight for best results.

5. Store in a sealed container, or several small containers, if it will not be used immediately.

Tips & Warnings

• Try distilled water for longer lasting bubbles. Glycerin can be found at pharmacies and the pharmacy section of large chain stores. Vegetarians and vegans may want to try vegetable glycerin, as regular glycerin is derived from animal fats. Bubble wands can be made by reusing household items. Wire hangers can be bent into just about any shape to make large bubbles. Fly swatters and those little plastic baskets berries sometimes come in will make a lot of little bubbles.

• Keep the open bucket away from children and animals while it is settling overnight, as it may be a drowning hazard. Exercise caution when mixing, storing and using the bubble solution to prevent slips and falls.

References

• Bubble Mania
• Exploratorium
• Pioneer Thinking