How to Make a Commercial Bubble Solution

Homemade bubble solution saves time and money.

If you're looking for a way to keep your kids entertained, try bubble-blowing activities. To make the process more special, make your own bubble solution at home. You'll save time and money, and the only ingredients you'll need are water, glycerin, and dish detergent. Glycerin, which can be found in the skin care section of most drug stores, is sometimes pricey. For a less costly alternative, you can substitute light Karo syrup instead.

Things You'll Need

• 1 gallon distilled water
• 18 ounces dish detergent
• 1 small bottle glycerin or light Karo syrup
• Mixing bucket
• Measuring cup
• Liquid food coloring (optional)
• Tablespoon measure
• Stirring spoon

Instructions

Bubble Solution Instructions

1. Place one gallon of warm distilled water into your mixing bucket. The water should ideally be distilled because tap water is often hard and generally not good for bubbles.

2. Add 12 ounces of non-ultra dish detergent to the water. If you decide to use ultra detergent, add just 9 ounces to the mixture. Stir the mixture slowly to avoid making a lot of foam.

3. Add 3 tablespoons of glycerin or light Karo syrup to the mixture for non-ultra detergent solution, and 6 tablespoons for ultra detergent solution. Glycerin is used to slow the evaporation of the water, but on days of high humidity (50 percent or higher), it's not necessary. Be careful not to add too much, or your solution will become too heavy.

4. Store your bubbles in a clean, covered container. This will help to prevent the water from evaporating and thickening your solution. You can use your solution immediately, but for improved results you may want to wait 24 hours before use.

Tips & Warnings

• Be mindful that bubbles perform best in high humidity, 60 percent or higher is ideal. A hot, muggy summer day should provide optimal conditions for a bubble-blowing experience.

• Add droplets of liquid food coloring to your solution to make colored bubbles.

• As with most soaps, bubble solution can sting and irritate your eyes, so contact should be avoided. The solution is also very slippery, so watch your step around any areas of spillage.

References

• Bubbles.org: Solution
• Bubble Mania: FAQ - Solution