How to Make Bubbles at Home

Funnels make perfect wands for homemade bubbles.

Blowing bubbles is an exciting activity for kids of all ages. While commercially produced bubbles are available at many grocery and convenience stores, there's no reason to buy them when making them at home is half the fun. Gather the kids around and make homemade bubbles with just a few simple household ingredients. The kids will love it and you'll save yourself a needless trip to the grocery store.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket or plastic container
• Joy or Dawn dish soap
• Karo syrup
• Glycerin
• Food coloring or Kool-aid powder
• Large spoon or paint stirring stick
• Straws, funnels, cookie cutters and other bubble "wand" objects

Instructions

1. Wash, rinse and dry your mixing bucket thoroughly. Make sure the container is completely free from dirt and debris, as this make the solution unable to form bubbles. Be careful not to leave any bubbles or suds in the bottom of the bucket.

2. Add 1 gallon of water (preferably distilled) to the mixing container.

3. Stir in 12 oz. of Dawn or Joy dish detergent. (Be sure not to use dishwasher detergent.) Mix the soap and water slowly to make sure bubbles don't form.

4. Add 3 tbsp. of glycerin, still stirring slowly. If you can't find glycerin, add 3 tbsp. of Karo syrup instead to help keep the bubbles intact.

5. Color your bubble solution with a few drops of food coloring or a little unsweetened Kool-aid powder, if you want. For bubbles in a variety of colors, divide the solution into smaller containers before adding the coloring.

6. Let the bubble solution sit undisturbed for four hours. Pour your homemade bubbles into airtight containers for storage.

7. Enjoy your homemade bubbles with the kids. Use straws, funnels, cookie cutters and other similar items as bubble wands.

References

• Mother Earth News: Make Giant Bubbles at Home
• A to Z Home's Cool Homeschooling: Bubbles
• Mommy Savers: Bubbles You Can Make at Home