by: Paul Duxbury
Bath bombs are easy to make and provide a delightful fizzing adventure in the tub. If you do not know what a bath bomb is, it is a sweet scented mixture of citric acid, baking soda and other ingredients that fizz when you plop them into your tub.
As your bomb fizzes, the scent is released filling the room with a comforting aroma that lasts for hours.
To make bath bombs, you will need 1/3 part citric acid, and 2/3 part baking soda as well as some witch hazel in a spray bottle.
First, mix the baking soda and citric acid together well, so that they are blended well. Next, add colorant if desired (you can use dried herbs for colour, just a pinch or so) and enough fragrance to scent the mixture well.
Now, grab your witch hazel, and work fast as the mixture will start fizzing once you start adding the hazel. Sprits with one hand, and stir well with the other hand until the mixture is thoroughly wet with a consistency of play dough.
Now firmly press your mixture into moulds (ice cube trays work well), then let your bombs sit overnight until dry.
If your bombs fizz in the moulds, just continue pressing them down, This just means that you used too much witch hazel resulting in a mixture that was too wet. Over time you will know what consistency is best for the humidity in your area. Until then, practice makes perfect.
The more you pack your mixture into your mould, the longer lasting and harder your bombs will be.
Your bath bombs can be used for yourself, as gifts to family and friends or sold to make some spare cash.
A nice way to package your bombs for gift giving would be to wrap them in cellophane and place a few in a large coffee cup, along with a sealed bag of hot cocoa, tea or coffee and a small candle.
Wrap this attractively in colourful wrap, add a bow, and you have a mini spa treat that is sure to please anyone.