Relax with a DIY bath bomb
It’s been a difficult year, but it’s important for each of us to remember to take time to look after ourselves, as well as each other. If you’re in need of a moment of relaxation, you could try making your very own bath bomb.
With many of us spending more time at home, this could be a great activity for when you want to be creative and try something a bit different. And as we’re nearing the festive season, this could make a fun and creative Christmas gift for a friend or family member.
To make four small bath bombs you will need:
- 100g of bicarbonate of soda
- 50g of citric acid (food grade)
- 25g of cornflour
- 25g of Epsom salts (optional)
- 2 tbsp of oil - you could use sunflower, coconut or olive oil
- ¼ tsp of essential oil – lavender, chamomile or orange would work well
- A few drops of liquid food colouring
- Lavender, petals or orange peel to decorate (optional)
- Plastic moulds
How to build a bath bomb
1
Pour all the dry ingredients (bicarbonate of soda, citric acid, cornflour and Epsom salt) into a large bowl and whisk until fully combined.
2
To a smaller bowl, add the base oil, essential oil and food colouring and mix together well, making sure that the oil and the colouring have combined as much as possible.
3
Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients very slowly and a little at a time, whisking between each addition.
4
When it’s all combined, add a few tiny drops of water and whisk again, make sure to do so quickly as it will fizz up. The mixture should slightly clump up together when pressed in your hand and keep its shape. Avoid making it too wet.
5
If you have decided to decorate your bath bombs, place the petals or the peel on the bottom of your moulds and pack your mixture tightly on top, pressing down and smoothing out the top with a spoon.
6
Leave your bath bombs in the moulds to dry for two to four hours, in a dry and cool place. Once they are dry carefully remove them from the moulds.
Tips and hints
- The ingredients we've used are safe for the bath, but they are not edible.
- Citric acid is used to make homemade cordials and wine, you should be able to easily find it online. You may also find it in larger household goods retailers.
- You don’t need to buy moulds, you can use items that you may already have at home, such as silicone cupcakes cases or ice cube trays. you could even use empty plastic dessert pots.
This activity was designed to give you some space to yourself but, if you enjoy it, you can share it with your girls too.
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