Fizzy Bath Bombs

Alan Kiraly (from the web programming department), and his wife, Michaeline, made these bath bombs at home for their Christmas gifts. Alan says they were simple and easy to make, and fun because you use your hands – you get the baking soda and essential oils on your hands and it feels good and smells nice. It is also fun to choose the scent combinations, and best of all it’s easy to do.

To make your own bath bombs, you first go down to the store and check out the different essential oils. Think about who you are giving the bath bombs to, and make your own scent combinations. Michaeline likes bergamot, lavender and peppermint together, also patchouli and sage, and ylang ylang and rose geranium.

Bath bombs are also perfect for wedding favors. And, you could also create a fabulous spa basket filled with your bath bombs, plus homemade soap and  homemade bath salts in coordinating scents. You could give a spa basket for a birthday, thank you, mother’s day, or wedding weekend thank-you.

Any tips from Alan? Yes indeed. Be sure to pop the bombs out of the molds (muffin tins, in their case) as soon as they are set but before they dry or they will stick!

Fizzy Bath Bombs

• 2 cups citric acid
• 6 cups baking soda
• 5-10 drops essential oil, or more if desired
• Food coloring (optional)
• 2 tsp dried flowers or herbs (optional)
• Witch hazel in a spray bottle

Mix the citric acid and baking soda with your hands in a large bowl or clean plastic bucket. Add essential oil, food coloring, and dried herbs. Add more oil and coloring if desired.

Begin adding the witch hazel. Go slowly and be careful at this stage, because too much witch hazel added too quickly will cause the bomb to go off while you’re mixing it (the fizz will become activated with too much liquid, and there will be none left for bath time). Spray the mixture with witch hazel – 2 or 3 sprays, then mix and knead. Repeat spraying, then knead, until you have a consistency that will hold together when you squeeze a handful of it. It should be like wet sand for building sand castles – not too wet. Take your time – allow 10-15 minutes for mixing. Once it has achieved the proper consistency, press it into molds (such as jello molds) or form it into balls in your hand. Let dry overnight.

Recommended herbs & flowers: chamomile, marigold, ground apricot kernel, lemongrass, rose petals. Store in an airtight container.

Package in cellophane bags or glass jars. Citric acid can be obtained online at americanspice.com. Essential oils & herbs from a local health store, or online at lorannoils.com.. Kerr canning jars can be found at most grocery stores, or order specialty jars online at Weck Canning or Specialtybottle.com.