Your kids are enjoying the outdoor adventures of summer days and always seem to run out of bubbles at the worst possible time. You can't get to the store or have them shipped quick enough, but their playtime doesn't have to stop. You can make your own homemade bubble solution to keep your kids playing all summer long. These bubble solution recipes will save you time and money, and keep your kids from getting bored.
The Foolproof Bubble Recipe
If you're looking for a homemade bubble solution that rivals the store-bought bottles, this is the one. This solution makes large, iridescent bubbles that float high and last just as long - if not longer - than store-bought solutions. There are only three ingredients involved, and you most likely have them all on hand. Use a large glass jar or a plastic storage container to mix and store your solution and pour it into smaller bottles when your kids need more. Here's how to make homemade bubbles the easy way.
Supplies
- Large glass jar or plastic container
- 2 cups warm water
- ¼ cup corn syrup (or glycerin)
- ½ cup dish soap (Dawn is the best for this)
Directions
- Start with warm water in your container. Cold water will work, but warm water will help the solution come together quickly and easily.
- Add in the corn syrup and dish soap and mix well. You can also close the container and shake it to mix the solution, but this will cause some bubbles to form inside the container.
- Pour the solution into an empty bubble container, a tray for large bubble wands, or give your kids the entire container for a bubble-filled day.
Alternative Bubble Solution Recipes
If you don't have everything you need on hand for the best bubble solution recipe, these alternatives will still work. You might find they don't float as high or look as colorful as the store-bought versions, but if your kids are begging for bubbles and you need a quick fix, these will work.
Soap Powder Bubbles
If you have soap powder on hand, all you really need is warm water to create a bubble solution. You'll want to work in large batches when making this recipe to get the mixture just right.
Supplies
- Large bucket or plastic container
- ½ gallon warm water
- 2 cups soap powder
Directions
- Add warm water to your container.
- Add the soap powder and stir to dissolve.
- Stir often when using to maintain the right ratio of water and soap.
Sugar Bubbles
Believe it or not, sugar is an important component in a bubble solution. If you don't have corn syrup or glycerin - you can use regular granulated sugar. Here's a sugar-based recipe that will give you large bubbles that float high in the sky.
Supplies
- Glass jar or plastic container
- 2 cups warm water
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- ¼ cup dish detergent
Directions
- Start with warm water in your container. It's important that your water is warm so the sugar dissolves properly.
- Add the sugar and stir until dissolved.
- Add the dish detergent and stir again.
- Pour into smaller bottles for your kids and encourage them to shake the bottle before use.
How to Make Bubble Solutions That Actually Work
Starting with a good recipe is important, but here are some things to keep in mind when making your own bubbles at home. Add these tips to your homemade bubble-making journey for a successful solution every time.
- Use distilled water for best results when making your own bubble solutions. Tap water could have minerals that might impact the soap in your solution bubbles, so use distilled water if you can.
- Add food coloring to your basic bubble solutions to make more colorful bubbles that your kids will love. This is a fun way to teach your kids about colors.
- For best results, use a dish washing liquid that isn't marketed as "ultra."
- Dawn dishwashing liquid is best for recipes that include liquid soap. Alternatives can work, but Dawn produces the biggest and longest-lasting bubbles.
- Use glycerin in place of corn syrup or sugar if you're able to. It will produce larger bubbles with more shine.
The Best Way to Store Homemade Bubble Solutions
Now that you've made the bubbles, make sure you store them properly so you can reach for them any time your kids feel a bubble adventure coming on. The best way to store your bubbles is in an airtight container - glass or plastic - and out of reach of young children. If you leave your bubble solution open overnight or for a few days, the sugar will crystalize, the soap will create residue, and the water will evaporate. A mason jar with a lid, a previously used bubble bottle, or a plastic food container all work well.
How to Make Your Own Bubble Wands
Don't have any spare bubble wands laying around? These replacements will help your kids get creative and make the coolest bubbles ever. They might be even better than the traditional bubble wands that come in the store-bought bottles.
- Plastic or metal cookie cutters make fun bubble wands in virtually every shape you can imagine.
- Thread yarn through two plastic straws and tie together for an oversized bubble wand that's also flexible.
- Bend and connect pipe cleaners for fun and fuzzy homemade bubble wands.
- A small colander or strainer makes for a fun bubble wand.
- A plastic drink bottle with the bottom cut off makes a large bubble wand kids can easily blow into through the top of the bottle.
- Use the large end of a plastic funnel to dip into a tray of bubble solution and make oversized bubbles.
Burst the Boredom Bubble
When bubbles are this easy - and even fun - to make, your kids will never run out of things to do during the warmer months. Let them help you create the bubble solution or the makeshift bubble wands to inspire their creativity and ingenuity. These bubble recipes are so easy, you may never buy bottled bubble solution again.
