Making bath bombs can sometimes become a challenging task for beginners, especially when you are unsure why your bath bombs are not sticking together. You keep on trying but end up yet with another failed batch. Luckily the solution to this is relatively easy, that is if you have the right equipment.
Discover the ‘secrets’ Professional Bath Bomb Makers use to create luscious bath bombs with this step-by-step guide. You’ll have a priceless reference collection of product recipes with natural ingredients designed to create a relaxing spa atmosphere in your own home.
If your bath bombs don’t stick together, it’s most likely because they are too wet, or you’re trying to dry them in a humid area, which prevents them from becoming hard. Use a dehumidifier and make sure they are kept away from the sun. If you used too much oil during the mixing process, balance it out with dry ingredients.
You may not live in the right environment, or your recipe might be a little bit off. But there is more to it than just adjusting your bath bomb recipe or changing your drying location. With some simple tricks, you’ll finally be able to make bath bombs without ever having to fear anything.
Why Don’t My Bath Bombs Stick Together?
Several factors cause your bath bombs not to stick together. We will try to cover most of them, but it’s crucial to remember to find why this is happening before starting a new batch, or you most likely will end up the same way as you did before.
Too much witch hazel or oil:
When the bath bombs are soft, it means that the mixture may have excess moisture. When you use too much witch hazel or oil in your recipe, you’ll end up with a much too soft blend. You can solve your problem by simply balancing it out with dry ingredients.
Humid area:
In a humid climate, your bath bombs absorb moisture from the air and therefore become soft. Soft bath bombs can start fizzing during the packing process, and they become too challenging to handle.
If you work in a humid climate, it is strongly advised to invest in a dehumidifier to make your bath bombs safe from moisture retention.
Also, during the drying process, they should be kept away from the sun.
You may also try to dry them in the oven as an alternative. Here is how you do it.
Too soft:
If the bath bombs are too soft and you’re sure to have not used too much witch hazel or oil, adding more citric acid or baking soda can help balance moisture. You can also try adding a teaspoon of kaolin clay for every cup of powder can help absorb excess humidity and help to get a more solid bath bomb. Some people use cornflour, which also gives an excellent texture to the bath bombs.
What to do if they are not sticking together? Can you still fix it?
Once the bath bombs become dry and hard in the mold, you can no longer stick them together. But if you add a little bit of witch hazel or oil, you might still be able to save them, just be sure to add in tiny quantities, or you’ll be back to square one.
How do bath bombs stick together?
Filling your molds correctly:
Do not overfill the molds. Just loosely overload them. Press both sides together with the maximum force possible (without breaking them, of course). Once you’ve closed it, press it for a few seconds, and gently knock the sides.
You can now remove them from the molds and keep them aside for drying, but it’s better to leave them in the mold for several hours. Just make sure not to forget them in the mold, or you’ll have a hard time removing them from the mold. You can lightly grease the mold with any oil for convenient and clean removal.
Using a different type of mold:
If you are using meat ballers or any other molds with two parts, pack both halves with the bath bombs dough tightly and then add a little extra mixture before you close the molds. Press the mold firmly together, and do not twist both the halves.
Hold the ball, tap it on the counter, and remove the top side of the mold. Then wiggle the bath bomb on your hand carefully and immediately place it on parchment paper to dry. If both the sides do not hold together, then you can quickly crumble the bath bomb back in a bowl, add a little bit about witch hazel and try to mold it again.
The standard ratio of baking soda to citric acid is 2:1. These two ingredients combine with water to make a fuzz. After connecting the dry ingredients, a liquid is usually introduced to make moldable wet sand. The fluid may bewitch hazel or any other oil. Water is usually not recommended in the bath bomb recipes.
Then the colors and fragrances of choice are added to the mixture. Finally, it is filled in bath bombs molds to give it a proper shape.
Are There Any Other Alternative Ways To Do This?
The easiest way to make the bath bombs stick together is by using the right tools and ingredients. For example, using a stainless steel bath bomb mold will most likely give you better results. Or adding 5-10 drops of Cyclomethicone on the edges of the mold while swirling it on every side will prevent the mixture from sticking to the mold.
Also, turning the molds and keeping them inverted to strain on a paper towel helps to get the bath bomb mixture to slide out much more comfortable.
Leave the bath bombs in the molds for at least 4 hours or overnight. Removing the bath bomb before it dries out will make it crumble.
Silicone molds are also suitable for holding bath bombs in shape if you opt for simpler designs. Just like any other molds, pack your bath bomb mixture firmly and let it dry with the lid. The bomb will come out to be in perfect shape.
Conclusion:
Starting with the right equipment and a balanced recipe will most likely help you the most. In case you are living in a humid area, a dehumidifier or drying your bath bombs in the oven will solve your problem.
The molds can be pressed tightly, but they never should be twisted after filling. A little bit of practice is the only thing required to make you create and mold your bath bombs perfectly.