by Linda Ann Nickerson

Created on: May 09, 2010

Best Bubble Mania

Shiny and soapy bubbles can be a fun activity for children of all ages – at birthday parties, parades, picnics and more.

Did you know you can make your own big buckets of glycerin soap bubble mix, saving buckets of money?

Glycerin soap bubbles are simple to whip up, with just a few economical ingredients. The hidden secret is the glycerin – C3H5(OH)3 – which gives big, soapy bubbles added strength, shine, structure and longevity. Glycerin actually delays evaporation of soapy bubbles, making them last longer. (Glycerin is available over-the-counter at drugstores.)

How to make glycerin soap bubbles

This glycerin soap bubble recipe produces a giant bucket of super bubbling mix. However, the recipe may be reduced proportionally, as needed. (Additionally, the recipe may be increased proportionally to produce countless bubbles – as for a large party. In such a case, the glycerin soap bubbles may be mixed in a clean plastic muck bucket or a solid plastic kiddie wading pool.)

For ideal results, many bubble fans make the entire batch of glycerin soap bubbles and store extra amounts in separate lidded jars or tubs for future use.

Here are the ingredients for making glycerin soap bubbles.

1 gallon of lukewarm water (Expert bubble makers insist upon using distilled water.)

1 bottle (18 ounces) of lemon dishwashing liquid (Better quality soaps make better bubbles.)

1 bottle (2 ounces) of glycerin

Combine all ingredients in a large, clean plastic bucket or tub.

Stir glycerin soap bubble mixture gently with a wooden spoon – do not shake it. For best bubbling results, allow the glycerin soap bubble mix to sit overnight.

Making glycerin soap bubbles

Once the glycerin soap bubble mix is made, you can create enormous bouncing bubbles with many different tools. Toy stores and educational supply shops offer giant bubble wands in various shapes (such as butterflies, hoops, snowflakes and stars).

You can also make wonderful gigantic glycerin soap bubbles by using plastic six-pack rings, bent wire coat hangers, plastic packing straps, floral wire, plastic fly swatters, chenille pipe cleaner stems, kitchen whisks, strainers, PVC piping, string, giant cookie cutters, butterfly nets, produce baskets and more.

Experiment to see what shapes make the best giant glycerin soap bubbles.

Usually, the best, longest-lasting bubbles can be produced on the hottest, most humid and sticky days – when bubbles evaporate most slowly. For this reason, bubble-making is ideal for a mid-summer beach picnic, 4th of July parade or playground outing.

Be careful to keep glycerin soap bubbles out of eyes and away from face – and try to avoid spilling it. The glycerin soap bubble mix is extremely slippery. Dispose of extra glycerin soap bubble mix carefully (in a sink or drain), rather than on a driveway, lawn, parking lot of pavement.

Learn more about this author, Linda Ann Nickerson.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.