How to make soap bubbles at home

Soap bubbles are one of the most favorite pastimes of children and adults, known to mankind since ancient times. With a high level of attractiveness, this fun does not require large expenses, and is also available at any time of the year. Today, there are many ways to make bubbles at home, because they have long become not just entertainment, but an entire art.

What are soap bubbles

A soap bubble is a thin film of soap filled with air. Its surface is initially transparent, but over time it becomes iridescent. Its shape can be different and depends on the tools that are used for blowing.

The basis of the solution is soap and water. To acquire certain qualities, auxiliary substances are added. For example, a dye will help give the bubbles a certain color; for greater durability, you can add sugar syrup.Experimenting with the ingredients for preparing the solution, you can make bubbles of any quality and color, changing the shape from spherical to oval, and the lifespan - from short-lived to long-lasting. Let's look at the most popular ways to prepare liquid for soap bubbles.

Solution recipes

Classic method

• 100 ml of liquid soap;
• 20 ml of purified water.

Mix the ingredients, then let it sit for 2 hours.

With glycerin

• 500 ml of water;
• 50 g of liquid soap;
• 2 tbsp. glycerin.

First, shake the soap with water, then add glycerin (you can buy it at any pharmacy). Let the liquid sit for 2 hours.

From shampoo or shower gel

• 1 tbsp. shampoo;
• 2 tbsp. clean water;
• 2 tbsp. glycerin.

Mix all ingredients one by one, let sit for 1-2 hours.

From bath foam

• 1 cup of clean water;
• 30 ml of bath foam.

Mix the ingredients, let the mixture sit in a cool place for a short time.

From dishwashing liquid

• 100 ml of purified water;
• 30 ml of dishwashing liquid;
• 30 ml of glycerin.

For this method, choose a premium detergent that will provide a high-quality composition. If the bubbles are not strong enough, add a little more glycerin than the recipe says.

Colored bubbles

To make colored soap balls, use paint. The best option is gouache - it is easy to scrub off.

Recipe 1:

• ½ l of distilled (or simply purified) water;
• 150 ml of dishwashing liquid;
• 20 g of sugar;
• Gouache.

First, you need to mix the paint with water, then add sugar and a base of dishwashing liquid.You need to add gouache gradually to understand how concentrated the mixture will be.

Recipe 2:

• ½ liter of clean water;
• 150 ml liquid soap;
• 20 g powdered sugar;
• 20 g gelatin;
• Food coloring.

Add powdered sugar mixed with gelatin to the resulting liquid. Leave for at least 7-8 hours.

Recipe 3:

• 1/3 liter of water;
• 50 ml laundry soap;
• 30 ml glycerin;
• Gouache;
• Plastic bottle;
• Terry sock;
• Household tape.

Mix the ingredients, add gouache. Cut off the bottom of a plastic bottle, put a terry sock on it, and secure with tape. Pour the solution into a wide and flat container, and, dipping the edge of the bottle, blow out the bubble.

From laundry soap

One of the safest ways to make soap solution:

• ½ tbsp. purified water;
• 10 g laundry soap;
• 30 g of pure glycerin.

The soap should first be grated or cut into small pieces so that it can completely dissolve. Strain the solution through cheesecloth and mix with pure glycerin. If the balls burst quickly, add a little more glycerin than 30 g.

With sugar syrup

Recipe 1:

• ¼ liter of clean water;
• 20 g liquid soap;
• 30 g sugar.

Mix the ingredients and let them brew for at least 4 hours.

Recipe 2:

• 1/2 tbsp. distilled water;
• 10 g liquid soap;
• 15 g sugar;
• 15 g gelatin granules.

Mix gelatin with sugar, add water and soap. Leave the mixture for at least 5 hours.

With ammonia

We will need:

• ½ tbsp. purified hot water;
• 50 g glycerin;
• 15 ml of liquid soap (or any other soap base);
• 3 drops of ammonia.

Mix the ingredients until completely dissolved.Leave for at least 72 hours, then strain and leave in the refrigerator for 12 hours. Ammonia is necessary for the transparency of the solution.

From washing powder

• ½ liter of water;
• 20 drops of ammonia;
• 30 g washing powder.

After stirring, leave the mixture for 48 hours. The result of this expectation will be large, strong bubbles.

From baby shampoo

• 1/3 liter of clean water;
• 1 tbsp. baby shampoo;
• 40 g sugar.

This option is ideal for young children, as it is safe and does not require long infusion. Also, baby shampoo does not contain additional ingredients that could affect the quality of the bubbles.

Without glycerin

Replace glycerin with sugar and gelatin.

• 200 ml water;
• 100 ml soap;
• 50 g sugar;
• 50 g gelatin.

If the bubbles are not strong enough and burst quickly, add more sugar.

Figured soap bubbles

For this we need a powerful solution:

• ½ liter of water;
• ½ l glycerin;
• 200 ml laundry soap;
• 100 g sugar.

Mix the ingredients and let it brew for 10-15 hours. Use frames to blow shapes.

Large bubbles

The recipe is similar to the previous one, with one amendment - the number of ingredients is larger, and it is better to replace laundry soap with dishwashing detergent - it will give a stronger and higher foam:

• 5 liters of water;
• 1 liter of dishwashing detergent;
• 200 ml glycerin;
• 200 g sugar.

Use a wide container to prepare the solution. Afterwards, leave in a cool place for a day.

Bubbles that don't burst

Such bubbles are no different from ordinary ones, except that they do not burst upon contact with the surface. It is difficult to make a solution that is not inferior in quality to store-bought, but for a spectacular show it is worth trying:

Ingredients:

• 1.5 liters of water;
• 200 ml glycerin;
• 100 g sugar;
• 100 g gelatin;
• 50 ml soap.

First, dissolve the sugar over the fire, gradually adding gelatin to it. Then add the remaining ingredients, mix and leave for 14 hours.

Non-bursting bubbles can also be made using a gel sold in specialized stores.

How to check a solution for quality

To check the quality, just blow a bubble and touch it with a wet finger. If it bursts, the solution is not strong enough, add more glycerin, sugar or soap. A ball with a diameter of 30 mm must remain intact for at least 30 seconds.

Blowing tools

Among the tools for blowing soap bubbles, the straw is considered a classic. You can replace the straw with a cocktail straw or the body of a ballpoint pen. To adjust the size of the balls, it is enough to make longitudinal cuts on the sides of the tube. If you want to blow a large number of bubbles, spending a minimum of time on it, secure several cocktail tubes with tape.

Use paper as a blowing tool, namely thick cardboard. It is enough to twist a funnel out of it. This method is short-lived, but convenient for a short game in the absence of other options.

To blow large shapes, plastic bottles with the bottom cut off, a funnel, a carpet beater, or your own hands are suitable.

You can also make blow molding frames from available materials. They can be in the form of simple figures, or they can have the outlines of your favorite fairy-tale characters. For such frames it is better to use wire.

How to make giant soap bubbles

1. A hoop wrapped in fabric. The solution should be prepared in a large container, preferably a children's pool. Dip the hoop into the solution and, when the fabric absorbs the liquid, pull. Instead of a hoop, a cable or wire will do. The wire can be pulled through cocktail straws, creating not just a circle shape, but a variety of complex shapes - from an asterisk to fancy shapes.
2. Tennis racquet. You should first remove the net, wrap the base of the racket with cotton cloth and, dipping it in the solution, pull it up.
3. "Bubble rope." You will need two sticks and a rope. They need to be connected in such a way that the rope forms a triangle. Holding the sticks with both hands, dip the rope into the solution prepared in a wide container. When the rope absorbs the soapy liquid, pull up. Hang a small weight on one side (a regular nut will do).
4. Hands. Dip your palms into the soapy solution and, forming a ring with your thumbs and forefingers, blow!

Fun with bubbles

Let's consider various options for entertainment related to soap bubbles.

1. Drawing abstract paintings. You need to prepare a solution for soap bubbles, add a few drops of watercolor. Using one or more tubes, blow out bubbles on the surface of the solution, then carefully transfer them to paper or cardboard. This painting will serve as an excellent gift or interior decoration.
2. Blowing foam. Pour a soap solution into a glass, lower a tube into it (you can use several). Start blowing, thus creating fluffy foam creeping out over the edges of the mug.
3. "Domes".Wet the glass or mirror with water and cool the solution. Using a straw, you can blow a bubble directly on the glass, and then observe the soap “domes”.
4. "Catching balls." Wet your hands with water and dip your palms into the solution. Catch soap balls and they won't burst! The same thing will happen if you put woolen mittens or gloves on your hands.
5. Blowing soap balls in the cold. Bubbles freeze at -7 degrees Celsius. To prevent the soap shell from collapsing, make a solution from shampoo (it will also give the bubbles a dull appearance). It is better not to use dishwashing detergent - when the shell freezes, it becomes brittle and the bubble loses its structure. You should blow out balloons at sub-zero temperatures quickly and carefully.

Show

To create your own bubble show, experiment with different ingredients. As tools, use a children's inflatable pool and a hoop wrapped in cotton cloth. Dip the hoop into the solution and place a small chair in the center of it. Invite the guest to stand on it, and slowly raise the hoop so that the person standing on the chair finds himself in a huge soapy “cocoon”. If you want to surprise your guests, add a little medical glue to the liquid and blow bubbles using several straws fastened together - they will stick to your hands and not burst. If you add paint, your show will become not only fun, but also colorful. Do not exclude musical accompaniment and the assistance of an assistant.

Useful tips

To prepare a high-quality soap mixture, consider the following recommendations:

1. The quality of water affects the quality of the solution, which means do not use tap water - it is too hard. Choose bottled or boiled water. The ideal option is distilled water, or at least fresh rainwater.
2. When choosing a foundation, pay attention to the composition. Avoid products containing perfume additives and dyes.
3. Monitor the amount of glycerin, sugar and gelatin in the solution. If you overdo it with these components, you will make the solution too strong and dense. Adding too little is too weak, and the bubbles are short-lived. But this mixture is ideal for small children, so base it on your goals.
4. It is better to infuse the solution in the refrigerator - this will get rid of unnecessary foam and bubbles on the surface of the liquid.
5. Blow out the shapes evenly. If you feel that your breath is not enough to blow one large bubble, stop by covering the tip of the tube with your finger.

Safety regulations

When making the solution, you should adhere to some safety rules:

1. To be neat. Avoid contact of ingredients with eyes, nose, and mouth.
2. After preparing the solution, thoroughly wash your hands and the area where the preparation was carried out.
3. Closely monitor the child while playing, to ensure that the solution does not get into the eyes, mouth, or nose.
4. If splashes of the bubble get into your eyes, rinse them thoroughly under running water.
5. Make sure that the child does not taste the soapy liquid.
6. After playing, wash your hands and wipe smooth floor coverings.

Soap bubbles are incredibly fun entertainment. It is suitable for any age and weather conditions. You will find all the ingredients for making them at home, and the tools are easy to make with your own hands.The abundance of games and experiments will not let anyone get bored!