One of my favorite DIYs has to be making bath bombs and it’s been far too long since I’ve made them. If you’re anything like me, taking at least one night a week to fully enjoy a luxuriating bath is key to keeping stress levels at a manageable level. Include a beeswax candle, spa music, and a glass of wine and I’m languid as a limp noodle! Throw in a couple fizzy bath bombs, and my evening is set.
How to Make Lavender Orange Bath Bombs
I decided to make these with almost all dry ingredients (aside from the essential oils) to see how they would turn out, and I have to say, I rather like this method!
Normally, I would add some type of carrier oil to the recipe which is nice for added hydration, but not so nice when you have to get everything evenly mixed without getting too much oil in the final product.
Too much oil = bath bombs that don’t want to dry out or hold their shape!
Omitting the oil portion of my basic bath bomb recipe not only makes these bath bombs a snap to make, they also tend to set better and keep well in sealed containers without reacting, which is a problem I used to have with recipes that included carrier oil.
For today’s recipe, I decided on an old favorite that includes lavender and sweet orange essential oils. The scent is bright and cheerful yet wonderfully relaxing. It makes me think of long rows of blooming lavender surrounded by sun-ripened orange groves. It’s really quite lovely and makes a great gift to give for family and friends.
Here’s what you’ll need to make my lavender orange bath bombs:
• A large glass mixing bowl
• A fork for mixing or a whisk (I used a large serving fork)
• A spritzer bottle with witch hazel in it (any mister bottle will work)
• A mold like this one or other mold of choice
• 1 cup of baking soda (Don’t use any from the fridge! You want it fresh)
• 1 cup citric acid
• 1 cup Epsom salts
• 15 drops lavender essential oil
• 15 drops orange essential oil
Depending on the mold you use you will get a different number of bath bombs, but I think it’s safe to say that you will get at least 3-5 good uses out of this recipe. For reference, if you use a quarter cup as a mold you’ll get 10 bath bombs.
Loving Preparation – Lavender Orange Bath Bombs
1. Measure out the baking soda first, then transfer a few TB of it to a bowl and drip the essential oils over top.
2. Use a whisk or a fork to mix thoroughly and add the infused baking soda back to the glass mixing bowl with the rest. This ensures a very even dispersal of the essential oils throughout the mixture.
3. Measure out the citric acid and Epsom salts and add them to the baking soda. Mix well to combine, making sure there are no clumps.
4. Once evenly blended, spread it out as much as possible and begin to spritz the mixture with the witch hazel. I recommend keeping the spray at least a foot away while spritzing to help prevent too much reaction. Mix once you’ve lightly misted everything. This is the trickiest part, so pay very close attention! Witch hazel is less reactive than water which is why we are using it. It also dries faster than water.
5. I usually do a few sprays, mix, then take a small handful of the mix and squeeze it to see if it holds together. As soon as it does (the core should hold while the edges are still a bit crumbly) then you’re good to go!
6. Start pressing as much of the mixture into your mold of choice as possible and tap them out to dry. If they hold their shape they’re perfect, if they crumble like a sad little sand castle, then you need to toss it back in the bowl and spritz it with a few more sprays of witch hazel and mix.
7. Allow the bath bombs to dry out on a baking sheet or another flat moveable surface away from moisture and in a cool dry place. Putting them near heat is a bad idea because it causes quick evaporation and your bath bombs will look like blobs, so don’t do it!
After about 24 hours, your bath bombs should be nice and dry and have a satisfying sound when you tap them with your fingernail.
Store them in a dry airtight container for up to a year. The key is to keep them dry, so never leave them out in humid areas or touch them with wet hands.
To Use
Run a nice hot bath and add whatever fixin’s you like to the running water like bubble bath, bath oil, etc. Toss in a lavender orange bath bomb or two and hop in!
These bath bombs are so deliciously scented (I implore you to try the lavender orange combo!) and fizz like crazy. I just love them I and I think you will too!
What have been your favorite bath bomb scents?
You may also enjoy reading:
Fizzing Bath Powder Recipe with Mint, Lemon & Lavender
Rose Milk Bath Bombs
Magnesium Bath Bombs for Sore Muscles
Forest Bath Milk Concentrate
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