TreeHuggerz.com Tips and Hints

This summer has been cooler and wetter than average here on the Oregon Coast, but it makes for perfect bubble making weather. My pre-school daughter asks to blow bubbles daily and it's an activity that can keep her happy and engaged for hours. The only problem came when we ran out of commercial bubble solution. Most of our supply came in the form of gifts and considering we had three large bottles still sealed, I mistakenly assumed they would last the season. So now I'm making bubble solution by the gallon and refilling her favorite orange bottle to keep her satisfied. I've kept the other empty bottles to be filled for guests. Bubble making brings out the kid in everyone and don't forget, pets enjoy chasing them too.

GENERAL TIPS

Bubbles are best as an outdoor activity

Purchase extra bubble supplies throughout the year when on sale

Use up to 50% more water in dry climates

Mornings and evenings are the best bubble-making times of day

Bubbles last longer on cooler, humid days

Make sure children understand that bubble solution is NOT edible

Bubble solution kept clean and refrigerated lasts longer

Baby shampoo can be used instead of liquid dish soap

In hard water areas, use distilled water

Avoid getting bubble solution on cement, it's very slippery

Experiment with different brands of liquid soap, some work better than others

Containers For Bubble Solution

Please be sure to mark storage containers boldly.

Gallon milk jugs with lids

Buckets

Large clean food tubs

Clean gallon jars with lids

Clean quart jars with lids

Clean gallon plastic bottles with lids

Clean quart plastic bottles with lids

2 liter soda bottles with lids

Coffee cans

Frying pans or large cake pans (containers to make larger bubbles)

Reuse what you have around the house

Household Items For Making Bubbles, From Tiny to Jumbo

Wire shaped into loop with a handle (pipe cleaners for example)

Straws, a bunch grouped together by rubber bands or string

2 liter soda bottles cut in half (blow through the pour spout)

Wire coat hangers

Empty thread spools

Plastic berry baskets

Funnels

Beverage six-pack plastic rings

Empty frozen juice cans (cardboard), ends removed

Tin cans with both ends removed and sharp edges filed down

Fly swatters

Cardboard tubes

Bubble pipe from small disposable cup with a straw stuck into the side

Corn cob pipe

Plastic lids with holes cut out of the middle

Refill commercial bubble bottles and wands

Use your imagination!

~ RECIPES ~

Bubble Mix #1

6 cups water

2 cups liquid dish soap

3/4 cup light corn syrup

Combine all ingredients in a gallon container with a lid.

Let set four hours before use, then refrigerate for storage.

Bubble Mix #2

96 oz. liquid dish soap

32 oz. light corn syrup

Combine ingredients into a 5 gallon container.

Add water until 1 inch from the top of the rim. Stir well.

Makes enough for a crowd or lots of giant bubbles.

Bubble Mix #3

3 cups water

2/3 cup liquid dish soap

4 tsp. sugar

Combine all ingredients and let set for at least 10 minutes before using.

Bubble Mix #4

1 cup water

1 tbs. liquid dish soap

1 tsp. cooking oil

Combine ingredients together.

Bubble Mix #5

1 3/4 quarts water

1/2 cup liquid dish soap

9 tbs. cooking oil

2 1/2 tsp. sugar

Combine all ingredients except water. Add to water in a

2 quart container with a lid. Shake to dissolve sugar.

Bubble Mix #6

1 quart warm water

1 cup soap flakes or grated bar of soap

Be sure to use pure soap, NOT beauty or deodorant bars.

Combine ingredients and mix until soap is completely dissolved.

Bubble Mix #7

4 tbs. water

4 tbs. liquid dish soap

2 tbs. liquid starch

Combine all ingredients.

Bubble Mix #8

1 cup warm water

4 tbs. liquid dish soap

1 tbs. soda pop (any carbonated, sugared beverage)

Combine dish soap and warm water; then add soda pop.

Bubble Mix #9

2 quarts water

3/4 cup liquid dish soap

1/4 cup glycerine

Combine all ingredients. Allow to sit 24 hours before use.