Bubble Recipe

Bubble Recipe

Ever wonder why some bubbles are thicker, bouncier and more amazing than the rest? It isn’t a secret; it’s science! Check out Science World's bubble recipes.

All-Purpose Bubble Solution

This solution is great for most bubble tricks, activities, and experiments.

• 1 part water to 1 part Johnson’s Baby Shampoo
• glycerine*

Johnson’s Baby Shampoo produces much better bubbles than any of the dish detergents we tried. Mix the ingredients gently and let the solution stand for a couple of hours.

Bouncy Bubble Solution

You can bounce these bubbles off your clothes!

• 1 package unflavoured gelatin (e.g. Knox brand)
• 250 ml (1 cup) hot water (just boiled)
• 50–70 ml glycerine*
• 250 ml Johnson’s Baby Shampoo

Dissolve the gelatin in the hot water. Add the shampoo and glycerine. Stir gently. This solution will gel as it cools. Reheat it carefully in the microwave (about two minutes).

Thick Bubble Solution

This goopy solution makes bubbles strong enough to withstand a puff of air.

• 2.5 to 3 parts Johnson’s baby shampoo to 1 part water
• glycerine*

When you make a bubble with this solution, try puffing at it to make a bubble inside a bubble.

*About glycerine

What does the glycerine do?

Glycerine helps soap bubbles hold water, so that they last longer. It’s very helpful if you’re doing bubble tricks, but less important if you’re mixing up a bucket of bubble solution for preschoolers to mess about with.

Where do I get glycerine?

Most pharmacies carry glycerine. You’ll only need a small bottle.

How much glycerine should I use?

We’re not precise about it. Try 1–3 teaspoons for about a liter of bubble solution.