A common problem people experience when making bath bombs is bath bombs cracking. The truth is bath bombs can crack for a variety of reasons, but in this article, we are going to try and take a closer look. So, why are my bath bombs cracking?
Bath bombs crack when they are made with the incorrect moisture content. This can be too much moisture or not enough. In addition, the type of mold you use also plays a part in whether your bath bombs will crack or not.
If you use a silicone mold, bath bombs are less likely to crack. There are a few things you can do to try and prevent bath bombs from cracking. Let’s take a closer look below.
What To Do With Cracking Bath Bombs
There are a few things you can do if bath bombs crack. Depending on your situation the solution to the problem might look a little differently.
Keep Them For Personal Use
One thing you can do is keep the bath bombs for personal use. If bath bombs crack, they are still usable, they will just look a little different. The bath bomb might not be as aesthetically pleasing but it will still provide the same benefits.
Use Them For Decorations
Another option is to use the bath bombs for decorations. This is a great option if bath bombs crack and they are too small to use. You can place them in a jar or dish and they will look great on the bathroom shelf.
Give Them Away
If you get some cracked bath bombs in your latest batch you can always sort them out and give them away to friends and family. The bath bombs will still work when dropped in the tub, they are just not as aesthetically pleasing.
Your friends and family might appreciate receiving some free bath bombs they can try out even if they do not look perfect. You never know, if they like what they see it could lead to potential sales in the future.
Fix Them
The last option is to try and fix the bath bombs. This can be done in a few different ways depending on what exactly is wrong with the bath bomb.
How To Fix Cracking Bath Bombs
Adjust Moisture Content
If the bath bomb cracked simply to a moisture issue you can let them completely dry, break them apart, adjust the moisture content in the recipe and try to re-mold the bath bombs.
Change Molds
If you were using hard plastic or metal mold then try using a silicon mold next time. They have a little more give and can be more forgiving when it comes to bath bomb expansion and causing cracks.
Adjust Your Recipe
If bath bombs keep cracking it might be necessary to adjust your recipe. There are a few things you can try such as adding more baking soda or citric acid. You can also try using witch hazel, a different oil or butter in the recipe.
If your bath bombs crack because they are getting too dry then a little bit of extra oil content will help keep the mixture a bit more stable while it hardens in to the mold.
Preventing Bath Bombs From Cracking
Now that we know how to fix bath bombs if they crack, let’s take a look at how to prevent bath bombs from cracking in the first place.
Use The Right Mold
As we mentioned above, bath bombs can crack if they are made in the wrong mold. It is best to use a silicon mold as they are more forgiving. Hard plastic and metal molds can cause bath bombs to crack.
Adjust Moisture Content
Another thing you can do to prevent bath bombs from cracking is to make sure the moisture content in your recipe is correct. If bath bombs are too dry they will crack, if bath bombs are too wet they will also crack.
Getting the moisture content just right can be a bit of trial and error but once you find the perfect mixture, bath bombs should not crack.
Pack The Mixture Tight
When packing bath bomb mixture in to the mold it is important to pack it tight. This will help prevent air pockets from forming which can cause bath bombs to crack.
Pack the bath bomb mixture in to the mold and then use your fingers or a spoon to press it down tight. Make sure the bath bomb mixture is evenly distributed in the mold so it hardens evenly.
Let Them Dry Completely
Once bath bombs are in the mold it is important to let them dry completely before removing them. If bath bombs are removed from the mold too soon they can crack.
Bath bombs need to harden completely before they are removed from the mold. The bath bomb will feel firm to the touch and will not leave an imprint if you press on it gently.
Bath Bomb Troubleshooting Tips
If you are having trouble with your bath bombs not fizzing, check the following.
Make sure you are using fresh, quality ingredients. Baking soda and citric acid can lose their potency over time.
Check that you are measuring the ingredients correctly. Too much or too little of an ingredient can affect the fizzing reaction.
Try changing the ratio of baking soda to citric acid. A 1:1 ratio is typically used but a 2:1 ratio of baking soda to citric acid can also be used.
Add a little bit of extra oil to the recipe. This will help bath bombs hold together better and prevent them from cracking.
Add a small amount of witch hazel to the recipe. This can help bath bombs hold together better and prevent them from cracking.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are a few reasons why bath bombs might not be fizzing. Make sure you are using fresh, quality ingredients and that you are measuring the ingredients correctly. Try changing the ratio of baking soda to citric acid. You can also try adding a little bit of extra oil or witch hazel to the recipe.
Bath bombs can crack if they are too dry or too wet. It is important to make sure the moisture content in your recipe is correct. Bath bombs can also crack if they are made in the wrong mold or if they are removed from the mold too soon.
If your bath bomb is still soft after drying, it probably needs more time to dry. Make sure the bath bomb is in a well-ventilated area so it can harden properly. You can also try putting the bath bomb in the fridge for a few hours to help it harden.
Conclusion
In conclusion, bath bombs can crack if they are too dry, too wet, or made in the wrong mold. You can prevent bath bombs from cracking by using the correct moisture content for your mixture and by using a silicon mold. Bath bombs can also crack if they are removed from the mold too soon.
Let bath bombs dry completely before removing them from the mold. With a little bit of patience and trial and error, you can work your way through the problem and you will be a bath bomb expert in no time!
