Basic Recipe

Mix your own bubble solution. I have had no success with the bubble solution that they sell in the stores - it seems to work for small bubbles only. Check my links page. You should be able to find many different recipes on the web.

• Proctor and Gamble products (Dawn, Joy, Gain, or clear Ivory) seem to work best. I prefer Dawn Ultra. For those of you who are adverse to using Proctor & Gamble products, try Ajax.
• Mix 8 ounces of soap to 1 gallon of water.

Bubble Solution Tips

Good bubbles require lots of humidity. Adjustments can be made to the basic solution if your climate is less humid.

• Add glycerin, corn syrup, or plain sugar to thicken the solution. I prefer to add 2 tablespoons baking powder to 1 gallon of water.
• Allow the solution sit overnight; this will thicken it.
• If your bubbles are breaking quickly, make sure that you are not using hard water or water with a high concentration of minerals. If your water is hard, try bottled water.
• After using the bubble wand, just leave it in the bubble solution. The bubble solution will actually thicken overnight. If your child sees it outside, he or she will most likely use it. If you put it in the closet, it will be like any other toy - forgotten. Also, if you keep the fabric moist, the pores will not clog, and you will blow better bubbles.