10 BEST Ways To Fix Crumbly Bath Bombs [2024]

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Here is how to fix crumbly bath bombs with step by step instructions. We're here to help you with crumbly bath bombs.

We know the story, you see perfectly formed bath bombs all over the place. But then you go and make your own bath bombs at home, and disaster strikes.

Your bath bombs are crumbly and are not holding together right. Heck, even the cheap bath bombs at the dollar store are made without little crumbs falling everywhere!

What’s even more discouraging is that you just spent a ton of money on bath bomb ingredients and supplies.

Don’t worry, we’ll walk you through the most common problems that cause bath bombs to crumble and how to fix them.

There's lots of reasons why your homemade bath bombs are not turning out or fizz incorrectly.

Why Do Bath Bombs Crumble?

Bath bombs crumble because the bath bomb mixture may be too dry or the bath bomb molds are not packed with enough of the bath bomb mixture.

Humidity in the air also plays a huge part in why bath bombs are crumbling. Bath bombs crumble for many different reasons and we will discuss them all below. In no time at all, you will be getting your bath bombs perfect!

Bath bombs come in many different colors and sizes, and they can be scented or unscented.

Bath bombs typically contain baking soda, citric acid, essential oils, and often other ingredients like epsom salt, Shea butter, and jojoba oil.

And using a recipe that does not have the correct ratio will result in a crumbly bath bomb.

Let's go through this together to help fix this common problem.

How To Fix Crumbly Bath Bombs

1. Use A Proper Bath Bomb Recipe

To make a bath bomb the right way starts with a really good formulated recipe. We have put together a list of some of the best bath bomb recipes out there so you can make your own DIY bath bombs.

Some of these recipes use simple ingredients like epsom salts to help absorb moisture and others use ingredients like kaolin clay for a smooth texture.

The right recipe using witch hazel, quality essential oils and by fully mixing the ingredients together the proper way will result in a bath bomb that works every time. 

2. Use The Best Quality Ingredients

Buy Bath Bomb Ingredients

In order to get the most out of your bath bomb experience, it's important to use quality ingredients. Cheap bath bomb ingredients can cause bath bombs to crumble.

Furthermore, low-quality bath bomb ingredients may not dissolve properly, leaving behind a mess for you to clean up.

You also might think you are saving money but you will have to use more oil to get the right mixture so you are not actually saving any money.

By using quality bath bomb ingredients and supplies, you can be sure that your bath bomb will dissolve completely and leave your skin feeling soft and silky smooth.

So next time you're in the market for a bath bomb, be sure to reach for the good stuff! Your skin will thank you for it.

3. Pack The Bath Bomb Mixture In Tightly

Bath bombs may be crumbling because the bath bomb mixture may be too dry, or not be packed hard enough into the molds.

If you put your mixture into the molds and don’t press it in really well, then you will get crumbly bath bombs once the mixture is dry.

Advanced crafters will tell you to always make sure the bath bomb are made with the right mixture and packed firmly into the molds.

4. Use A Proper Bath Bomb Mold

The best molds for making really good bath bombs that don’t crumble are stainless steel bath bomb molds, rigid plastic molds, and bath bomb presses.

You can use silicone molds too, but just make sure that you can press the ingredients in really tightly. Some silicone molds are way too thin so be sure you are purchasing a quality mold. 

Read our article on the Best Bath Bomb Molds to learn about the difference between different kinds of molds like stainless steel, plastic & silicone.

5. Add Moisture To The Bath Bomb Mixture

You will need to constantly adjust your bath bomb mixture or recipe depending on the humidity in the air. Not enough moisture will cause your bath bombs to be very crumbly and not hold together right.

There is no ‘one recipe fits all’ when it comes to making bath bombs. You might follow a recipe perfectly and still get crumbly bath bombs.

Well, that’s because you might be in the part of the world that has less humidity. The baking soda needs moisture to bind the other ingredients together.

So you will have to adjust the wet ingredients. Too much moisture like witch hazel or essential oils and you will get bumps on the bath bombs.

You are looking for a perfect balance to form a firm bath bomb that doesn't crumble. The correct texture should be a wet sand texture.

Add in your wet ingredients like the oils and melted coconut oil slowly to the dry ingredients and then adjust with witch hazel or alcohol. You don't want to create a fizzing reaction.

Squeeze a bit of the mixture into your hand. Now when you open your fist, is it staying in the same shape? If not, you may need a bit more of the witch hazel or alcohol, but not too much. A bit at a time.

6. Only Unmold Completely Dry Bath Bombs

If your bath bombs are crumbling, it is possible they might not be dry enough yet.

When you are making bath bombs you should leave them in the molds for at least 4-5 hours and preferably overnight. That way they will come out perfectly formed and not crumbly.

7. Humidity Levels Must Be Optimal

For those who live in a dry climate, you might want to wait until the humidity levels rise to make homemade bath bombs.

So making your bath bombs the day after it rains might be something to try.

On the other hand, if you live in a moist climate, it’s never a good idea to make bath bombs on rainy days.

This can cause premature fizz and that’s when you get those little annoying bumps all over the bath bombs.

 

8. Practice With Different Formulas

Don't give up! Keep trying different bath bomb recipes until you get a formula that is right for your area.

Once you have that, write it down or make a spreadsheet documenting your process. It really helps.

9. Store Bath Bombs In An Airtight Container

Once bath bombs are completely dried out they should be stored in an airtight container.

This will help to keep them from drying out and cracking. If you're planning on using them right away, you can just leave them in the tub.

Otherwise, you can transfer them to a storage container when you're done with your bath.

10. Use Bath Bombs Within 6 Months

Although bath bombs can last for many months, they can eventually go rancid and loose their fizz.

The citric acid in bath bombs can cause them to harden and the baking soda can cause crumbling over time, making them less effective.

If you notice that your bath bomb is crumbling or hardening, it's best to use it ASAP. Once a bath bomb goes bad, it will no longer fizz when it comes in contact with water and most likely sink to the bottom of the hot bath.

So, if you're looking to enjoy a relaxing bath bomb experience, be sure to use them before they go bad!

In Conclusion:

Bath bombs are a great project to enjoy a luxurious bath experience at home. It's a great activity to do at home, and you can customize your bath bombs to suit your personal scents and oils.

Mixing and measuring the ingredients, choosing the perfect mold, and watching the bath bomb fizz and dissolve in the water is all part of the fun.

And of course, the best part is getting to relax in a soothing and fragrant bath afterwards!

If your bath bombs are not turning out as planned you can still use the leftovers and smaller clumps. Just crush it all together to use as bath salts.

Just make sure the mixture is totally dry before packaging or it could turn into a hard rock-like substance.

MORE HELPFUL BATH BOMB ARTICLES

Best Bath Bomb Colorants

Best Carrier Oils To Make Bath Bombs

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