Bath bombs are fun to use as they fizz and create an enjoyable atmosphere during bath time. Two main bath bomb ingredients (baking soda and citric acid) are responsible for the fizzing reaction. Other ingredients like corn starch, essential oils, and Epsom salt give a bath bomb more luster and other benefits.
If you just started making your first bath bombs, then you have been faced with the challenging task of drying them. Many people place orders and want the whole batch of bath bombs delivered on the same day. That's why there is a need for quick drying processes.
In this article, we will cover the different ways of drying bath bombs so that they're ready when you need them.
How long does it take for bath bombs to dry?
It can be a hassle waiting for bath bombs to dry. The time it takes depends on the method you use for drying your bath bombs.
Air-drying takes about 6 to 8 hours. It's best done overnight, in a well-ventilated area to fully harden a bath bomb. You can significantly reduce this time to within 1 hour by drying bath bombs with an oven.
The air drying method is recommended as it doesn't force too much moisture out, which is known to result in stability problems.
Do you live in a humid climate and need to dry your bath bombs quickly? Try the oven-drying method. But be careful. Trying to rush the drying process may result in the bath bomb expanding so much that it spills out of the mold. Also, be careful to avoid crumbling the bath bomb.
Factors that affect how long it takes for a bath bomb to dry include:
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Ingredient list: While you need wet ingredients like oils and water to make a bath bomb, avoid using an excess mixture rich in wet ingredients. Too much moisture at this stage is problematic. You want less moisture during production so that the drying process is quicker. Try to use as little of everything as possible. For the final mixing process, try to add witch hazel rather than water. Then use a few drops of essential oil (olive oil or coconut oil).
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Temperature: If you use an oven, setting a lower temperature will dry the bath bombs slower. You have more control and can set the ideal time for drying.
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Humidity: This is a common problem for many bath bomb makers. Low humidity and high humidity can lead to problems as the mixture can dry too fast before placing it in bath bomb molds.
How to dry bath bombs?
To get your bath bombs ready for your own use or for your business, use one of the methods outlined below. Testing to see if a bath bomb is ready is a no-brainer. Simply give it a tap on a hard surface.
Air Drying
The air-drying solution is typically slow. But it's great because it saves you the trouble of constantly checking on the bath bomb. All you have to do is relax and remove it from the bath bomb mold the next morning. This method is very effective because you can leave the mixture in the molds to dry overnight.
When you sell more and your business grows, you'll probably need a faster way of drying. It takes about 6-8 hours for a bath bomb to air-dry.
Pros
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Cheaper and easier process
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A more natural way to dry your bath bombs
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Results in a harder and more durable bomb
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Perfect for first-time bath bombers
Cons
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Not very fast
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Prone to cracking or breaking during the drying process
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Appearance may not be as aesthetically pleasing as drying in an oven or dehydrator
Oven Drying
Drying your bath bomb with an oven is very easy. Switch the oven on and set it to warm. Put your bath bomb into the oven and leave it for about 1-4 hours. It's fast and handy if you must make and deliver your bath bombs on the same day.
You can dry it within one hour, but if you leave it longer, there is less risk of cracking.
Pros
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Affordable and fast
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Reduces handling time
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A more consistent method - each batch is uniform
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Can help "set" the bath bomb mixture
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Less likely to crumble or fall apart
Cons
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You need to remove the bath bomb from the mold
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May cause bath bombs to become slightly darker in color
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Your bath bombs could lose some of their moisturizing properties
Kaolin Clay
Consider adding kaolin clay if you are planning on growing your business. A small amount of kaolin clay makes bath bombs harder - and they take less time to dry.
It takes about 3 hours to dry your bath bomb with this process. It is not the cheapest solution, but it is worth it.
Pros
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Very reliable
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Dries very quickly
Cons
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Costly solution
Using a dehumidifier
Do you want to accelerate air drying and make it more effective? You can use a dehumidifier. Since the weather is known to play a role in a bath bomb drying out, you can benefit from using this device.
Pros
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Speeds up and enhances the drying process
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It is reliable
Cons
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Expensive in the long run
Let the bath bombs dry in the sun
Using the heat from the sun is a cheap, free way to dry your bath bombs outside your house. If you don't want the scents and color to evaporate, you should fix a maximum time for sun drying and don't exceed it.
Too much heat could cause the bath bomb to dissolve and lose some of its efficiency.
Do bath bombs have to dry in the mold?
It is advisable to leave the mixture inside the bath bomb mold until dry. Taking it out too early might cause it to crack, as it's still soft. For easier removal and handling, leave it until thoroughly dry. You can use plastic or stainless steel molds.
FAQ
What is the best way to dry bath bombs?
One of the best ways to dry your homemade bath bomb is by leaving it outside in the sun or using a dehydrator. You can also use a recipe formulated for sun-drying or keep it in front of a fan.
Do you plan to grow your bath bomb business? Then you will need an effective way of drying bath bombs.
How do I make bath bombs dry faster?
Do you want to dry bath bombs quickly and efficiently? Try adding kaolin clay. This method has a higher upfront cost, but it speeds up the drying process by a few hours and delivers a reliable end result.
Which is the fastest bath bomb drying method?
The fastest method is oven drying. You can leave the bath bombs inside for about an hour if you're in a rush. But it's better to let them sit for about four hours.
Another quick way to speed up drying is by adding kaolin clay, which is very helpful and will get your bath bombs dry in about 3 hours.
