With the lockdown in place across the country, many of us have taken to working remotely from home. While some of us may have initially perceived this as a more relaxing work environment, the truth is that this is not always the case for everyone.
Because the mind processes certain environments with certain actions or moods, some people may be struggling to work or relax during these times. Some may find it difficult to work because the mind understands a home environment as a place of relaxation. However, in most cases, people may find it hard to relax after the work hours are over since the mind now associates the home with the mental stimulation of a work environment.
To combat this, it can help to indulge in relaxing activities that will help to unwind into a comfortable space after the day is over. A nice soak in the tub has always been synonymous with relaxation and the elimination of stress, and to prepare with bathroom aromatherapy or a DIY bath bomb can go a long way in making this experience more luxurious.
Steps to making a bath bomb at home
Making a bath bomb is a fairly easy and inexpensive process. The following ingredients will be required, which can easily be found in a kitchen:
1 cup of baking soda
¾ a cup of cornstarch
¼ a cup of Epsom salts
½ a cup of citric acid
A few drops of essential oil of choice
A few drops of food colouring (optional)
A spritzer bottle filled with water
A bath bomb mould, or alternatively, two small, rounded bowls of the same size
The steps for the bath bomb recipe get easier once all these ingredients have been collected. Simply add in and mix all the dry ingredients in a large bowl until they are blended together properly. Hands or a gentle whisk can be used for this process. Once the ingredients seem to have incorporated together, the mixture should be sprayed twice or thrice with some water. Ensure that the bath bomb recipe does not start to fizz and does not become too damp. If this occurs, it is possible that the process of making a bath bomb will have to be restarted.
Once the mixture has been sprayed a few times, it must be mixed gently with the hands until the DIY bath bomb feels mouldable like a crumbly dough. If it does not hold its form when pressed together between the palms, a little more moisture must be added and the test process needs to be repeated until it holds firm.
Adding essential oils and colour
Once this is achieved, a few drops of an essential oil can be added into the mixture. More than one oil can be used - lavender, rose, eucalyptus, and jasmine are popular choices as relaxing scents. After the essential oils have been added, a few drops of food colouring can be added for a colourful finish when the bath bomb fizzes in the bathtub. Some may choose to add different colours to experiment with colour combinations or the creation of new shades and hues.
Creating the mould
After the desired scent and colour are accomplished, the mixture needs to be pressed firmly into the moulds or bowls. A lot of pressure is required to properly press these into the container. This is integral to making sure that the bath bomb does not crack once it is removed from the cast. Once it is filled to the brim with the mixture, the surface needs to be smoothened out so that it is flat. After this, one mould must be placed over the other and held firmly in place to fuse the two halves together to form a sphere. It is important to make sure that the two rims do not touch, and that there is a thin layer of the mixture keeping them apart.
Drying the bath bomb
After a few minutes of holding this in place, it needs to be set in a cool, yet dry place for at least a day. Placing it in the fridge should be avoided since the air that is circulated inside carries moisture. After 24 hours have passed, the mould must be checked for any residual moisture, in which case, it must be left to dry for longer. If there isn’t any dampness and the bath bomb is completely dry, the cast must be removed with care and ease to allow it to air-dry thoroughly. Åfter this, the bath bomb can be incorporated in your bath routine to wash away the stress and tension of the day.
You can also choose to set the mood with dim lighting, candles, music, or a combination of these. Bathroom plants can also be incorporated into the decor for a touch of freshness. Alternatively, you may want to consider investing in smart bathroom technology like whirlpool tubs and specialized showerheads for a more relaxing experience. Check out Jaquar’s range of premium bathroom accessories