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How to Store Bath Bomb: 5 Best Methods!

How to Store Bath Bomb
Written by Elizabeth Fincher
Last Update: August 10, 2023

Bath bombs are a great way to turn your rather ordinary bathroom into a spa! But you need to take good care of your bath bombs so they can in return take good care of you too.

Here are the best ways to store bath bombs!

How to Store Bath Bomb

How to Store Bath Bomb

1. Get bath bomb containers

Dry containers with tight lids are a good option. You want to make sure the container is airtight and away from direct sunlight or other heat sources.

Ingredients like butter or essential oil don’t melt when you store away from the heat. Keep the container closed to reduce air exposure.

You can alternatively put them in food or other containers.

Airtight containers are also useful when you’re traveling. Clean and dry containers before you store the pieces.

2. Put in plastic wraps

Keep the bombs airtight with plastic wraps and check for air inside the wrap around.

Tie a knot after you twist the wrap-end. You can add a sticker to the knot to secure sealing.

It’s easier to wrap at the base than going sideways for an airtight seal, so you may want to do this way.

3. Use shrink bag

Shrink bags are a great option for an airtight seal.

You can blow warm air on the shrink bag with a hair dryer or a blower before you place it in a cold, dry place.

4. Put in ziploc bags

Remove all the air from the ziploc before you put anything inside.

Store the bag in a dry place away from bright light or a heat source.

5. Use a dehumidifier

This is your last resort if other storage methods don’t suit you.

Your bath bombs are still exposed to some amount of moisture when you use a dehumidifier. This is not the most effective way to keep them dry.

Tips to Store Bath Bombs

Catch crumbs with plastic bags

Use non-porous or plastic bags to catch crumbs that you can use later.

Don’t mix up bath bombs of different ingredients

Different fragrances get lost when stored in conjunction so use multiple jars.

Only store bath bombs after they dry up

Wet pieces disintegrate fast so don’t wrap them up until they are dry.

Additives can reduce the shelf life

Each ingredient has its own expiry date but the time shortens when you add baking soda or citric to make your bombs fizz.

Avoid additives so you can use them for a long time.

Why do unused bath bombs lose their fizz?

Bath bombs fizz away on bathroom cupboards just like when you drop them on the floor. Good storage isn’t enough to prevent exposure to some amount of air.

Additives like baking soda or citric react in the presence of air-born water molecules. This makes bombs lose carbon dioxide gas so their ability to effervesce reduces.

The visible change is hard to see unless kept in a humid environment but you can easily notice the porous or crumble look of old pieces.

The ability to shock and awe is lost with less fizz but you can use them till the expiration date.

What is the expiry date for bath bomb ingredients?

Exposure to the air creates an acid-base reaction but the shelf life is around six months.

Airtight storage provides a longer shelf life but fresh pieces always give the best results.

Keep a supply of a month so that you can get fresh results every time you go into the bathtub.

Synthetic ingredients offer a longer expiration date compared to natural ingredients. Here is a clear demonstration:

Ingredient Name Expiry date
Avocado oil 1 year
Coconut oil 1 year
Olive oil 2 years
Apricot kernel oil 6 months to a year
Castor oil 1 year
Canola oil 1 to 2 year(s)
Coffee butter 1 year
Juices and fruit extracts 1 year or less

Bath bomb ingredients you need to avoid

Fizzy and colorful bath bombs smell like a party in your tub but the scents come from essential oils or synthetic fragrances. Your body may not react in a pleasant way if you are allergic to those elements.

The Food and Drug Administration allows a labeling loophole for fragrances so that companies don’t have to legally disclose toxic ingredients that they blend into the production.

The site lists benzene derivatives, aldehydes, and phthalates as dangerous ingredients that can harm your body in different ways.

FAQs

Q. Can I reuse bath bombs? 

Bath bombs are made for a single use but you can reuse them if you take them off the water before they dissolve. You need to keep them dry after the first use but don’t expect them to fizzle the same way on the second try.

Q. How can I store bath bombs in humid weather?  

You need to store them in plastic wraps before you put them in a box for humid weather. Always store them on a dry and cool surface at room temperature. Garage, basement, and cabinet are some of the best places for storage.

Q. Can bath bombs grow mold or become rancid?

They are most likely to go rancid with ingredients like oatmeal, peel, flower petals, butter, or milk. Exposure to water, oxygen, or spores makes them grow mold. Throw them out if you see mold spots or any discoloration.

About the author

Elizabeth Fincher

Elizabeth started her career as an interior design artist at a multinational interior design farm. She completed her masters degree from the University of North Texas back in 2010. She was also a Spelling Bee runner-up when she was 14. She took interest in bathroom interior designing after joining her first job. Later she started her own firm as an independent artist. She’s been one of the founding members of Toiletsguide. She examines the design and ergonomics of the units we review and directs the interior decoration team of our in-house research facility. Elizabeth plays piano masterfully and always finds time to entertain us in between our busy schedules.

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