Do colored bath bombs stain your tub

What is a Bath Bomb?

A bath bomb or bath fizzie is a consumer product used during bathing. It was invented and patented in 1989 by Mo Constantine, co-founder of Lush Cosmetics. It is a compacted mixture of wet and dry ingredients molded into any of several shapes and then dried. Bath water effervesces at the surface of a bath bomb immersed within it, with attendant dispersion of such ingredients as essential oil, moisturizer, scent, or colorant.

Ingredients:

• Baking soda
• Citric acid
• Epsom salts
• Fragrance oils
• Colorants
• Surfactants

How Does Bath Bomb Work?

The “bomb” aspect of a bath bomb is the fizziness. But what’s going on in those spheres that make them so fizzy? Two of the key ingredients to a bath bomb are citric acid and sodium bicarbonate. You might also know sodium bicarbonate by its more common name, baking soda. These two ingredients are what cause the impressive and delightful fizz when the bath bomb enters the water.

When sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) comes in contact with water, the sodium (Na) molecules break off from the bicarbonate (HCO3). At the same time, the citric acid is dissolving, with a single hydrogen ion (H+) separating from the rest of the molecule. When the released hydrogen ion from the citric acid encounters the bicarbonate from the baking soda another reaction happens! This time, carbon dioxide (CO2) gas is released as one of the end products. The carbon dioxide forms bubbles in the soap and bath water, and rushes to the surface with a delightful fizz.

Why Do Some Bath Bombs Stain Your Tub?

Every bath bomb size and recipe is different depending on the ingredients and retailer. Some do, unfortunately, include certain vibrant colourants known to stain tubs. That said, it is rare the bath bomb recipe alone will create a stain on your tub.

If the bath bomb ratio of ingredients has been miscalculated, this increases the likelihood that the product will stain your tub. Unfortunately, human error will always exist.

Following instructions like balancing the water and bath bomb ratio, adhering to the time limits that coloured water can sit in your tub, and using only the standard bath bomb size can all help to reduce the likelihood of stains.

Do colored bath bombs stain your tub?

Because colored bath bombs use pigments and dyes, residue of pigments is inevitable after use. However, there's no need to worry, as most of it can be easily cleaned. To minimize the impact of pigment residue on your bathtub after using bath bombs, here are some suggestions for usage.

• Read labels for "non-staining" or "tub safe" products. Water-soluble dyes rarely stain.
• Lighter colors like pastels are less likely to leave residues than bold, dark shades.
• Clean the tub thoroughly first to avoid bath bomb ingredients interacting with existing dirt or soap scum.
• Rinse the tub immediately after use to wash away any remaining colorants.
• Test a small spot first if concerned about potential staining.
• Gently scrub stains with a mild cleaner or baking soda. Avoid abrasives that could damage the tub surface.

How To Stop Your Bath Bombs From Staining The Bath?

5 tips to prevent bath bomb stains:

1. Use Light Colors - Bright, dark dyes often leave more stains. Opt for pale shades and minimal amounts.
2. Choose Water-Soluble Dyes - Soluble colors mix in cleanly. Powders and natural dyes stain more. Liquids are ideal.
3. Use Sparingly - A little color goes far. Too much raises staining risk. Aim for soft hues, not dark opaque water.
4. Add Emulsifier - Polysorbate 80 helps ingredients blend smoothly, avoiding color separation. Prevents layering on water.
5. Clean Right After - Though no stains appear initially, ingredients can harden and scratch over time. Quickly wipe down tub.