Ingredients
- 1 clear plastic bottle with a cap, 16 fluid ounces, washed and completely dry
- 1/2 cup tap water
- 1/2 cup clear vegetable oil
- 5 drops liquid food coloring, any color
- 1 effervescent antacid tablet, broken into 4 equal pieces
- 1 small funnel, 1-inch opening or wider
- 1 liquid measuring cup, 1-cup size
- 1 small spoon, 1-teaspoon size
- 1 tray or drop cloth, at least 12 by 18 inches
- 1 clean cloth, about 12 by 12 inches
- 1 pair disposable nitrile gloves, optional
- 1 sheet paper towel, at least 11 by 11 inches
Instructions
- Cover your table with the tray or drop cloth before you begin.
- Wash the 16-fluid-ounce bottle and its cap with warm water and dish soap. Rinse away every trace of soap, then dry the inside.
- Set the bottle upright in the center of your tray. Put the funnel into the opening and keep the measuring cup, food coloring, spoon, and tablet pieces within easy reach.
- Measure 1/2 cup of tap water and pour it into the bottle through the funnel. Add 5 drops of liquid food coloring, then swirl the bottle gently while holding the neck.
- Measure 1/2 cup of clear vegetable oil. Pour it slowly down the inside wall of the bottle or let it run through the funnel in a thin stream.
- Remove the funnel and place it on a paper towel. Leave the bottle upright for about 5 minutes.
- Break 1 effervescent antacid tablet into 4 equal pieces. Drop 1 piece into the bottle and watch the first bubbles form.
- Wait until the first piece has mostly dissolved before adding another piece.
- Wipe the bottle neck and threads with the clean cloth. Screw the cap on firmly.
- Place the finished bottle on a level, protected surface. Let the remaining bubbles fade for about 5 minutes before moving it.
- When you finish watching, pour the mixture into a lined trash container rather than a sink. Rinse the bottle and tools with warm dishwater, wash the tray, and let everything dry before storing it.
Notes
This lava lamp works as a temporary display rather than a permanent decorative object. The mixture will eventually lose its clean separation and the tablet residue may cloud the water.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
