Ingredients
- 2 cups distilled water
- 1/2 cup mild dish soap
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons washable glow-in-the-dark paint
- 1 small mixing bowl, at least 4-cup capacity
- 1 measuring cup with a 2-cup capacity
- 1 set of measuring spoons, including a tablespoon and 1/2 teaspoon
- 1 silicone or wooden spoon, 10 to 12 inches long
- 1 clean bubble wand, 5 to 7 inches long
- 1 shallow tray, about 9 inches by 13 inches
- 1 dark outdoor towel, about 16 inches by 24 inches
- 1 sheet of plastic or washable drop cloth, at least 24 inches by 36 inches
- 1 pair of disposable nitrile gloves, medium or large (optional)
- 1 roll of painter’s tape, 3/4 inch wide (optional)
- 1 clean 1-quart jar with lid
- 1 flashlight or bright lamp
Instructions
- Cover the table first with the plastic sheet, then secure the edges with painter’s tape if the surface feels slippery.
- Measure 2 cups of distilled water into the mixing bowl.
- Pour in 1/2 cup of mild dish soap along the side of the bowl.
- Add 1/4 cup of light corn syrup and stir with slow circles for about 1 minute.
- Measure 2 tablespoons of washable glow-in-the-dark paint and fold it into the solution.
- Cover the bowl loosely with a clean plate or transfer the solution to the 1-quart jar and close the lid. Let it rest for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you can wait.
- Place the dark towel on a porch, patio, or other washable outdoor area. Set the jar, tray, wand, and flashlight nearby, and charge the solution by placing the closed jar under bright light for 10 to 20 minutes.
- Pour enough solution into the shallow tray to cover the opening of the wand, usually about 1/2 inch deep. Dip the wand once, lift it slowly, and let the extra liquid drain for a second.
- Hold the wand about 6 inches from the towel or open air and blow gently.
- If the first bubbles look uneven, let the wand drain a little longer and try again.
- Move into a dim area after several bubbles form to test the glow.
- Pour unused solution back into the clean 1-quart jar, wipe the tray, and rinse the wand with cool water.
- Label the jar with the date and keep it sealed for the next use.
Notes
Keep the solution away from eyes and mouths, and do not let children drink it. Children ages 5 and older can help measure and stir with close adult supervision.
- Prep Time: 120 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
