The Most Common Bath Bomb Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

How to troubleshoot your bath bombs like an expert

We’ve all had a batch of bath bombs go wrong. Cracks, soft centres, premature fizzing, it happens! But once you know what happened, it’s much easier to fix.

Here’s a quick guide to the most common bath bomb issues Soakies face and what to do next time to guarantee success.

Cracking Bombs 🧨

The cause:
Too much pressure when moulding. Or the mix is drying too fast due to heat, airflow, or overmixing.

The fix:
Try packing your moulds more gently and avoid using metal bowls if you’re in a hot room. Cover your bombs after moulding and let them set in a stable environment: a dehumidifier helps!

Soft or Squishy Bombs 💧

The cause:
Too much liquid or not enough drying time. Humid air can also mess with the final texture.

The fix:
Cut back slightly on oils and make sure bombs are covered while they harden. Let them dry at least 24–48 hours before packaging.

Premature Fizzing 😱

The cause:
Moisture in the air or accidentally activating the mix while making it.

The fix:
Only spritz your mixture with small amounts of liquid, and mix fast. Store ingredients and finished bombs somewhere dry and avoid working directly under fans or open windows.

Dry and Crumbly Bombs 🏜️

The cause:
Too little liquid, or the mix isn’t binding properly before moulding.

The fix:
Use your hands to test the mix, it should hold its shape when squeezed. Overmixing can also dry things out, so try to work quickly once the liquid’s in.

Flat Bottoms or Misshaped Bombs 🍑

The cause:
Not enough product in the mould, or pressing unevenly.

The fix:
Overfill both halves slightly and press firmly but gently. If your bombs still flatten, try removing them from the mould straight away so they dry evenly.

They Look Fine But Don’t Fizz Well 🫧

The cause:
Old ingredients, poor drying, or incorrect ratios.

The fix:
Always check your Bicarbonate of Soda and Citric Acid are fresh. Don’t leave bombs in humid spots and follow a tried-and-tested recipe, like our CPSRs.

Sinking Bath Bombs 🛶

The cause:
Bath bombs that are too dense or tightly packed are more likely to sink. Heavy ingredients like clays, salts or butters can also weigh them down.

The fix:
Use a lighter hand when moulding and avoid overpacking. Try adjusting your recipe by increasing the Bicarbonate of Soda slightly and reducing dense additives. Letting them dry fully before testing also makes a difference.