I learnt how to make giant soap bubbles from a number of performers I met: Ina at the ‘Supermercado’ in Diest, Frank Poelvoerde at Plukrijp, and Mihai from Romania, whom I met in Brussels during one of his street shows, whom I put up for a while and from whom I learnt a great deal: thanks to them all!
The (not so)secret ingredients
I use a soap recipe based on J-Lube. J-Lube is a powdered lubricant used by vets, amongst others. Adding this to soapy water increases the surface tension of the soap, creating a thick film of soap between your line or other tackle.
The other ingredients are the original green Dreft (check ingredients for 15-30% non ionic surfactants, alhtough less works as well till certain extent and bubble size), bakingpowder and of course, water. Dreft (aka as Fairy) is a fairly concentrated product that isn’t pleasant to get on your hands (or in your eyes) or to leave behind in the natural environment. I’d also prefer to use a more eco-friendly washing-up liquid, but from what I’ve read, other bubble-makers who’ve looked for an alternative detergent always end up going back to the green Dreft.
Here’s one recipe with J-lube from the website Soap Bubble Wiki which is a great source of information for recipes with different ingredients, wands and much more!
The weather and other unforeseen circumstances
Of course, there are other factors at play that we have no control over. Wind makes it almost impossible to blow really big bubbles.
I’ve never tried it in the rain, but it’s obviously not pleasant, and I suspect it wouldn’t work once the raindrops get too big.
Other factors that affect your soap bubbles include humidity, air pollution or pollen in the air…
A brilliant online source of information: the Soapbubble Wiki
An English-language website featuring experiences and tips from experienced soap bubble makers from all over the world. You’ll find recipes, information and experiences relating to specific ingredients, tips on string (which must be made of cotton) and other items you can use to make soap bubbles…
Me and my soap bubbles at your event?
If you’d simply like to enjoy giant soap bubbles, you’re always welcome to book me for a performance or a workshop where children (young and old) can make their own bubbles too. You can get in touch with me using the form below.