Ideal bubble blowing solution

[Kit]

Does anyone know the optimum ratio of washing up liquid to water - or failing that, any alternative cheap bubble-blowing mixture for a 2 year old to use?

[debstar]

These 'recipes' come from Science World in Vancouver and is in a book I have for Toddler Activities. All Purpose Solution: 7-10 parts water, 1 part dish detergent (washing up liquid) and Glycerine. Combine water, detergent, and 1-2 tablespoons of Glycerine in a bowl or plastic container. Thick Bubble Solution: This is a thick goopy solution that forms bubbles strong enough to withstand a small puff of air. You can blow bubbles inside of bubbles with this mixture and you don't need a straw. 2 1/2 - 3 parts water, 1 part dish detergent and Glycerine. Combine as above. Finally, Bouncy bubble solution: This is a solution that you can bounce of your clothes. 2 packages unflavoured gelatin, 4 cups hot water (just boiled) 3-5 tablespoons glycerine and 3 tablespoons dish detergent. Dissolve the gelatin in hot water. Add glycerine and dish detergent. This mixture will gel, so you'll need to reheat it whenever you use it. They say the following about glycerine: "Not all washing up liquids require the addition of glycerine to make good soap solutions. Glycerine helps soap bubbles hold water and this helps to keep the bubbles from popping." Apparantly it can be purchased at most pharmacies although this is in Canada and I don't know about the uk. (sorry it's so long!)

[Kit]

Wow, thanks for such a comprehensive answer, debstar! I especially like the sound of bouncy bubbles.... Glycerin is reasonably easy to come by round here, so I feel an experiment coming on next weekend!

[j2buttonsw]

Try nitroglycerin for some extra pop!

[5029]

adding a spoonfull of sugar to the mixture also helps

[Kit]

j2buttonsw, I tried your suggestion. You will be hearing from my insurance company in the morning...

[darth vader]

LOL!