As a chemist I get asked about how long it’s safe to store mixed bubble solution, and the quick answer is that if you havent’t used a preservative, or sanitized everything it comes in contact with then it is safe to assume that your bubble solution going to age about as well as pizza left on the counter. You’re probably OK with leaving it for a day or so, but I don’t recommend storing it much longer than that.
Bubble solution is essentually standing water at a relatively neutral pH, and any sort of standing water can be a breeding ground for funk. Think about how gross a kiddie pool can get if you don’t change the water frequently.
Legionella, and other bacteria thrive standing water, and outbreaks can be serious. Don’t take unnecessary risks.
I haven’t heard of anyone getting sick from bubble solution, but because we deal with so much water, and kids, and other vulnerable populations we need to be cautious.
I know that we’ve all probably used bubble solution that has been around for a while, but we’ve also probably had some go bad sooner than expected too. If I never smell rotten guar solution again it will be too soon! As a general rule I tend to mix it as needed, and don’t try to store it for any length of time. It’s just safer, and less wasteful that way
Here’s how to keep your crowds safe this summer:
- Use fresh bubble solution at every gig unless you’re taking a lot of precautions to ensure that you’re using good preservatives, and mixing it using “good manufacturing procedures”.
- Mix your solution as close to gig time as you can.
- Don’t pour used solution back into your batch if you make big batches.
- Rinse, and/or sanitize your buckets, and mixing equipment frequently. All of our buckets get rinsed thoroughly after every gig. This helps keep your bubble gear in good shape.
- You can use bleach, or other commercial sanitizers to sanitize buckets. Make sure you follow the instructions.
- Let all of your strings dry between uses so they don’t develop a musty odor.
- Dispose of any unused solution down a drain after your gig.
- Keep your bubble solution as cool as you can, and try not to let it sit in a hot vehicle for too long. Light-colored buckets help if it is very hot where you are bubbling.
- If you are running stations on grass move the buckets around to avoid creating mud.
- Don’t dump bubble solution on the ground. It can harm the things that live in soil- like earthworms, and is a slipping hazard.
- We also avoid calling it “juice” if there are a lot of small children around because I don’t want anyone trying to drink it. It’s always “bubble solution” when we’re “in uniform”, and performing.
- Do not leave children unattended around open buckets.
- When in doubt throw it out!
Making safe bubbles is part of the reason I developed our Big Bubble Blend. I wanted to be able to make as much, or as little bubble solution as needed for any occasion. It’s designed to be mixed on-site, and ready to use right away. It was a labor of love that took years of fine-tuning to get just right.
It’s great for outdoor shows, and bubble stations. It eliminates the guess-work of how much solution to bring to an event, the hassle of transporting that much liquid, having to dispose of unused solution, and ensures that everything is fresh, and safe! We can also take gigs at pretty massive festivals because I know we don’t have to worry about hauling solution. At only $.50 a gallon plus the cost of detergent it’s a pretty economical choice too.
Bubble on!
