How To Use A Bath Bomb (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Use Bath Bombs and Up Your Spa Day Game PDF download Download Article Relax in your bubbly brew Co-authored by Carmine Shannon Reviewed by Barbie Ritzman

Last Updated: October 12, 2025 Approved

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  • Using a Bath Bomb
    • |
  • Bath Bomb Tips and Tricks
    • |
  • Alternative Uses for Bath Bombs
    • |
  • Choosing a Bath Bomb
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
|Show more |Show less X

This article was reviewed by Barbie Ritzman and by wikiHow staff writer, Carmine Shannon. Barbie Ritzman is a Beauty Specialist, Influencer, and the Owner of Barbie’s Beauty Bits. With over 10 years of experience in the beauty industry, she specializes in skincare and aesthetics. Barbie studied marketing at Tidewater Community College and holds a Certificate from the Media Buying Academy. For her work, she’s won Beauty Influencer of the Year - The USA and was featured in “The Allure 50,” which includes the year’s 50 most influential people in the beauty industry. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 34 testimonials and 100% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 884,310 times.

https://www.lush.com/uk/en/c/bath-bombs Bath bombs] are a great way to enhance your bath. They come in many different colors, scents, shapes, and sizes, and are often filled with moisturizing and skin-nourishing oils and butters. But how are you supposed to use that dusty, crumbly ball?—it’s not like it came with instructions. This article will not only show you how to use a bath bomb, but also give you tips on how to choose one, and ideas for how to make your bath bomb experience bigger, better, and fizzier! Get ready for relaxation.

Things You Should Know

  • Fill the tub at least halfway with water before putting in the bath bomb.
  • Unwrap the bath bomb and place it in the water.
  • Get in and enjoy your soak with a book, drink, or a moment of meditation.

Steps

Section 1 of 4:

Using a Bath Bomb

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  1. Step 1 Plug the bathtub and fill it with water. 1 Plug the bathtub and fill it with water. You have to have a bath to use a bath bomb! Draw a bath to your liking: not too cold and not too hot. When the tub is filled as high as you want, turn the water off.
  2. Step 2 Put the bath bomb in the water. 2 Put the bath bomb in the water. As soon as the bath bomb enters the water, it will start to bubble and fizz. Over time, the bath bomb will start to break apart and dissolve, allowing all the beneficial oils, salts, and butters to be released into the bath water.[1]
    • If you want to enjoy the colorful water works before you get in, put the bath bomb in after filling the tub halfway. You can watch the swirling colors as you add the rest of the water.
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  3. Step 3 Get undressed and step into the tub. 3 Get undressed and step into the tub. You can enter the tub while the bath bomb is still fizzing, or you can wait until it’s finished.[2]
    • Getting into the tub while the bomb is still fizzing will allow your body to soak up more of the essential oils and skin softening ingredients.
  4. Step 4 Sit back in the tub. 4 Sit back in the tub. Get into a comfortable position. You can close your eyes and relax, meditate, or even read a book.[3] The bath bomb will dissolve and fill the water with essential oils, moisturizing butters, and additional items, like flower petals, glitter, and color.
    • For the ultimate relaxation experience, light a candle and play soft music. (Just remember to keep electronics away from the tub to prevent accidents.)[4]
  5. Step 5 Get out of the tub when the water gets cold and dry off. 5 Get out of the tub when the water gets cold and dry off. After a while, the water will start to naturally cool down. At this point, you can leave the bathtub and drain the water.
  6. Step 6 Rinse off in the shower. 6 Rinse off in the shower. You don’t have to shower after using a bath bomb, but you may want to if you’ve been soaking in a lot of glitter and dye. Simply drain the tub, then take a shower to rinse the oils and butters off your skin.
    • Bath bombs are great for moisturizing, but not for cleaning your body. If the point of your bath was to, well, bathe, wash yourself off with soap in the shower.
    • While they’re not bad for your hair, bath bombs aren’t made to clean it, either. Rinse your hair out entirely once you’re done.
  7. Step 7 Clean the tub. 7 Clean the tub. Some bath bombs use dyes that may stain your tub, so clean them off quickly to save yourself some serious scrubbing.[5] Use a brush or sponge to scrub the dye residue away. If there are any flower petals or glitter streaks left you can either pick them out or wash them down the drain with some fresh water.
    • Cleaning your tub while it’s still wet will give you the best results.
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Section 2 of 4:

Bath Bomb Tips and Tricks

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  1. Step 1 Use your bath bomb as soon as possible. 1 Use your bath bomb as soon as possible. Bath bombs will keep their solid form as long as they’re kept dry; however, the fresher a bath bomb is, the more it’ll fizz when you drop it into the bathtub. If you wait too long to use it, it won’t fizz as much.
  2. Step 2 Make clean-up easier by wrapping the bath bomb with fabric. 2 Make clean-up easier by wrapping the bath bomb with fabric. Some bath bombs include flower petals, which can get stuck in the tub after you drain the water out. You can prevent this from happening by putting the bath bomb inside a small cloth bag or a nylon stocking.[6] Once the bath is over, all you have to do is empty out the bag or recycle it.
    • Wrapping a bath bomb still allows all the detergents, fragrances, and oils to pass through the fabric and mix with your bath water.
  3. Step 3 Get two uses out of a bath bomb by cutting it in half. 3 Get two uses out of a bath bomb by cutting it in half. Bath bombs are expensive, but you can make yours last longer by halving it with a serrated knife. Use one of the halves for your bath, and save the other half for a future date.[7]
    • Store the other half properly by wrapping it in plastic and keeping it in a dry location. You can also store your bath bomb in an air-tight container, such as a mason jar. Make sure that the bath bomb is dry; and moisture will cause it to start to fizz.[8]
    • If a bath bomb makes an artistic effect in the water, it won’t be as noticeable if you cut it in half.
  4. Step 4 Make a bubbly cocktail with other bath products. 4 Make a bubbly cocktail with other bath products. Take your spa day to the max by adding bubble bars, bath salts, bubble bath, or essential oils to your brew.
    • You can even make your own bath bombs to really add some personal flare.
  5. Step 5 Create a luxury spa environment. 5 Create a luxury spa environment. Make this more than just a bath by lighting candles, playing music, and pampering yourself with other products, like face masks. If you’re going to soak for a while, consider bringing something with you, like a book, a snack, or a drink.
    • Fold a soft towel and place it behind your head, neck, and shoulders before you lean back in the bathtub. This will make things more comfortable.
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Section 3 of 4:

Alternative Uses for Bath Bombs

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  1. Step 1 Use your bath bomb as an air freshener. 1 Use your bath bomb as an air freshener. Sometimes, bath bombs can be almost too pretty to use! If you find it difficult to drop your beautiful bath bomb in the tub, consider displaying it in a dish in your bathroom. The fragrance released by the bath bomb will be subtle and not overpowering.[9]
  2. Step 2 Turn it into a foot scrub. 2 Turn it into a foot scrub. If you’ve been looking for the perfect exfoliator, look no further. Crumble your bath bomb until it’s the texture of bath salt, then mix it with coconut or olive oil. Now you can scrub off your dead skin while getting in a little aromatherapy.[10]
  3. Step 3 Use it in a foot bath. 3 Use it in a foot bath. You can still soak in bath bombs if you don’t have a tub, just make up a relaxing foot bath. Fill a tub with warm (or hot, if you’re into that) water and drop in your bath bomb. Plop in your feet and enjoy the fizzy show.[11]
  4. Step 4 Consider using a shower bomb instead. 4 Consider using a shower bomb instead. If you like to pamper yourself but dislike sitting in baths, use a bomb. Shower bombs are like bath bombs, but they contain fewer oils (so things don’t get too slippery). Place the bomb where the water can hit it, turn on the shower, and step inside. As it dissolves in the water it will release its fragrances.
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Section 4 of 4:

Choosing a Bath Bomb

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  1. Find a bath bomb that’s color and smell appeal to you most. Find a bath bomb that’s color and smell appeal to you most. If you have dry skin, look for one with additional oils and butters for extra moisture. If you have stuffy sinuses, look for one with eucalyptus oil. Here are some things you can expect to find in a bath bomb:[12]
    • Essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, and peppermint. These don’t just make the bath bomb smell nice—they can also help you feel relaxed or more awake.
    • Skin softening oils and butters, such as almond oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter. These are great for dry skin!
    • Fun additives such as glitter and flower petals that float on top of the bath water. They’re mostly for aesthetic purposes but can really help enhance the mood.
    • Salts, powdered clays, and herbs are also often found in bath bombs. They help soften, moisturize, and nourish your skin.

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How long should I stay in the bath for? Community Answer Community Answer To avoid your skin going "pruny" and "wrinkly" you should stay in the bath around 20-40 minutes. But it depends on your personal preference. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 47
  • Question Can I wash my body with soap with the bath bomb in the water? Community Answer Community Answer Yes, you can. If the soap has a fragrance as well, you will get twice the effect. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 10 Helpful 90
  • Question Will a bath bomb make my skin feel smooth? Community Answer Community Answer Yes. Your skin will feel smooth, especially if the bath bomb contains moisturizing ingredients like eucalyptus oil. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 8 Helpful 36
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Tips

  • Check out stores like Lush and Bath & Bodywork’s for bath bombs. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
  • READ INGREDIENTS! If bubble baths or body washes have ever caused you to get itchy, make sure to always check the ingredients of spa products you’re using.
  • You can also add gelatin and rose water for better result.
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Bath bombs can stain your tub and towel. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
  • There is no proof that bath bombs cause UTIs, but they can mess with your pH. If you’re especially prone to genital irritation, it may be best to skip this part of your self care routine.[13] Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
  • Use caution if you have sensitive skin. Bath bombs often contain essential oils and other ingredients that may cause an allergic reaction to develop. If you tend to be allergic to other bath oils and bubble baths, then you may also be allergic to bath bombs. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
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References

  1. ↑ https://helloglow.co/how-to-use-bath-bomb/
  2. ↑ https://helloglow.co/how-to-use-bath-bomb/
  3. ↑ https://homemadeforelle.com/how-to-use-a-bath-bomb/
  4. ↑ Barbie Ritzman. Beauty & Skincare Specialist. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ https://helloglow.co/how-to-use-bath-bomb/
  6. ↑ https://pachasoap.com/blogs/stories/are-bath-bombs-safe-for-my-tub
  7. ↑ https://www.bustle.com/articles/56851-when-shopping-at-lush-heres-how-to-make-the-most-of-all-the-natural-beauty-goodness
  8. ↑ https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/how-to-store-handmade-bath-products/
  9. ↑ https://www.bustle.com/articles/56851-when-shopping-at-lush-heres-how-to-make-the-most-of-all-the-natural-beauty-goodness
More References (4)
  1. ↑ https://www.lather.com/blogs/the-lather-edit/5-ways-to-use-a-bath-bomb-without-the-tub
  2. ↑ https://www.lather.com/blogs/the-lather-edit/5-ways-to-use-a-bath-bomb-without-the-tub
  3. ↑ https://naturalbeautyworkshop.com/my_weblog/2011/07/a-guide-to-making-bath-bombs.html
  4. ↑ https://www.orlandohealth.com/content-hub/should-you-ditch-the-bath-bombs

About This Article

Barbie Ritzman Reviewed by: Barbie Ritzman Beauty & Skincare Specialist This article was reviewed by Barbie Ritzman and by wikiHow staff writer, Carmine Shannon. Barbie Ritzman is a Beauty Specialist, Influencer, and the Owner of Barbie’s Beauty Bits. With over 10 years of experience in the beauty industry, she specializes in skincare and aesthetics. Barbie studied marketing at Tidewater Community College and holds a Certificate from the Media Buying Academy. For her work, she’s won Beauty Influencer of the Year - The USA and was featured in “The Allure 50,” which includes the year’s 50 most influential people in the beauty industry. This article has been viewed 884,310 times. 8 votes - 100% Co-authors: 36 Updated: October 12, 2025 Views: 884,310 Categories: Bathing Article SummaryX

If you want to use a bath bomb, choose one in a scent that you like. Fill the tub the way you normally would for a bath, then drop the bath bomb into the water. It should fizz and bubble, and eventually, it will break apart and dissolve. Relax in the bath until the water cools down. If your bath bomb made the water colorful or glittery, you may want to rinse off in the shower before you dry off. If you want to learn other uses for a bath bomb, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Sydney Jones

    Sydney Jones

    Jun 15, 2016

    "Honestly I'm looking into buying a few bath bombs and I was just curious to see if it was a one time use..." more
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Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Barbie Ritzman Reviewed by: Barbie Ritzman Beauty & Skincare Specialist Co-authors: 36 Updated: October 12, 2025 Views: 884,310 100% of readers found this article helpful. 8 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote Sydney Jones

Sydney Jones

Jun 15, 2016

"Honestly I'm looking into buying a few bath bombs and I was just curious to see if it was a one time use..." more Camille Swann

Camille Swann

Mar 23, 2017

"My best friend had went to the store, saw bath bombs, and bought me one. A week later, I still didn't know..." more Rated this article: Rae May

Rae May

Dec 26, 2017

"This article has been a lot of help, turns out that bath bombs are for the body! I always thought they were for..." more Alexia Harris

Alexia Harris

Jul 23, 2017

"This let's me know about the different fragrances and everything they have. It's also helpful because it..." more Rated this article: Alyson Green

Alyson Green

Jul 10, 2016

"I loved how you guys told us what to expect from bath bombs. I really wanted to find out that information, and you..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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