Is Bubble Solution Toxic?
The Bottom Line
Bubble solution is a mix of dish soap and water. A wand is dipped into the solution and bubbles are formed by blowing gently on the wand or by swinging the wand back and forth. Since the dish soap is diluted in water, it is unlikely to cause toxicity if swallowed or splashed in the eye. Bubble solution may cause mild upset stomach if swallowed.
What is in bubble solution?
Bubble solution is a mix of soap and water, which you can dip into with a wand to make bubbles. You can buy bubble solution or make it yourself. Do-it-yourself recipes are made by combining dish soap and water. Some recipes add glycerin, sugar, or corn syrup. The glycerin, sugar, and corn syrup are added to make the bubbles last longer or make them bigger.Is bubble solution toxic?
Bubble solution is a low-toxicity product. However, if you swallow it, it may cause mild stomach upset. The nonionic and anionic detergents in the dish soap can cause nausea, vomiting, stomachache, and diarrhea. Throat irritation is also possible.How to make a safe bubble solution.
There are many recipes on the internet for making bubble solution. Keep in mind that this is not an exact science, so you don’t have to be highly accurate with your measurements. You can just put some dish soap in water and give it a try. In most “recipes” there is 6-8 times as much water as dish soap. A recipe might call for 1 cup of dish soap to 6 cups of water. If you want, you can also add glycerin (~1 tablespoon) or sugar (~1/4 cup).What if you get bubble solution in your eye?
If you get bubble solution in your eyes it may be mildly irritating. Rinse your eyes with water.My child drank bubble solution. What should I do?
Rinse out your child’s mouth and give your child something to drink to get the taste of the soapy solution out of their mouth. If someone swallows bubble solution, gets bubble solution in the eyes, or if you have a question about using bubble solution safely, help from experts is available through the webPOISONCONTROL online tool and by phone at 1-800-222-1222. Poison Control’s expert guidance is always free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.Clinical Toxicologist
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Poisoned?
Call 1-800-222-1222 or
Prevention Tips
- Store bubble solution up, away, and out of sight of children when you are not using it.
- Check the label for instructions and to be sure it is appropriate for your child’s age.
- Watch your children while blowing bubbles to be sure they do not swallow or splash bubble solution in their eyes.
- Avoid catching bubbles in the mouth.
- If you are making homemade bubble solution, be sure to use hand dish soap, not dishwasher detergent, laundry detergent or other types of detergent.
This Really Happened
A 2-year-old child was blowing bubbles with his father. He grabbed the bottle of bubble solution and swallowed a mouthful before his father could take the bottle from him. The father rinsed out his mouth and called Poison Control within 5 minutes. The poison specialist asked if he had any symptoms such as vomiting; he did not. The father said his son was crying but thought he was just upset that the bubble container was taken away from him. The poison specialist suggested giving him something to drink. Given the low toxicity of bubble solution and the small amount swallowed, the boy would likely remain fine. The parent was advised to call back if his son developed symptoms such as vomiting or stomachache. The boy did not experience any toxicity.For More Information
How to Make Your Own Bubble Solution | ParentsReferences
Poisoned?
Call 1-800-222-1222 or
Prevention Tips
- Store bubble solution up, away, and out of sight of children when you are not using it.
- Check the label for instructions and to be sure it is appropriate for your child’s age.
- Watch your children while blowing bubbles to be sure they do not swallow or splash bubble solution in their eyes.
- Avoid catching bubbles in the mouth.
- If you are making homemade bubble solution, be sure to use hand dish soap, not dishwasher detergent, laundry detergent or other types of detergent.