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If you’re like me, you probably had no idea what Orbeez was until recently. I was at a friend’s house and saw her daughter playing with what looked like oversized water marbles. It turns out Orbeez are small, jelly-like balls that expand in water to up to 100 times their original size. Orbeez are made of superabsorbent polymers, which are small molecules that can absorb large amounts of water.
You can buy them in various colors, and they’re marketed as a stress reliever. But, unfortunately, while they’re fun to play with, I discovered the hard way that they’re also nearly impossible to clean up once they’ve been in your bathtub! Plus, you’ll probably end up with a weird film on your hands after playing with them for a while.
If you’re unfortunate enough to have let Orbeez into your tub, don’t worry – there’s a way to get them out. The key is to act quickly! The longer they’re in the water, the more they’ll expand and the harder they’ll be to remove. This blog post will go over how to clean orbeez out of bathtub. If you have Orbeez in your tub, the first thing you need to do is turn off the water. Then, take a cup and scoop out as many of the Orbeez as you can. Next, fill the tub up with very hot water.
Step to Follow on How to Clean Orbeez Out of Bathtub
Step One: Mark the Area
Before cleaning any area, use a marker or wax pencil to mark the outline of the Orbeez. This will give you an idea of how much soaking solution is needed for this project. It is also essential to know where the entrance and exit points are to keep Orbeez. Now prepare the solution by adding one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid and water. Mix it well until the liquid is foamy. It takes about three to four hours for Orbeez to absorb enough liquid to be fully hydrated.
If the Orbeez is underneath an easily removed drain, pull it out and place it to the side. Be careful not to disturb other parts of the project if there are other steps you need to take before cleaning the Orbeez. It is important not to touch the Orbeez unless it is necessary. If the Orbeez is inside a pipe, you will need to take the entire pipe apart to remove it. This is usually not necessary and can be difficult depending on the type of pipe. You may want to use a plunger or snake instead to remove the Orbeez.
If you do, you may cause them to stick to other surfaces, making it difficult for you to get rid of the Orbeez. You will then have a suction cup effect that can cause your fingers to become stuck. This is not safe for your fingers and should be avoided.
Step Two: Soak the Orbeez
Once you have marked off the area where you will be cleaning, fill the bucket with warm water. Once it has filled to about halfway, you can add the cleaning solution. Some people prefer to use dish soap, but if your Orbeez is still in good shape and has a scent, it is not necessary.
Dish detergents also may cause a residue after a few washes, which will make your Orbeez hard to clean going forward. You can instead use water and add a small amount of bleach. This will break down the components in your Orbeez and allow you to easily clean them out without leaving bad smells or residue behind.
Some people also prefer using vinegar, but this is not suggested for use with colored Orbeez as it can cause color bleeding in some cases. It is best to avoid using vinegar if possible. Once the cleaning solution is mixed in, slowly pour it over the Orbeez.
Step Three: Remove the Orbeez
After letting them soak, use a spoon or a similar object to remove the Orbeez. If they are still in good condition, they should pop out easily, and you can place them in the bucket for disposal. If there are any stuck, use a gentle twisting motion to try and remove them.
If the Orbeez is too damaged, it will not come out easily. In this case, take a toothbrush and start to gently rub the Orbeez free from the grout and any other surfaces it is stuck to. This can be very time-consuming and require some patience to complete the project.
Continue using the toothbrush if you still cannot remove all of the Orbeez by hand after letting them soak for a while. If you are still having trouble, you can try using a plunger to suction onto the Orbeez and pull them free. This will help in how to clean orbeez out of bathtub.
Step Four: Clean With Baking Soda
If you are still having trouble with the Orbeez, sprinkle some baking soda on them and rub it in with the toothbrush. Try using vinegar instead if you still cannot get all of the Orbeez removed. Use one tablespoon of vinegar to two cups of water and place it into a spray bottle.
Spray this solution over the area where you had trouble cleaning. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub the area with the toothbrush. This will help break down any residue left behind from the Orbeez and the cleaning solution you used.
If you still cannot remove the Orbeez, you can also try using a plunger. If none of this works, there may be permanent damage to the tub or drain, which will require professional help to fix. In any case, it is best to avoid letting Orbeez sit in the tub for an extended time.
Step Five: Drain
Once your tub is free of Orbeez, place the drain back in place. This will make it easier for you to clean any remaining residue later and keep anything else from getting into your drain. You can use some water and baking soda to scrub down the area where the Orbeez was if there are still some left behind.
Be sure to use the plunger, vinegar, or baking soda solution if you still cannot get them out. This will help ensure all Orbeez are removed and keep your tub in good working condition after cleaning. If you have any concerns about a clog in your drain, it is best to leave it in the hands of a professional.
Cleaning orbeez out of your bathtub can be a daunting task, but following these simple steps can make the process much easier. Be sure to use a gentle touch when removing the Orbeez and use a plunger if necessary. These steps should help you learn how to clean orbeez out of bathtub.
Step Six: Maintain
Now that you have cleaned out your bathtub, it is essential to take steps to ensure this doesn’t happen again. A great way to keep Orbeez from forming again is by using a drain cover. Drain covers are made of mesh that will not allow anything inside of the tub or sink to pass through them, including Orbeez.
If you do not have a drain cover, there are other things you can use. For example, a strainer or cheesecloth placed over the drain will help prevent any larger particles from making their way into your tub, as well as smaller ones such as Orbeez. Also, place a shower mat inside the tub to help soak up any water before it has a chance to pool.
This will help keep the Orbeez from forming in the first place. Regularly cleaning your tub and drains will also help to prevent any build-up that could lead to Orbeez forming again. Be sure to use a gentle touch when cleaning and try using a plunger if necessary.
Conclusion
With a few quick steps, you can have your bathroom looking good as new. The first thing to do is close off the water supply so it won’t spill out of the bathtub when you’re cleaning up all those little balls. Next, remove any other toys or objects from the tub and fill it with hot water – this will help loosen up some of the dirt stuck in there too!
You’ll want to use dish soap for the best results since its powerful suds are perfect for breaking down grime on hard surfaces like tile and pottery. Turn off the tap when everything’s clean and let things dry before using again. We hope you enjoyed this article on how to clean orbeez out of bathtub.
You may also read: How Important Is a Bathtub in a Master Bathroom
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FAQs
How do you clean Orbeez out of a bathtub? ›
Using a combination of vinegar and bicarbonate of soda will create a chemical reaction that will dissolve the Orbeez. This solution requires some patience because you have to repeat the process a few times. Clean your drains thoroughly.
How do you clean up after Orbeez? ›Unlike many other activity toys and compounds, Orbeez™ do not stick to clothing or carpeting. Orbeez™ are slippery and should be removed from the floor to prevent slipping. If you spill Orbeez on your carpet or floor, let them dry out and then you can vacuum them up.
How long does it take for Orbeez to dissolve? ›Depending on the ingredients used to make Orbeez, they can last 2-3 years or even 10 years before degrading completely. Some manufacturers of Orbeez simply state that they are not biodegradable because they take a long time to degrade.
What dissolves water beads? ›Salt will help to draw the liquid out and substances like bleach or a combination of vinegar and bicarbonate of soda will cause a chemical reaction to dissolve them (this is generally a good sink cleaner that you can use any time). You may need some patience and keep reapplying these as it dissolves a layer at a time.
Will Orbeez clog the drain? ›Starting off as tiny beads, they grow many times their original size when added to water. Harmless in most cases, they do have the unfortunate ability to clog up your pipework if too many of them make it down your drain at once.
What does vinegar do to Orbeez? ›We learned a few things. The vinegar allowed the color to bleed out from the beads and colored the water. They did not get as big as they would with water. After the beads were as full as they were going to get we washed them off with water to get rid of any vinegar on the outside.
Does Orbeez dissolve in water? ›The polymers that are present in water beads are superabsorbent. When exposed to fluids such as water, they can absorb and retain hundreds of times their weight in water within their structure, without dissolving. This allows the beads to increase their size by 150-1500 times after exposure to water.
What if my child eats a water bead? ›What should I do if my child has swallowed water beads? If a parent discovers that their child has swallowed water beads, they should call poison control immediately at 800-222-1222 and take their child to the emergency room right away.
How big can Orbeez get? ›Make sure you are using clean, distilled water, when growing your Orbeez™ as they can grow to a maximum diameter of 14mm.
What happens if you let Orbeez dry? ›Water will “leak” from Orbeez only when you leave them in a container to dry. With time, the beads will start releasing the water and shrinking in size.
How long can Orbeez stay out of water? ›
Orbeez™ can dry out within a day if left in the direct sunlight. In a closed container out of the sun, Orbeez™ can last for weeks or even months. If your Orbeez™ have dried out, simply place them in a bowl with water to regrow them.
Can Orbeez go in the bathtub? ›If you're really going to try this at home, remember that if you are planning to submerge yourself in the tub full of Orbeez, you'll displace a ton of swollen beads with your body, so maybe shoot for around 30 gallons (114 liters) to be safe. In that case, you'll need more like 48,000 water beads.
What is Orbeez used for? ›Orbeez are squishy little balls that come in a variety of colors and sizes. They can be used for water beads, arts and crafts or even put into an Orbeez Gun to shoot at your friends. Or be silly and create Orbeez-inspired works of art, like an Orbeez Snake! Or play catch with them with the Orbeez Water Battle Game.
Does salt shrink water beads? ›We found that covering the beads in salt tended to make them shrink and crack.
Can water beads be cleaned? ›Cleaning Water Beads:
Wash the beads in warm soapy water (dish soap), rinse and drain. I would suggest doing this after each time the beads are played with, as well as weekly, to wash away any dirt, dust, and any oils from the hands.
Orbeez Tip: Use cold or warm water for best results when growing Orbeez (not hot or boiling water). Expect More, Pay Less.
What happens if you soak Orbeez for too long? ›Note: Leaving beads in water for too long can cause the beads to break very easily or mold. Beads that are fully soaked should not be kept in water for more than 2 days. However, beads may be dried and re-soaked if you wish to reuse them.
Is it better to soak Orbeez in hot or cold water? ›Warm water helps the water beads grow faster compared to using cold or room temperature water. If you want to make the Orbeez last longer, add a pinch of salt to the water. The Orbeez won't be as large, but they won't dry out as fast.
What does sugar do to Orbeez? ›Conclusion My hypothesis was that my giant Orbeez will grow fastest and largest in sparkling water because sugar will accelerate its growth. I was correct. The giant Orbeez in the sparkling water grew faster and larger than they did in the other liquids.
Can you soak Orbeez in hot water? ›You should be growing your Orbeez™ in warm or hot water. You can add hot water to reheat the Orbeez™.
Can you fill Orbeez with alcohol? ›
The results were that Orbeez will not expand in different liquids. They had 0 growth in hand sanitizer, isopropyl alcohol, olive oil. They had minor growth in salt water, milk coke, white vinegar, apple juice. In the acetone they shrunk.
What happens if you put Orbeez in rubbing alcohol? ›First, alcohol will reduce Orbeez™ size by approximately 25%. Place four drops of alcohol on a cotton ball and place the cotton ball in the ear canal for approximately 15 minutes. Then, the Orbeez™ can be removed by the physician (ENT).
Can Orbeez be washed? ›A: Good afternoon! You can wash and reuse the beads by putting them in the sun for a few days to shrink or during the winter, in front of a dehumidifier. I would suggest putting in all of the Orbeez instead of just 3 packets to get the best result but its relaxing and fun either way.
Do Orbeez float or sink in water? ›A: Depending on how much beads and water you use. Basically the beads will absorb the water, however if you put a few beads with a lot of water they will float. Helpful? Thank you for your feedback!
Does Dollar Tree have water beads? ›If you have an orbeez lover, you need to check out the "Hydrating Beads" with folding plastic vase at the dollar store (Dollar Tree).
Do water beads show up on xray? ›The beads are radiolucent and difficult to detect on plain radiographs. In addition, young children typically cannot communicate well about the swallowing events. Thus, ingestion of water beads is prone to delayed diagnosis and consequent intestinal obstruction.
Is it OK if you accidentally swallow a bead? ›Fortunately, many objects swallowed by mistake — especially small, rounded ones like beads — will travel harmlessly down the child's throat and pass through the digestive tract until they come out the other end in the stool.
What is the minimum age for Orbeez? ›Orbeez, The One and Only, Multipack with 2,000 Orbeez, Non-Toxic Water Beads, Sensory Toys for Kids Aged 5 and up.
Do water beads eventually dissolve? ›Water beads are extremely calming to run your fingers through, it's like adding a texture to water. Water beads will not dissolve in water and are not sticky (unless you try the edible water beads – those do get sticky as they dry).
Are water beads OK in bathtub? ›Water Beads In the Bath
The fun you can have in the bath with water beads! It's recommended that you give your water beads a regular cleaning. So after using them for sensory play or a foot soak, chuck them in the bath with the kids and give them a good wash.
Can kids take a bath with Orbeez? ›
You can also use orbeez in the bathtub or pool. Due to the nice feel of orbeez, some have also tried including them in their shaving cream to add something more to the senses.
How long can Orbeez stay in water? ›Note: Leaving beads in water for too long can cause the beads to break very easily or mold. Beads that are fully soaked should not be kept in water for more than 2 days. However, beads may be dried and re-soaked if you wish to reuse them.
What happens if a kid swallowed Orbeez? ›The sensory toy poses a choking hazard and can cause intestinal blockages if accidentally swallowed. Sold under several brand names including MarvelBeads, Elongdi and Orbeez, these colorful beads can resemble candy to some kids.