Growing Orbeez to Their Maximum Size
Orbeez, also known as water beads, are superabsorbent polymers that swell up with water. They are a fun and versatile toy, used for decorations, sensory play, and in various craft projects. If you’d like to grow Orbeez to their maximum size, just follow these steps to ensure the best results.
Step 1: Purchase High-Quality Orbeez
Start by buying high-quality Orbeez. The quality can affect how large they grow and how uniform they will be in size once they have expanded.
Step 2: Use Clean Water
Fill a large bowl with clean, distilled or filtered water. Tap water can be used too, but sometimes the minerals in tap water can affect the size of the Orbeez.
Step 3: Add Orbeez to Water
Pour the Orbeez into the bowl of water. Make sure the bowl is large enough to accommodate the Orbeez as they expand – they can grow up to 100 times their original size.
Step 4: Give Them Time to Grow
Allow the Orbeez to sit in the water for at least 4 hours. For maximum size, it’s recommended to let them sit in the water for up to 24 hours. The absorption time can vary depending on the size of the beads.
Step 5: Stir Occasionally
Gently stir the Orbeez occasionally to ensure that they are not sticking together and to help them grow evenly.
Step 6: Check on Size and Hydration
Every few hours, check the Orbeez to see their size and hydration level. When they stop growing and feel squishy to the touch, they have reached their maximum capacity.
Step 7: Drain Excess Water
Once the Orbeez have reached their desired size, carefully drain the excess water from the bowl using a colander or strainer.
Step 8: Enjoy Your Orbeez
The Orbeez are now ready for use. Enjoy their bouncy, jelly-like texture in your choice of activity.
Additional Tips for Getting Bigger Orbeez
Tip 1: Avoid Overcrowding
Make sure not to overcrowd the bowl with Orbeez. If they are too packed, they may not be able to absorb water effectively.
Tip 2: Use Warm Water
Some people find that using warm water (not hot) can help the Orbeez to grow a bit faster and potentially bigger. However, be careful with water temperature because too hot water can affect the integrity of the beads.
Tip 3: Maintain the Water Level
As Orbeez absorb water, the water level will decrease. Add more water as needed to ensure that they are always fully submerged for the most uniform growth.
Tip 4: Store Them Properly
Once they’ve reached your desired size, if you’re not using them immediately, store them in an airtight container with a bit of water to keep them hydrated.
Remember, while Orbeez are non-toxic, they should not be ingested as they can pose a choking hazard or cause blockages if swallowed. Always supervise children while they’re playing with Orbeez. Enjoy experimenting with your colorful, bouncy water beads!