Car Wash Foam Bin
Transform an ordinary afternoon into bubbly fun with this easy Car Wash Foam Bin! Made from shaving cream, soap, and a touch of color, this sensory activity keeps little hands busy while developing fine motor skills and creative play.
Yield: 1 bin
Cost: 2
Equipment
- plastic bin
- Mixing bowl and whisk or mix directly in bin
- toy cars or washable toys
- towel for drying hands and toys
- mini brushes or sponges (optional)
- second container for rinsing
Materials
- 1–2 cups shaving cream (unscented or kid-safe)
- 1–2 tbsp dish soap or bubble bath
- 1 cup warm water
- food coloring or liquid watercolors (optional)
- 1 tsp glycerin or corn syrup (optional for extra foam)
Instructions
- In a bowl or plastic bin, combine 1–2 cups shaving cream, 1–2 tablespoons soap or bubble bath, and 1 cup warm water.
- Whisk the mixture until fluffy foam forms. Add glycerin or corn syrup if desired, and whisk again for extra bubbles.
- Add a few drops of food coloring or liquid watercolors for visual fun. Stir gently to mix.
- Place foam-filled bin on a flat surface or outdoors. Set up a second bin of clean water nearby for rinsing toys.
- Give kids toy cars, mini brushes, or sponges. Let them scrub, rinse, and repeat!
- Have a towel ready to dry off toys and hands. Clean-up is a breeze with warm water.
Notes
Play outdoors or set a towel under the bin inside. Use old toothbrushes for scrubbing, and try multiple colors for rainbow foam. Foam is best used fresh—discard after 1–2 hours. For very young kids, consider whipped cream instead of shaving cream.