What is the snow in a snow globe?

Asked by: Nancy Levisay

One of the secret ingredients to any snow globe is glycerin, a clear liquid typically made from vegetable oils, which is widely used to slow down the effect of shaken water and glitter, to the effect of falling snow. Simply give it a shake, and everyone will love to watch the snow swirl inside.

What can you use for snow in a snow globe?

Directions

• Put glue on the inside of the jar’s lid. Place and stick your child’s plastic figurine on it.
• Fill the jar with cold water.
• Add 1-2 teaspoons of glitter and stir.
• Add a few drops of glycerin.
• Screw the lid on the jar. You can glue it if you’re concerned about your child trying to open it.
• That’s it!

Is the stuff in snow globes poisonous?

Some snow globes contain ethylene glycol, a highly toxic substance to all pets. If a snow globe is broken, either by a person or a pet, the sweet smell can attract a pet to lick it up, leading to a potentially fatal intoxication.

What kind of water is in a snow globe?

Some snow globes are filled with clear water at room temperature. Some globes are filled with distilled water. If the water is too hot or too cold it will create condensation on the inside and outside of the globe.

How much antifreeze is in a snow globe?

2% antifreeze

Another source of antifreeze are the decorative “snow globes” glassware. The liquid in these displays contain 2% antifreeze and are very toxic.

What is inside snow globes?

For health and safety reasons, white plastic has become more common in the construction of modern snow globes. The liquid has evolved from initially light oil to a mixture of water, antifreeze (ethylene glycol), and glycerol. An added benefit was that glycerol slowed the descent of the snow.

What liquid is in a snow globe tumbler?

What Liquid Goes in a Snow Globe Tumbler? More than water is required to make your glitter float! You have two secret ingredients to choose from to make the best liquid to suspend your glitter: vegetable glycerin or clear glue. I prefer vegetable glycerin!

Why is there antifreeze in snow globes?

Many people think that snow globes are just filled with water. But some globes, especially ones from overseas, actually have a small amount of ethylene glycol (antifreeze) mixed in. This can help keep the water from freezing during shipping, but ethylene glycol can be very harmful if you swallow it.

Can you refill a snow globe?

First, does it have a plug? If so, you can carefully empty the water and refill with distilled water using a turkey baster. Older globes were made using water, but today almost all are manufactured with a synthetic liquid — glycol (i.e., antifreeze).

Can a snow globe freeze?

Will the globes freeze? We hope not! That’s why we put anti-freeze in them. However, if left out in very cold weather for more than 6 hours, they may freeze.

Can snow globes cause fires?

But, let this be lesson for all you snow globe aficionados out there: despite the “snow” they can, ironically enough, cause a fire.

What is in anti freeze?

Antifreeze is a liquid that prevents the radiator in cars from freezing or overheating. It’s also known as engine coolant. Although water-based, antifreeze also contains liquid alcohols like ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and methanol. Propylene glycol is also an ingredient in some foods and cosmetics.

What do you do with a broken snow globe?

What do I need to do to have my broken snow globe repaired? Place the broken snow globe in a plastic bag then pack it very carefully so that the resin insert is protected and does not move around in the shipping box. Use tissue or soft packing to protect the interior sculpture from additional breakage.

How long do snow globes last?

Usually if a snow globe is produced completely free of any (even tiny) air bubbles, it will stay that way for many years, as long as it’s not displayed in direct sunlight or consistently high temperatures.

What do you put in water for snow globes?

Glycerin (or corn syrup) is more dense than water; so after we added it to the snow globe, the snow fell more slowly. Try adding a few more drops of glycerin (or corn syrup).