The Hungry Canary

From Mother’s notebook · Crossed-out experiment

Vapor Rub Shower Tablets

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Ingredients

  • 3 Tbsp vapor rub
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 5 Tbsp water, with directions to add up to 2 Tbsp more, 1 Tbsp at a time, if needed
  • A drop of blue and green food coloring (handwriting interpretation)

Directions

  1. Original notebook method: put vapor rub and cornstarch in a bowl and begin stirring.
  2. Gradually add water to make a thick paste, mixing thoroughly; the page allows extra water if necessary.
  3. On the continuation page, add the food coloring and mix well.
  4. Press the paste into an ice cube tray and place in the freezer for about two hours.
  5. The last note appears to describe placing a tablet on the shower floor, where warm water would melt it.

Original notebook and status

Crossed out experiment: Mother titled this page “ice cube tray.” The apparent purpose is to form vapor-rub shower tablets. The reason she rejected the formula is not recorded. The second page continues the instructions, including blue/green food coloring, freezer time, and use on the floor with warm water. The exact coloring wording is somewhat uncertain.

Safety and formulation notes

Archived for historical reference, not recommended for use. Commercial vapor rub products can contain camphor, menthol, eucalyptus oil, and other ingredients that may be harmful to pets, particularly cats, through ingestion, skin contact, or exposure. Ingredients and approved uses vary by product. Putting vapor rub onto a shower floor can also leave slippery residue, and the tablet may be accessible to children or animals. The source formula is not a verified safe shower product. Do not confuse these tablets with edible ice cubes.