We also could never get this thing to make any bubbles. No matter what type of solution used, amount of pumps, or how fast/hard it was pushed, the thing just does not make bubbles. It does do a great job of making messes, id never use it in my home with any liquid in it. The only reason I gave this toy stars is because even though there aren't any bubbles, my son still loves to push this thing around. Indoors or outside its a fun toy to just push around and pretend.