The problem is that recently my sim cannot use the spellbook. She goes to it and then ends up across the room. I removed it from the game since I was having other issues (like a sim still playing the guitar while sleeping). I specifically did not reinstall Hidden Springs to avoid issues with the spellbook. Now, I have them.
I've had the exact same issue with my sims trying to use the spellbook. Fortunately it doesn't seem to be causing any other problems, so I still have it installed, but it's basically an expensive decoration for all intents and purposes.
I have a confirmed potion recipe: rainbow gem + rainbow trout + rainbow beetle = sparkle potion
Sparkle potion cleans your sims home/appliances and your sim.