Can You Use Food Dye to Dye Clothes?
Yes, you can use food dye to dye clothes, although it may be a bit more work and a little less predictable than using fabric dye specifically. Food dye can be used if you’re looking to switch up your wardrobe with a pop of color in a pinch or don’t want to make a larger commitment to redying your clothes.
How It Works
- Mix 2 cups of warm water with 1 cup of salt and the desired amount of food dye.
(For best results, you should use at least 3 to 5 tablespoons of food dye, but the amount needed will depend on the color intensity that you want).
- Stir together until the salt is completely dissolved.
- Soak your clothes in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
- After the 30 minutes, check the color, and if you want the color to be darker, place the clothes back in the mixture and continue to check the color every 10 minutes until you achieve your desired shade.
- Once your clothes have reached the desired color, rinse them in cold water and dry your clothes as you normally would.
Tips and Warnings
- Be sure to use clothes that are made from materials that can be dyed such as cotton, wool, or silk.
- Be sure to wear gloves when working with food dye and be aware that the dye may stain surfaces, so you should protect your workspace.
- Food dye is not appropriate for any materials other than fabric, so never attempt to dye fur, feathers, or synthetics like polyester.