Is your child making a mess with food coloring? Or did you spill food coloring on your hands while baking? This can happen either on a weekday or when the Easter eggs that are being colored fall out of hand. Here are some ways to remove food coloring stains.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Using Toothpaste
Step 1. Look for a gel-free toothpaste
If you can, try to find a toothpaste that contains baking soda. Toothpaste like this will be more effective.
Step 2. Clean the stain with warm water and soap
Be sure to scrub the stained area with soap to create a lot of suds. Sometimes, this is the way to get rid of the stain. Keep the skin moisturized, and don't dry it just yet.
Step 3. Clean the stain with toothpaste
Apply a thin layer of toothpaste on the stain. Gently rub in a circular motion. If food coloring stains your hands, rub your hands together as if you were washing your hands with soap. Toothpaste will help remove stains.
You can also apply toothpaste with a washcloth
Step 4. Rub the toothpaste on the skin for two minutes
If the toothpaste starts to dry, flush it with water and continue scrubbing the stain. After a while, the food coloring starts to fade.
Step 5. Rinse off the toothpaste with warm water
If your skin feels sticky from toothpaste, wash it off with soap and warm water. The food coloring is almost faded now.
Step 6. Repeat these steps, if necessary
If the stain is still there, try scrubbing again with toothpaste and water. Stains that are too deep will require some handling. If your skin starts to feel chafed, stop and try again after a few hours.
Method 2 of 4: Using Rubbing Alcohol
Step 1. Look for rubbing alcohol
If rubbing alcohol is not available, use acetone or nail polish remover. Note that acetone and nail polish remover are harsh and dry out the skin. These ingredients are not suitable for small children or those with sensitive skin. If you want to remove food coloring from your child, use rubbing alcohol, acetone-free nail polish remover, or handwashing liquid.
If food coloring stains your face, don't use toothpaste
Step 2. Wet a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol
For larger stain areas, use a folded paper towel or washcloth. If using a hand wash, you can skip this step and apply it directly to your skin.
Step 3. Rub the stain with a cotton ball
The rubbing alcohol will help dissolve the pigment in the dye. Most of the dye will be removed with a few rubs.
Step 4. Repeat with a new cotton ball and rubbing alcohol until the stain is gone
Do not reuse cotton balls that have been used because the stain will stick to the skin again. Discard the dyed cotton ball, and moisten a new cotton ball with rubbing alcohol. Continue this step until the stain is gone.
Step 5. Wash the stain with soap and water, and dry with a towel
If the stain remains, you can scrub it with rubbing alcohol. After that, be sure to wash and dry the skin.
Step 6. Apply hand lotion if your skin is sensitive
Since rubbing alcohol can dry out your skin, it's a good idea to apply hand lotion when you've finished cleaning the stain. This is especially recommended if you use acetone or nail polish remover.
Method 3 of 4: Using Vinegar and Baking Soda
Step 1. Clean the stain with soap and warm water
You can also moisten a washcloth with water, and use it to scrub the stain away from the skin.
Step 2. Wet a clean washcloth with white vinegar
Be sure to prepare plenty of vinegar. You will need to wet the washcloth again later.
Step 3. Rub the stain with a washcloth
If vinegar stings or burns your skin, try mixing one part vinegar with one part water. This mixture will dissolve the vinegar a little so it doesn't sting too much.
If food coloring stains your face, dilute the vinegar with water first. You can also use toothpaste
Step 4. Rinse the washcloth with cold water and re-wet it with vinegar
When scrubbing, the washcloth will absorb the food coloring. You will need to rinse it with fresh water if this happens. Otherwise, the dye will stain the skin again. Be sure to re-wet the washcloth with vinegar after rinsing. Continue to rub the stain until it disappears.
Step 5. Use a paste made of baking soda and water for stubborn stains
Make a paste in a small dish using two parts baking soda and one part water. Apply the paste all over the stain. Rub your finger over the stain in a gentle circular motion.
Don't rub too hard. Baking soda is abrasive and can irritate the skin
Step 6. Rinse off the paste with soap and water
Baking soda doesn't always remove stains well, so this may take some time. Be sure to rinse the stained area with soap and water until the skin doesn't feel rough anymore.
Step 7. Repeat with the baking soda and vinegar paste, if needed
Most of the dye will be gone, but you will need to repeat the entire process for very deep stains.
Method 4 of 4: Using Other Methods
Step 1. Take a shower
Sometimes, warm water and soap are all you need to remove a stain. After finishing the shower, almost all the stains were gone.
Step 2. Remove the stain with water and a clothes stain remover
Fill a basin with warm water and add a small amount of stain remover. Stir the water by hand briefly. If the stain is on other parts of the body, flush the stained area.
Do not use this mixture on the face. Instead, try toothpaste
Step 3. Make a paste of salt and vinegar
Put two to three tablespoons of salt in a bowl, and add a few drops of vinegar-enough to make a paste. Wet the stain with water, then rub it in with a paste of salt and vinegar. Rinse off the paste using soap and water.
Step 4. Try wiping the stain with facial tissue or baby wipes
The oil on the tissue can help break down the food coloring, so the stain can be removed.
Step 5. Try using baby oil or an oil that is safe if swallowed
Wet a cotton ball with oil, and wipe the stain. Replace the cotton ball if it gets dirty with a new one. Be sure to rinse off the stain with soap and warm water.
Step 6. Use shaving cream to remove blemishes
Shaving cream contains peroxide, which can help remove the dye. Rub shaving cream into the stain like you would use soap. Rinse the stain with soap and warm water.
Step 7. Make a scrubbing agent using dish soap, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of sugar
Rub the abrasive into the stain until the dye is gone. Be sure to rinse the skin with soap and warm water.
Step 8. Give yourself a moment
Most food coloring will go away on its own as you go about your day, touch objects, wash your hands, and shower. It can take 24 to 36 hours for the stain to go away.
Tips
- Use a toothbrush or nail brush to reach hard-to-reach areas, such as around your fingernails.
- Rub hand lotion on the stain before washing. The oil in the lotion will help loosen the dye, making it easier to remove.
- Act fast. Try to remove the stain as soon as possible. The longer the stain stays on the skin, the harder it is to remove.
Warning
- Acetone and nail polish remover are harsh and dry out the skin. Do not use for children or sensitive skin.
- Baking soda and vinegar can irritate the skin. Both are not recommended for sensitive skin.
