How to Remove Food Coloring Stains from Clothing

Tips for easily getting food coloring out of clothes, even whites

How to Remove Food Coloring Stains

The Spruce / Ellen Lindner

In This Article
Project Overview
  • Working Time: 10 - 30 mins
  • Total Time: 15 mins - 12 hrs
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $0 to 10

Using liquid, gel, or powdered food coloring is a great way to enhance your desserts or to add a splash of color to your flowers, but all forms of the dye are highly concentrated—and therefore, stain fabrics easily. Food dyes usually dry quickly, so it is essential to treat the stain as soon as possible. Never put the stained fabric into a hot dryer because the high heat can make the dye nearly impossible to remove. Learn how to get food coloring out of clothes using supplies you likely already have in your pantry.

Stain type Dye-based 
Detergent type Heavy-duty laundry detergent
Water temperature  Cold 
Cycle type Varies by fabric

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Soft-bristled brush (optional)
  • Dull kitchen knife (optional)
  • Soaking basin
  • Washing machine

Materials

  • Cold water
  • Heavy-duty laundry detergent or stain remover
  • Oxygen bleach

Instructions

items for removing food coloring stains
The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

How to Remove Food Coloring Stains From Clothes

  1. Remove Solids and Rinse

    • Lift away any solids on the stain with a dull knife and shake out any food coloring powder. If the food coloring is a powder or gel, do not rub it with your hand or cloth because it will push the dye deeper into the fabric.
    • Hold the stained garment under running cold water with the underside facing up to flush the stain out of the fabric.
    flushing the stain with water
    The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska 
  2. Dab on Heavy-Duty Detergent or Stain Remover

    • Apply a bit of heavy-duty liquid detergent, like Tide or Persil, or a stain remover to the stain.
    • Work in the stain remover with your fingers or a soft-bristled brush.
    • Allow the garment to sit for at least 15 minutes.
    • Launder as usual.
    using a brush to work in heavy duty detergent
    The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska
  3. Soak in Oxygen Bleach

    • If the stain remains after laundering, mix a solution of cool water and oxygen bleach (OxiClean, Clorox 2, Country Save Bleach, or Purex 2 Color Safe Bleach). Follow the package directions for how much product to use per gallon of water.
    • Submerge the stained garment into the mixture and allow it to soak for at least eight hours.
    mixing an oxygen bleach solution
    The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska 
  4. Wash as Usual

    • Wash as usual once the stain is gone.
    • If the stain remains on the clothing, mix a new oxygen bleach and water solution and repeat. Removing the stain may take several soakings.
    mixing a new bleach solution
    The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Additional Tips for Handling Food Dye Stains

For a natural pretreatment, mix a few tablespoons of baking soda with ⅓ cup of lukewarm water to make a paste. Rub the paste on the stain with your finger or paper towel and wash the garment. If that does not work, turn to oxygen bleach as the best option. Always test in a hidden spot using a white paper towel to make sure the paste does not cause fading or color bleeding. Alternatively, try applying rubbing alcohol to a tough food dye stain with a clean white cloth.

If at-home methods don't work, consult a professional dry cleaner. If the garment is labeled as dry clean only, blot the stained area with a dry white cloth or paper towel before heading to the dry cleaner as soon as possible. In the future when working with food coloring, always wear an apron or clothes you don't mind dirtying, and put down newsprint on surfaces at risk of coming into contact with the dye.

FAQ
  • Is food dye permanent on fabric?

    Food dyes are either water- or oil-based. But neither type should permanently stain your clothing. Oil-based dyes are easier to get out of synthetic fabrics, but with elbow grease, you can also remove those stains from cotton.

  • How do you get red dye out of white clothes?

    Red dye can be difficult to remove, especially from white clothing, but it's possible. Mix 1 teaspoon of liquid dishwashing detergent and 1 tablespoon of ammonia in 2 cups of lukewarm water. Dab the stain with a clean white paper towel or cloth. Alternatively, soak the garment in a sink of lukewarm water and 1 or 2 tablespoons of white vinegar for 30 minutes, then launder.

  • Does vinegar remove food coloring?

    Vinegar is one of the ingredients that helps to remove food coloring from fabrics as well as skin. You can combine vinegar with baking soda, laundry detergent, or liquid dishwashing liquid for an extra boost to remove food coloring.