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How to Dye Fabric in a Microwave With Food Coloring

Dyeing your own clothing gives you the freedom to create new colors or match specific colors in an outfit. Although acid dyes are not necessarily harmful or toxic, they can cause stains on your workspace and shouldn't be handled by children. Instead, learn how to dye your fabric using food coloring and a microwave. But before you get started, make sure you're working with the right kind of fabric. Only wool, silk or nylon can be successfully dyed with food coloring in your microwave.

Things You'll Need

1 cup white vinegar
Large bowl
1 cup water
Microwaveable dish
Plastic or rubber gloves
Plastic wrap

Instructions

- 1
  Pour 1 cup of white vinegar into a bowl. Add 1 cup of water to the bowl.
- 2
  Place your fabric into the bowl. Soak it thoroughly in the water and vinegar mixture. Wring out the excess liquid.
- 3
  Place your damp fabric into a microwaveable dish. Put on a pair of gloves to protect your hands from staining.
- 4
  Drop as many drops of food coloring as you'd like onto the fabric. Applying sporadic drops of different food colorings will result in a tie-dyed effect. Saturating the fabric in one food color will result in a completely dyed garment. Turn the fabric over to apply the food coloring to the backside of the fabric.
- 5
  Cover the lid tightly with plastic wrap. Place the dish in your microwave.
- 6
  Turn your microwave on "High" for one minute. Heat the fabric until you see steam inside the dish, then press "Stop." Allow the fabric to rest for one minute, then continue to heat the fabric again for one minute. Repeat this step enough times for the fabric to become very hot. Ensure that the fabric does not dry out.
- 7
  Allow your fabric to cool. Rinse it under cool water until the water runs clear.

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