| How to Dye Clothes with Food Coloring Posted: 05 Nov 2018 12:00 AM PST Using food coloring is an easy and inexpensive way to dye or tie-dye your clothes at home. It's also a fun activity that's great to do on your own, or with family and friends by your side! Head outside on a nice day, or set up a workspace indoors where you can dye your clothes. Decide what you want to dye, prep your workstation with some old towels, and get ready to create some colorful and original pieces of clothing! EditDyeing Clothes a Single Color - Choose a wool fabric if you want your color to last. Protein fibers, like wool, cashmere, and silk will hold the dye for the longest. Cotton fabric dyes well, but the color generally fades a little bit faster over time.[1]
- Remember that you can always re-dye items that have faded.
- Lay down old towels and gather your materials together in one place. Use towels or sheets that you don't mind getting discolored. You'll also need a large plastic bowl, white vinegar, water, and various food coloring options. Getting everything together is helpful so that you don't have to go searching for anything while your hands are messy.[2]
- There are some techniques to remove food coloring stains, but it's easiest to avoid making them if you can.
- Place your clothes in a 1:1 mixture of water to vinegar for 30 minutes. Place your clothes in the bowl first, and then add enough equal parts of water and white vinegar so that they're completely saturated. To keep things even, use a measuring cup to add of each liquid at a time.[3]
- The pre-soak prepares the clothes to accept the dye better than if you were to go straight to water and food coloring.
- Although you can dye your clothes without soaking them first, the color won't be as vibrant!
- Soak your clothing in water and food coloring after the vinegar soak. Dump out the water/vinegar mix, and gently wring out your clothes. Then use of water (or more, depending on how bulky the clothes are) and 10-15 drops of food coloring. Mix the water and dye in a large bowl and place your wrung-out clothes into the new mixture.[4]
- If you're nervous about the color being too dark, start with fewer drops and add more until you get the desired color.
- Mix together 2 or more dyes to create different colors. Most packs of food coloring have 4 basic color options—blue, green, red, and yellow. Mix together red and blue to make purple. If you want orange, combine red and yellow. Make a beautiful cyan color by mixing green and blue. Experiment with your dyes and water to find the perfect shade for your clothes.[5]
- If your pack of food coloring comes with white or black dyes, use those to either lighten or darken the mixture to get the color you want.
- Let your clothes sit in the water and dye mixture for 10-20 minutes. Use a long spoon to push the fabric down in the water to make sure it's fully submerged, and stir it every few minutes let the dye access all of the material. You could even wear rubber gloves and manually rearrange the fabric every couple of minutes, too.[6]
- After 10-20 minutes, you will notice that the water is clearer than it was before because the dye is getting absorbed into the fabric.
- Put the clothes into a resealable bag for at least 8 hours. Wring out your clothes after they've soaked in the water and dye mixture, and then place each item into its own resealable bag and set them out of the way somewhere. It's okay if they're left for longer than 8 hours.[7]
- The time in the resealable bag makes the dye react with the fabric faster, which gives you a more vibrant, longer-lasting color in the end.
EditTie-Dyeing - Choose clothes made from protein fibers for long-lasting colors. Depending on your project, use clothing made of wool, cashmere, or silk for the longest-lasting results. These fibers are made from animals, and food coloring stays in them better than other sorts of fibers, like cotton, linen, and some synthetic fibers.[8]
- If you have clothes that you want to dye that aren't made from protein fibers, that's okay too! You can still dye them—just keep in mind that the color may fade more quickly.
- Use cotton fabric for a lighter-colored option that may fade over time. Cotton clothes can be dyed with food coloring, but the color won't be as vibrant and will fade out more quickly. If you want a lighter color anyways, though, cotton is a great way to go.[9]
- Rub salt into your cotton shirt before you begin to achieve more vibrant colors. There are also ways to set in the color after the clothes have been dyed.
- Protect your workstation by laying out several old towels. Before you begin dyeing anything, lay out some towels or sheets that you don't mind getting discolored. There are ways to remove stains from food coloring accidents, but it's easier if you can avoid them altogether.[10]
- You may also want to wear old clothing and pull back your hair before you get started.
- Mix of water in a water bottle with 6-8 drops of dye. Use a plastic bottle for each color you want to incorporate, and fill each one with the of water and at least 6 drops of food coloring—you can add more, though, if you want a darker shade. Replace the caps, shake the bottles, and set them to the side so they're ready to use later.[11]
- If your bottles don't come with a nozzle, prepare them for the tie-dyeing process by using a thumbtack to poke a hole through the lid of each water bottle after they've been filled. That way you can squeeze the bottle and distribute the color with a little more control.
- Soak your fabric in a 1:1 mixture of water to vinegar for 30 minutes. Put your clothes into the bowl and add enough water and white vinegar to fully saturate them. Depending on what size your bowl or container is, you may need anywhere from to each of water and white vinegar.[12]
- The pre-soak in water and vinegar prepares the clothing to accept the dye.
- Twist rubber bands around the fabric to create different patterns. After the 30-minute soak, wring out the clothes and prepare them for tie-dyeing. Use rubber bands to wrap them in different places, or try some of these fun designs:[13]
- Twist your fabric into a spiral and then wrap two rubber bands around the clothes in an "x" to create a spiral pattern.
- Roll your fabric into a tube and then place rubber bands periodically around the tube to create stripes.
- Pinch little tufts of fabric and wrap rubber bands around them to make starbursts.
- Make a random pattern by scrunching up the clothes and wrapping rubber bands around them wherever you want.
- Squeeze the dyes onto the different sections of your clothes. In general, using a single color in a section and then switching to a new color for the next section will create a comprehensive looking shirt. But don't be afraid to experiment and try mixing colors or doing multiple dyes in one section!
- You may want to wear gloves during this part, as the dye will stain your hands.
- Don't forget to dye each side of the clothes.
- For easier application, try putting your rubber-banded clothes on a baking tray to keep the dye from getting everywhere.
- Place your clothes into a resealable plastic bag for at least 8 hours. Once you've applied the dye, place each item into a plastic bag and let them sit somewhere out of the way for a minimum of 8 hours.[14]
- It's okay if you leave the clothes for longer than 8 hours! You just want to make sure they stay in the bag for that long at a minimum.
EditSetting the Dye and Caring for Your Clothes - Submerge the fabric into a bowl filled with cold water and table salt. After the 8+ hours have passed, take your clothes out of the resealable plastic bags. Fill a bowl with cold water and add 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 grams) of table salt to the water. Put your clothes into the water and hold them down until they're completely submerged. Let them stay in there for about 5 minutes.[15]
- This is a really quick and easy way to set in the dye. Check out the microwaving and baking options for some extra-strength setting methods.
- Use a microwave to produce more vibrant colors. The heat from the microwave reacts with the dye to make it a little brighter, and it also helps the dye set into the fabric, too. Simply place your bowl of water, salt, and the fabric into the microwave and cover it with plastic wrap. Poke a few holes into the plastic wrap, and microwave the bowl on low for about 2 minutes.[16]
- Let the fabric cool down before you try and handle it, or use tongs to remove it from the bowl.
- Bake your clothes in a mixture of water and citric acid to set the dye. Fill a shallow baking pan halfway with water and add in of citric acid. Stir until the citric acid has dissolved, then submerge your clothes in the pan. Set your oven for and bake the clothes for 30 minutes. Let the water and fabric completely cool before you touch it with your bare hands.[17]
- You can buy citric acid in the baking aisle at your local grocery store.
- Rinse out the item under cool water until the water runs clear. Regardless of which setting option you used, always rinse your dyed clothes under cool water. The water may be very lightly tinted at first, but before long it should run clear, letting you know that the dye has set into the fabric and won't bleed out.[18]
- If you microwaved or baked your clothes, make sure they are cool to the touch before you rinse them out to protect yourself from burns.
- Hang the clothes to dry rather than putting them in the dryer. The heat from the dryer could fade the dye on the first drying go-around. So instead, hang them out somewhere and let them air dry.[19]
- Avoid laying the clothes out flat on a surface. If there is any residual dye, it could leach onto the surface.
- Clean your clothes separately from other items for the first 2-3 washes. Although the setting process should keep your clothes from bleeding, there is always the off-chance that they might. Wash them separately from other loads to ensure the dye won't contaminate anything else.[20]
- If you have several dyed items of similar color, it's okay to wash them all together.
- Wash your dyed items with cold water to prevent them from bleeding. Even after those first 2-3 washes, use cold water to prevent any potential bleeding and also to give the color more longevity. Throw your dyed clothing into the wash with other items that need cold water and you should be good to go![21]
- You can use normal laundry detergent on your dyed items. The soap won't harm the color in any way.
- Re-dye your clothes if the color fades over time. One of the great things about dyeing your clothes with food coloring is that it's easy to give touch-ups over time. Simply repeat the dyeing process to darken an item that has gotten lighter.[22]
- Keep in mind, too, that you can dye old or stained items of clothing to give them new life.
- You can dye so many different kinds of clothes with food coloring! Sock, shirts, shorts, headbands, tank tops, and white or neutral leggings are all great options.
- If your hands get stained from the food coloring, try using a clean washcloth soaked in white vinegar to rub away the stain. You can also make a paste with baking soda and water if the white vinegar doesn't work.[23]
EditThings You'll Need EditDyeing Clothes a Single Color - Clothes to dye
- Old towels
- Large bowl or container
- White vinegar
- Measuring cups
- Food coloring options
- Water
- Long-handled spoon
EditTie-Dyeing - Clothes to dye
- Old towels
- Large bowl or container
- White vinegar
- Measuring cups
- Food coloring options
- Water
- Rubber bands
- Resealable plastic bag(s)
EditSetting the Dye and Caring for Your Clothes - Table salt
- Citric acid (optional)
- Baking tray (optional)
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- Tongs
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Keep Cookies Fresh Posted: 04 Nov 2018 04:00 PM PST Cookies are always best when eaten fresh out of the oven, however, sometimes they need to be stored for later. If you have the strength to not eat them right away, store them in an airtight container with a piece of bread. This will help them to taste fresher for longer. If you want to keep your cookies fresh for a longer period, put them in a sealed bag and place them in the freezer. EditStoring Cookies in a Container - Let homemade cookies cool completely before storing them. Hot cookies will release condensation into the air making other cookies in the container soggy. Since nobody likes a soggy cookie, leave the cookies on a cooling tray before transferring them into a container.[1]
- If you don't have a cooling tray, leave the biscuits to cool on a plate instead.
- Transfer your cookies into an airtight container. This will stop the cookies from becoming soft and crumbly. Airtight ziplock bags or plastic containers are easy and inexpensive options. If possible, choose a container that fits the cookies in snugly. This helps to limit the airflow in the container and will keep the cookies tasting fresh for longer.[2]
- If you have brought or made different kinds of cookies, store them in different containers as keeping soft and crispy cookies together will cause the harder cookies to go soggy.
- If you plan to store your cookies in a plastic container, check that it is made from food-grade plastic.
- If you are storing very hard and crunchy biscuits, place them in a container, such as a cookie jar, that allows a little airflow.
- Place sheets of parchment paper between the layers of cookies. If you have brought or made a bulk batch of cookies, put sheets of parchment paper in between each cookie layer to stop them from sticking to each other.[3]
- If you don't have any parchment paper, use wax paper or a tortilla instead.
- Avoid stacking cookies that are frosted or are really soft.[4]
- Place a piece of white bread in the cookie container to keep them fresh. White bread will help to absorb moisture which will keep the cookies crunchy and fresh. Place a piece of fresh white bread into the top of the bag or container.[5]
- If you don't have any fresh white bread in the house, use a tortilla instead.
- Keep the cookie container at room temperature. Soft homemade cookies will last for 3 days and hard or packaged cookies will last for 2 weeks if you manage not to eat them first! Keep the container out of the sun to keep the cookies tasting their best.[6]
EditFreezing Cookies - Transfer the cold cookies into an airtight plastic bag. Wait until the cookies feel cool to touch. This will stop them from creating condensation in the plastic bag and going soggy. Choose a bag that is sealable and large enough for the cookies to sit in a single layer.[7]
- A sealed bag will stop the cookies from absorbing other flavours and having a funny smell.
- Freeze the cookies unfrosted and add the frosting once the cookies have thawed. This will keep the icing looking and tasting its best.[8]
- Store the cookies in multiple bags if they won't fit in a single layer. If there are too many cookies to lie in 1 flat layer, split the cookies between a few sealable bags. This will stop the cookies from sticking together.[9]
- Place the airtight bag into the freezer for up to 5 months. Over time the cookies will start to lose their flavour. Eat the cookies within 5 months to ensure that they taste their best. Write the date on the bag with a permanent marker so that you can work out how long the cookies have been in the freezer for.[10]
- Thaw the cookies at room temperature for 15 minutes. Remove the cookies from the sealed bag and place them on a plate to cool. Devour the delicious cookies once they are completely thawed.[11]
- If there are flies around, cover the cookies with a clean linen cloth while they thaw.
- If you want to warm a cookie up, simply place it in the microwave for 10 seconds.
- Keep your thawed cookies in an airtight container for up to 7 days. Chances are that you'll eat the cookies pretty quickly, however, if there are some left, keep them in a sealed container. This will help them keep their original texture and stay fresh.[12]
- Throw the cookies away after 7 days as the dairy products in the cookies will be past their best.
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| How to Put on a Dog Harness Posted: 04 Nov 2018 08:00 AM PST A harness allows you to safely walk your dog without worrying that they may run off. Harnesses put less pressure on your dog's neck, and they allow you to train your dog not to jump or pull.[1] At first, your dog's harness might seem confusing and impossible to put on, but it's easier than it looks! Depending on the type of harness you've purchased, you'll either need to have your dog step into the harness or slip it over the dog's head. EditPutting on a Step-In Harness - Place the unbuckled harness on the ground. You need enough space for you and your dog to get behind the harness. The harness should have two leg loops in the front with straps down the middle. Spread out the straps so it will be easier to help the dog into the harness.[2]
- If your harness has a vest or chest cover attached to it, make sure the outside is facing down toward the floor.
- Command your dog to "sit" and "stay" behind the harness. This makes it easier to help your dog into the harness.[3] If your dog hasn't learned "sit" and "stay" commands, you or a partner will need to hold the dog still while you put on the harness. [4]
- If the dog squirms, it's best to have a partner to help you get it into the harness.
- Place your dog's front paws into the correct loops on the harness. Pick up the right paw and move it forward into the appropriate loop. After you put the right paw down on the floor, lift the dog's left paw and place it into the other loop.[5]
- Some harnesses label which side is meant for which paw. However, many harnesses are reversible. Check your harness to see which type you have.
- Pull the harness up onto your dog. The harness should fit around your dog's body, not around its neck. The loops will settle at the top of the dog's legs against its belly. Tug the side straps up over the dog's belly and onto its back.[6]
- The harness may have more than one clip to secure it on the dog. For example, it might have a shoulder clip and lower back clip. You may need to pull up and clip the straps one at a time if this is the case.
- Secure the clips on the harness. Slide the two pieces of the clip together. Listen for the "click" that tells you the clip has attached. Tug on the clip to make sure it doesn't come undone.[7]
- If your harness has more than one clip, attach all of them.
- Adjust the harness to fit on your dog. Move the adjustable pieces on the harness until they're secure on your dog. Make sure the straps aren't loose enough to come off the dog. Next, check that you can fit 2 fingers under the harness straps, which ensures the harness won't be too tight on your pup.[8]
- Check that the dog can't easily slip out of the harness. Make sure it won't easily come down over the dog's paw or up over its head.
- You will need to adjust the harness every time your dog wears it.
- Reward your pup with a treat and praise. This teaches your dog to enjoy putting on its harness. It also makes it easier for you to put on the harness in the future, as your pup will look forward to the treats![9]
EditSecuring an Overhead Harness - Command your dog to "sit" and "stay." It's easier to put the harness on the dog if it stands in place. Your dog should be sitting in front of you.[10]
- If your dog isn't trained to "sit" and "stay," you or a partner will need to hold the dog still while you put on the harness.
- Find the neck hole and slide it over the dog's head. The neck hole should look like a circle that fits over your dog's head and shoulders. Find the D-ring for the leash, then position it either in the front or the back, depending on where it's supposed to go. Slide the harness over the dog's head and position it low on the dog's shoulder area so it isn't around the neck.[11]
- The neck hole is usually the smallest hole on the harness. The side straps will be attached to the neck hole on each side.
- You want the harness to rest against the dog's body rather than around its neck.
- If your overhead harness has a vest or comfort shield attached, make sure the outside of the fabric is facing away from your dog.
- Put one of the dog's paws into the loop on the harness. Your harness should have a leg loop on one side. Lift the dog's paw up off the floor and slide it into the loop. Then, put your dog's paw down on the floor.[12]
- If your harness clips in place on both sides, you'll need to clip the straps around the first leg. Wrap the two straps around the leg, then clip the buckle.
- Loop the remaining strap under your dog's leg and up toward its back. This will turn the strap into a leg loop. Make sure the strap goes under and behind the dog's leg, which is important for control.[13]
- Once the harness is on your dog, it will look like both legs are inserted into side loops.
- Click the buckle on the dog's back. The strap that you looped behind the dog's leg will clip into a buckle on the dog's back. Push both sides of the buckle together, then listen for the "click."[14]
- Test the buckle to make sure it's secure. You should be able to pull up on the buckle without it coming apart.
- Fit the harness around your dog using the plastic adjusters. Slide the adjusters to tighten or loosen straps, as necessary. Pull on the straps to check that the neck hole and leg loops aren't loose enough for your dog to get out of them. Then, check that you can put 2 fingers under the straps to ensure it's not too snug.[15]
- You should adjust the harness every time you use it.
- Give your pup a treat and lots of praise. Putting on the harness should be a pleasant experience for your dog. This teaches it to like putting on its harness, making it easier to outfit the dog for future walks.[16]
EditAttaching a Leash - Check the position of your leash clip. Basic harnesses have a leash clip in the back, while training or no-pull harnesses usually have a clip in the front. However, you can find harnesses that can be clipped in either the front or the back. The leash clip should look like a D-ring.[17]
- If your harness only has a clip on one side, don't try to attach the leash on the other side.
- Clip the leash on the back of the harness for calm dogs and small dogs. Find the D-ring on the back of your dog's harness. Open the clasp on the leash, then secure it over the D-ring. A back-clip harness provides a comfortable walking experience for dogs that don't pull or jump. These harnesses are also safe for little dogs that have small, sensitive necks.[18]
- Back-clip leashes are less likely to get tangled around your dog's feet.
- If your dog tends to pull, however, a back-clip harness could result in you being drug around like a sled.[19]
- Attach the leash on the front to train or control your dog. Find the D-ring on the front center of your dog's harness, then pull back the clasp on the leash. Place the clasp over the D-ring and attach it. This will allow you to have more control over your dog, especially if it tends to pull or jump. You can determine the position your dog moves and stop it from jumping up.[20]
- Front-clip leashes are more easily tied up in your dog's legs. Watch your dog to make sure it doesn't get tripped up or twisted in the leash. If it does, stop and untangle the dog.[21]
- Choose a harness that fits your dog properly. Check the sizing chart provided by the manufacturer of the harness you want to purchase to make sure it'll fit your dog.
- If your dog doesn't like wearing its harness, you can get it used to the harness by letting it wear the harness for 5-10 minute periods. Play with your dog before and after you put on the harness, and give the pup treats as a reward.
- If your dog has a tendency to pull and jump, you can find harnesses that tighten up on your dog when it misbehaves. You will put the harness on the same way you do a traditional harness, but it will tighten if the dog pulls or jumps. When using these harnesses, make sure your dog never feels pain.[22]
- A harness that is too tight can hurt your dog. Similarly, a loose harness could allow your pup to slip out, making the harness ineffective.
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