How to Get Food Coloring Off Skin

Before starting a project using food coloring, don some kitchen gloves to protect the skin. Food coloring is a type of dye that can stain work surfaces, clothing and hands. Due to the nature of our skin, the dye will eventually slough off, but that can take time and food coloring stains can be embarrassing on an adult. Remove the food coloring stains from hands and skin with a visit to the family medicine cabinet.

Things You'll Need

• Brightening toothpaste
• Shaving cream
• Wash cloth or finger nail brush

Instructions

1. Rinse hands in cold water. Rub hands together without soap for several minutes. This will remove loose surface dye.

2. Cover the stains with brightening toothpaste or shaving cream. Coat the stains and allow the products to remain for 3 to 4 minutes.

3. Rinse the toothpaste or shaving cream off the skin. Reach stains under the nails by using a finger nail brush. Use a wash cloth to rub away stubborn spots.

4. Repeat if the stain still remains.

Tips & Warnings

• Red will be the toughest food coloring to remove and will require more than one application.

References

• "Joey Green's Amazing Kitchen Cures"; Joey Green; 2002
• "Stain Rescue!"; Anne Marie Soto; 2007