How to Remove Food Coloring From Water
Food coloring is a highly water soluble liquid or gel that adds colors to food and drinks. Food coloring can be very difficult to remove from fabrics, but it seems even more impossible to remove once it has dissolved into water. Science classes sometimes teach a quick way to fully remove the food coloring from water, and it can be a handy magic trick to have on hand for a rainy day or a dull party. This method is also an effective way to teach children kitchen and chemical safety as well as the benefits of wearing protective eye gear. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
-
-
1
Put on safety goggles or protective eye gear.
-
2
Add a few drops of bleach at a time into the food coloring and water mixture. You only need to add small amounts of bleach depending on the strength of the food coloring solution. Once you have added bleach to the water, it cannot be used in foods or to drink. Bleach solutions should also not be used to water houseplants or to water pets.
-
-
3
Use a spoon or a plastic stirrer to fully incorporate the bleach into the food coloring and water solution. The water may still be cloudy or lightly colored.
-
4
Mix in additional bleach a few drops at a time until the water is completely clear. Keep track of how much bleach you added to the solution if you want to recreate the process with additional food coloring.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Lighter colors or concentrations of food coloring will require less bleach to remove it from the water. Darker solutions will require much more bleach.
Use precautions when dealing with bleach as it is corrosive to eyes, skin and the respiratory system.
If you accidentally ingest any bleach, contact your local poison control center immediately.
Do not allow children to handle bleach without adult supervision. Keep bleach away from children and pets.
References
- Photo Credit colored eggs image by citylights from Fotolia.com
