Learn how to dye macaroni! Colored macaroni are perfect for sensory bins or arts and crafts projects.
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My kids love doing sensory bins. My son asked if I could make a new bin every week and I said of course! So far, we have made a sensory bin with colored rice which was great for scooping and one with dyed spaghetti which we used to practice our cutting skills with safety scissors.
This activity is meant for older children who no longer put things in their mouth since the macaroni are not cooked and are a choking hazard.
Supplies needed
For this project, you will need:
- Rubbing alcohol: You can also use vinegar but I found that rubbing alcohol worked better. Vinegar will still dye the macaroni but the noodles get a little soft with that method.
- Macaroni: I used one bag (about 16 ounces). One bag was enough for one sensory bin. You can use more if you like a lot of filler in your sensory bins.
- Food coloring: I used regular food coloring and not gel.
- Large plastic bags: Such as ziplock. If you want to use a bowl, make sure you don’t mind if it gets stained or pick one that is a dark color.
You’ll also need wax paper, parchment paper, or aluminum foil to let the macaroni dry on.
How to make
Printable instructions are further down.
Divide the macaroni in however many bags you want to dye (you’ll need one bag per color).
Add about ¼ cup of alcohol to each (you may need to do less if you have lots of bags).
Add the food coloring. Close and then shake well. I recommend starting light with the food dye then adding more if needed.
Let the bags sit for 15 minutes then drain the dye and alcohol from the bags.
Lay the macaroni out on a lined tray (line with wax paper, parchment paper, or aluminum foil, whatever you have on hand).
Let dry (I let ours dry overnight). Test the dryness with a paper towel (it should come off clean if the macaroni is dry).
Fun ideas for sensory bins
My kids love to use scoops and measuring cups in our bins.
Tips
- I don’t recommend using yellow food coloring. It doesn’t really show up well.
- You can also use vinegar to dye the pasta if you don’t want to use rubbing alcohol.
Does that macaroni smell like rubbing alcohol?
Once the noodles are dry the alcohol smell will dissipate.
Will this stain hands?
Once the macaroni is dry it will not stain dry hands. You can test the dryness with a paper towel before letting your child play.
How to Dye Macaroni
Equipment
- Large plastic storage bags (such as Ziplock)
- Wax paper, parchment paper, or aluminum foil (to let the macaroni dry on)
Materials
- rubbing alcohol you can also substitute vinegar, if desired
- food coloring
- 1 box macaroni about 16 ounces
Instructions
- Divide the macaroni in however many bags you want to dye (you'll need one bag per color).
- Add about ¼ cup of alcohol to each (you may need to do less if you have lots of bags).
- Add the food coloring. Close and then shake well. I recommend starting light with the food dye then adding more if needed.
- Let the bags sit for 15 minutes then drain the dye and alcohol from the bags.
- Lay the macaroni out on a lined tray (line with wax paper, parchment paper, or aluminum foil, whatever you have on hand).
- Let dry (I let ours dry overnight). Test the dryness with a paper towel (it should come off clean if the macaroni is dry).
Notes
- Let dry (I let ours dry overnight). Test the dryness with a paper towel (it should come off clean if the macaroni is dry).
- I don’t recommend using yellow food coloring. It doesn’t really show up well.
Danielle
Saving this for all the sensory opportunities this spring.
Two Pink Peonies
I hope you enjoy!