Have you ever wondered how to dye pasta or how to dye rice to make sensory bins for kids? Here is a step-by-step guide to get you started and ideas for ways to use the colored pasta or colored rice. 

Ingredients:

• Rubbing Alcohol orDistilled Vinegar (1-2 Tablespoons)
• Food coloring (Approximately 1 teaspoon)
• Dried, Uncooked Pasta (3 cups)
• Newspaper or Parchment paper

 

 

First, pour the rubbing alcohol or vinegar into a gallon-sized zip top freezer bag.

 

Next, add the food coloring (10 or more drops) and swirl the bag gently to mix the food coloring with the alcohol.

 

Then, place the pasta into the bag and seal the bag closed.

Toss and shake the bag until the pasta is evenly coated in color. If additional food coloring is needed, add it and continue shaking the bag to coat.

 

 

When the pasta is completely coated, transfer the pasta to a rimmed baking sheet covered with parchment paper or newspaper.

Spread the pasta into an even layer and allow to dry for several hours, stirring once.

You can also dye rice for sensory bins. 

 

 

 

How to Dye Rice

• 1 lb. of rice
• 1/2 tsp. of food coloring,
• 1 tsp of rubbing alcohol

 

Use the same process as dying the pasta. 

 

Tip: The longer you let the rice or pasta soak in the bag, the darker the color gets.

Tip: You can also use liquid watercolor paint to dye the pasta or rice if you have that on hand.

 

 

 

You can make themed sensory tubs with rice or pasta as your base.

 

Before making a themed sensory bin, let your child spend time playing with the pasta or rice using different materials such as: