Soap Box Science – Tide-Dying

Looking for a safe and fun way to let kids express their creativity? Why not teach them how to tie-dye clothing? It's a simple process once you learn the ropes. And learning the ropes is simple, thanks to Tide!

Materials

• Newspaper and/or plastic bags
• Item to dye (T-shirt, pants, socks, pillowcase, sheets, etc.)
• Tide® Liquid laundry detergent
• Rubber gloves
• Rubber bands
• Large plastic bucket
• Fabric dye
• Long-handled utensil (paint stirrer or plastic spoon)
• Tide® Coldwater laundry detergent
  

Instructions

Here are a few tips before you begin:

• Perform tie-dying in an area where you can clean up easily. If the weather is warm, try the backyard. You won't have to worry about drips, and you can let the tie-dyed items dry in the sun. If you must work inside, cover the work area with newspapers and/or plastic bags.
• Prewash the items you have chosen to tie-dye with Tide Liquid. (Most dyes work best on natural fibres or combination fabrics made of at least 50% cotton.)
• Decide on a pattern:

o Spiral — Hold the fabric in the spot where you want the center of your spiral to be. Twist the fabric into a point, adding ties along the length.
o Concentric Circles — Same as above, but don’t twist the fabric
o "V" Pattern — Fold the fabric in half, then fold in even segments accordion style. Add ties.
o Stripes — Roll the fabric to form a tube. Fasten ties along the length.

• Wear rubber gloves when handling dye to avoid staining your skin.

Let's start Tide-Dying!

1. Lay your clothing item out flat, then fold and tie with rubber bands as desired.
2. Prepare dye as directed by the manufacturer in a large plastic bucket, and mix it with a paint stirrer or plastic spoon.
3.  Soak the item in the dye solution according to label instructions or until it is the color you desire. (Colors will dry lighter.)
4. Squeeze out the excess dye. 
5. Rinse the item well under cool running water until the water is clear. 
6. Air-dry the item flat on a folded newspaper or plastic bag.
7. When dry, untie and admire your creation!

Caring for Tie-Dyed Clothing

Be sure to wash your new tie-dyed garments in cold water with Tide Coldwater to help avoid bleeding