You probably weren’t going to finish those beets anyway.
You probably weren’t going to finish those beets anyway.
How to Dye Your Clothes Using Food Scraps
ByMolly OswaksMay 5, 2020
How to Dye Your Clothes Using Food Scraps
How to Dye Your Clothes Using Food Scraps
Every scrap, skin and stem of our food is salvageable — and useful. Here’s a guide to making your own natural dye out of that food waste:

How to Dye Your Clothes Using Food Scraps
Here’s what you’ll need:
Food scraps including: cabbage, beets, raspberries and blackberries, turmeric, paprika, or onion skins.
— White vinegar or salt (optional)
— Water
— A large pot, and a smaller pot
— A stove or hotplate
— 100% cotton white textiles
— Rubber bands (optional, for tie-dye)
Let’s start with some beets→
How to Dye Your Clothes Using Food Scraps
Prep:Wash the beets to remove any residual dirt or bugs. Peel them, then cut into cubes and place everything into a pot of boiling water.
How to Dye Your Clothes Using Food Scraps
Make the dye:Cook the vegetables on a rolling boil for 5 minutes, then turn down to a simmer. Let them cook for an hour minimum, or as long as a day — the longer they cook, the brighter your dye.
How to Dye Your Clothes Using Food Scraps
Snack:When you’re ready, remove the beets from the water and pickle them in a combination of vinegar, sugar and salt. (This part is just for munching.)
How to Dye Your Clothes Using Food Scraps
Clean the fabric:Grab an unused pot and add 1 part white vinegar to 4 parts water, or if you don’t have white vinegar, 1 part salt to 16 parts water of boiling water.
How to Dye Your Clothes Using Food Scraps
Dye:Strain any loose bits from your dye. Then completely dunk the article of clothing or fabric. Let it sit for between an hour and a day. The longer it sits, the richer the color.
How to Dye Your Clothes Using Food Scraps
Ta-Da!Remove fabric from the dye and wring it out. Wash by hand, using cold water, to prevent dye from coming off onto you or your furniture.
For more hobbies from the 1800s