How to Remove Egg Dye From Skin

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Things You'll Need

  • Powdered dishwasher detergent

  • Nail polish remover

  • Cotton swabs

  • Hand lotion

Decorating eggs will almost always involve skin stains from the strong dyes used to color the shells, especially when the craft project involves children. Because many brands of egg dye use vinegar to dissolve the colored tablets, the dye remains stable in a weak acid (vinegar) and so it cannot be removed with traditional, vinegar-based cleaning methods. The trick is to use basic chemistry; alkaline cleaners are the solution.

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Step 1

Pour 1 tsp. of dishwasher detergent into your open palm and add a little water to create a paste.

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Step 2

Scrub the dyed skin with the detergent paste. Dishwasher detergent in powdered form contains alkalines that help dissolve the colored dye. Scrubbing too hard causes skin irritation.

Step 3

Rinse the skin area in cold water.

Step 4

Remove any remaining dye, especially around fingertips, with cotton swabs dipped in nail polish remover.

Step 5

Rinse the skin once more and dry.

Step 6

Rub a quality skin lotion on the affected area to prevent drying and peeling from the harsh abrasives in the detergent.

Tip

Lava soap can be substituted for dishwasher detergent if none is available.

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