Have you ever wondered how to dye salt for colored salt sensory play! Colored epsom salt is an awesome sensory bin filler and one of our top 10 favorites! Beautiful colored epsom salt for sensory play is quick and easy to do for same day play. Make beautiful colors for whatever theme you choose. Also make sure to check out our Ultimate Sensory Play Guide for great ways to use colored salt!
How To Dye Salt for Colored Salt Sensory Play
Easy and Quick Colored Salt Sensory Play Anytime!
HOW TO DYE SALT
Measure 1 Cup of Epsom Salts into a container
Add 1 Teaspoon of Vinegar
Add as much food coloring as desired (deeper color= more food coloring)
Cover and SHAKE vigorously for a minute or two
Check to see if it’s coated well!
Spread on paper towel or plate to dry
These should all be dry in an hour if you stick to the one cup per paper towel. I find the color is distributed the best this way too. For many sensory bins I have made graded shades of colors for a fun twist. This has also allowed me to experiment with how much food coloring to use to achieve desired shades! Make a whole rainbow too!
Take a look at the great colors for our colors salt sensory play!
I hope I have inspired you to try our quick and easy method for coloring sensory play materials. It really is simple and provides tons of awesome play for your child. The benefits of sensory play are numerous!
Quick Tip: Store fillers in gallon zip lock bags when finished and reuse often!
Here’s a quick pre-writing activity using our colored epsom salts! Now that you have learned how to dye salt for your sensory play needs, the sky’s the limit! Coloring your sensory play materials really brings a sensory bin to life and completes a themed for holidays or season!
More great sensory play ideas. Click on photo for full article.
Fiona says
I’ve been looking at various sites that show various methods for colouring salt. I’m just wondering about using vinegar? Does it not start to break down the salt?
littlebins says
I am not entirely sure! Would be a great experiment. I know that you can also use lemon juice, so vinegar should work.
Nicole says
Hello. Thank you for all of these awesome ideas!
Does the Epsom salt tend to dry out kids hands?
I ask because I would do this in my room at work and would not be able give lotion after the activity (due to allergies & sensitivities).
Thank you so much!
littlebins says
Hi! I have not tested the epsom salt in this way but it is a possibility. You might want to do a trial run for yourself. Can you use rice instead?
Jess says
I just made this for my son he is 3 he has a sensory delay and he ablosutely loves it I let him help make it as well so I hope your children like it as much as get does.
Corey says
I tried this recently and noticed that when handling the sand the food coloring came right off on my hand leaving me with colored hands and uncolored salt. Does the color always come off no matter how long you wait or did I just not give it enough time to dry?
littlebins says
Are talking about sand or salt? We used salt and yes you need to allow for enough dry time.