Simple Science and STEM for Every Day

How to Dye Salt for Colored Sensory Play

Sensory bins, sensory writing trays, sensory recipes, sensory diets… All of these have one thing in common, they are sensory-rich experiences for kids! Our sensory bins and recipes are amazing kindergarten and preschool activities!   Colored salt is an awesome sensory bin filler and one of our top 10 favorites! Find out how to dye salt for sensory play that is quick and easy to do for same day play!

HOW TO DYE SALT FOR FUN COLORED SENSORY PLAY FOR KIDS!

Easy how to dye salt recipe for colored salt sensory play with kids

EASY AND QUICK COLORED SALT ANYTIME

Our simple how to dye salt recipe makes for beautiful colored salt for whatever theme you choose. Also, make sure to check out our Ultimate Sensory Play Guide for great ways to use your colored salt! I love the ocean sensory bin idea!

Here’s how to dye salt for sensory activities. Kids will have a blast digging their hands into this bin!

 

HOW TO DYE SALT

This how to dye salt for sensory play is such a simple recipe! Prep and make it in the morning and you can set up your sensory bin for an afternoon activity.

Also, make sure to check out how to dye other sensory play materials:

You Will Need:

  • Epsom salt or other salt
  • Vinegar
  • Food Coloring
  • Fun sensory bin items like sea creatures.
  • Scoops and small cups for dumping and filling

HOW TO MAKE COLORED SALT

Please note that the process steps below show us using rice, but the salt will have the same results as seen in the video above!

STEP 1: Measure 1 Cup of salt into a container.

You can do more if desired just adjust the measurements. Or you can do several colors in different containers and mix them together! Blue and green would also make a great theme for ocean and land!

measure the salt into a container

STEP 2: Next add 1 Teaspoon of Vinegar.  

add vinegar to the salt

STEP 3: Now add as much food coloring as desired (deeper color= more food coloring).

You could also make several shades of the same color for a fun effect.

add food coloring to the salt

STEP 4: Cover the container and SHAKE vigorously for a minute or two. Check to see if the salt is evenly coated!

STEP 5: Spread the salt on paper towel or plate to dry in an even layer.

STEP 6: Transfer the salt to a bin for sensory play.

What will you add? Sea creatures, dinosaurs, unicorns, mini-figures all make great additions to any sensory play activity.

add bin fillers to your colored salt

TIPS & TRICKS TO DYING PASTA

  1. The salt should 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.
  2. For some sensory bins, I have made graded shades of colored salt for a fun twist.  This has also allowed me to experiment with how much food coloring to use per cup of salt to achieve desired shades!
  3. Store your dyed salt in gallon zip lock bags when finished and reuse often!

COLORED SALT THROUGHOUT THE SEASONS

I hope I have inspired you to try our quick and easy method for how to dye salt. It really is simple and provides tons of awesome play for your child.  The benefits of sensory play are numerous!

Quick Tip: Set up a salt writing tray for fine motor practise as seen here. Kids won’t even realize the important skills they are practicing while they are playing!

sensory bins made with colored rice, pasta, and salt

MORE HELPFUL IDEAS FOR SENSORY BINS

HOW TO DYE SALT FOR FUN SENSORY BIN FOR KIDS!

Click on the image below or on the link for more fun sensory play recipes for kids.Sensory Play Recipes for Kids Tactile Activities

Looking for easy to print activities, and inexpensive problem-based challenges? 

We have you covered…

Click below to get your quick and easy STEM challenges. 

 

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Fiona

    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?

  2. littlebins

    I am not entirely sure! Would be a great experiment. I know that you can also use lemon juice, so vinegar should work.

  3. Nicole

    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!

  4. littlebins

    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?

  5. Jess

    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.

  6. Corey

    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?

  7. littlebins

    Are talking about sand or salt? We used salt and yes you need to allow for enough dry time.

  8. Jess

    Hi! I made all three and love them! My son had so much fun 🙂 the only one he hasn’t played with yet is the salt. I’ve had it on paper towel (and changed the towel) for 72 hours and it still puts dye on my fingers. Is there a better way to dry the salt?