Kool-Aid and other drink mixes can be used as an acid dye in a much more complicated hot-water and vinegar process intended for protein fibers (such as wool) but as a cold water dye for cellulose fibers (like cotton), it simply doesn't have the staying power.
Check the tag to see what you've got, and refer to our list of cellulose fibers, protein fibers and synthetic fibers. Only nylon and protein fibers will take well to a steamin hot Kool-Aid bath.
Kool-Aid will only work properly if you are using a hot water technique to dye protein fibers. Try this tutorial from Sarah E. White on dying wool with Kool-Aid.
For cellulose fibers such as cotton, rayon and linen, don't use Kool Aid as a cold water shortcut. My advice is to do it the right way, first, using fiber reactive dyes instead. More Questions About Dyeing Clothing
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Protein (Wool, Cashmere, Silk)
- What are Protein Fibers?
- How to Dye Protein Fibers
- Learn about Acid Dyes
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Cellulose (Cotton, Linen, Hemp)
- What are Cellulose Fibers?
- How to Dye Cellulose Fibers
- Learn about Fiber Reactive Dye
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Synthetics (Spandex, Nylon, Polyester)
- List of Synthetic Fibers
- How to Dye Synthetic Fibers
