1. Avoid cross contamination with kitchen tools

• Use a separate set of equipment reserved for dyeing – not your kitchen pots, sieve, wooden spoons etc. Many dye plants aren’t edible, and mordant powders certainly aren’t edible. You don’t want to introduce these potentially toxic ingredients to your kitchen pots and utensils and contaminate them.

2. Children and pets

• Keep children and pets out of your workspace.
• Supervise children and pets in the house to avoid accidental ingestion of any liquids, chemicals or plant materials.

3. Avoid cross contamination with food and avoid accidental ingestion

• Keep all dye materials, dyes, ingredients and liquids away from food and drink. Do not eat or drink in the workspace.
• Wash hands after leaving the workspace and before eating or drinking. Clean surfaces in kitchen after you’ve finished dyeing.
• Carefully label any jars of dye and ink that you store in the fridge or freezer so that everyone in your home knows it’s not edible. Ensure these are stored out of reach of children and clearly marked as non-edible.
• Ensure dyes, mordants and other chemicals are stored in clearly labelled, child-proof containers and kept out of reach of children and pets.

4. Working with plants

• When gathering any plants, take care when identifying them and if you need help, consult a reliable book or a knowledgeable friend. Remember that some plants are toxic, so only dye with safe plants that you can correctly identify.
• Some plants may cause skin irritation or reactions even if they are non toxic. Research individual plants before dyeing with them.
• Wear gloves to protect skin and avoid breathing in any vapour from dye.
• Wear thick gardening gloves when handling plants with thorns or rough textures. Use scissors or pruning shears to cut plant materials.
• Wear rubber gloves to protect your skin and avoid inhaling any vapours released during the dyeing process.

5. Working with heat sources, hot pots, dyes and other liquids

• When you are heating dye pots, ensure you have good air flow with windows and doors open. Alternatively work outside.
• Avoid leaning directly over heated dye pots or mordant baths to avoid breathing in the vapour.
• For safety reasons, I advise you never leave heating pots unattended.
• Wear suitable gloves to protect your skin from dyes and hot liquids. Use either rubber and/or heatproof gloves – you choose appropriate gloves. Steam can scald your wrists.
• Don’t try to carry a hot pot of liquid, as it’s very heavy. It’s best to wait for it to cool before lifting and pouring away.
• If using mordants like iron or alum, you need proper ventilation to avoid inhalation of fumes, especially when combined with heat.
• Wear an apron or protective clothing to avoid burns and stains on your clothes.
• Ensure pots are placed on a stable surface to prevent tipping or spills.
• Clean up spills immediately to avoid slipping.
• You may choose to have a fire extinguisher or fire blanket nearby when working with heat sources.

6. Working with mordants and fine powders

• Wear a dust mask when working with any mordants and/or fine powders to protect your nasal passages, throat and lungs. Make sure there isn’t a draught going through your workspace when measuring fine powders, as this will blow the powders. (Note: you do want air flow when heating dye pots.)
• Follow the safety information that is supplied from the shop where you bought your mordants and other chemicals. If they didn’t give you any information, then you can contact them and ask for this.
• Wear rubber gloves to protect your skin from mordants and other chemicals.

7. Using hammers for plant pounding

• Have a clear area when using hammers.
• Work carefully, to avoid hitting fingers or hitting others around you.

8. Splashing dye in your eyes

• Lower fabric into the dye pot gently to avoid splashing.
• You may choose to wear protective glasses/goggles at certain times, such as when pouring liquids and taking fibres in and out of dye.
• If you splash any liquids into your eyes, please get medical advice.

9. Disposal of dye

• Dispose of plant matter in the bin or compost bin.
• Dispose of dye liquids and mordants into the ground.
• Neutralise mordant solutions when required.
• Consider consulting a plumber for advice about pouring down the sink, particularly if you have a septic tank.
• Avoid pouring mordant solutions or dye liquids into drains unless explicitly advised by the supplier.

10. Allergic reaction to any plants, indredients or dye

• You may choose to wear protective gloves/masks/glasses at appropriate times as outlined in these safety notes.
• If you experience any irritation or discomfort while working with materials, stop immediately, wash the area thoroughly, and monitor for further symptoms. Then seek medical advice.
• In the case of an allergic reaction, seek medical help immediately.

11. Electrical hazards

• Use appliances according to the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent overheating or electrical hazards.
• Ensure electrical appliances are in good condition.
• Keep cords and outlets away from water.
• Do not overload sockets.

12. Accidents

• Keep a first aid kit accessible in case of burns, cuts, or other accidents.
• If a serious injury occurs, seek immediate medical attention and provide information about the materials involved.

Page last updated on 12 March 2025.