Staying Safe While Dyeing

Natural dyeing uses plants,mordants, heat, and water. While it feels very different from working with synthetic chemicals, safety is still essential. Alum, iron, acids, and even hot water can cause harm if handled carelessly. Creating good habits early on ensures that the process remains both enjoyable and safe.

‍

Some key practices include:

‍

• Always work in a well-ventilated area while wearing a mask. Steam from mordant baths should not be inhaled.
• Protect your skin with gloves, an apron and even protective glasses when handling mordants or modifiers.
• Use dedicated equipment (pots, spoons, strainers) that are not shared with food preparation.
• Keep materials clearly labelled and stored away from children and pets.
• Take care with boiling liquids to avoid burns or splashes.

‍

For CommunityCloth, safety is not an afterthought but a core part of training. Participants are shown how to create safe work environments, manage materials responsibly, and use protective measures, ensuring they can confidently apply and teach these practices within their communities. Safe practices ensure that natural dyeing remains accessible, sustainable, and ready to be shared widely.

‍