Machine dyeing
Dyeing fabrics in your front-loading washing machine couldn't be easier. Machine dyeing is suitable for most fabrics like cotton but will give a lighter result for cotton/poly mixes because pure synthetic fabrics don't pick up dye, so check your fabric carefully. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions, but for most dyes it's simply a matter of washing the fabric you want to dye (it must be damp when combined with the dye), then, wearing rubber gloves, adding the packet of dye to the washing drum, then some salt (to help fix the dye) and the fabric to be dyed, and then running the machine on a 60°C (140°F) cycle. Follow with a wash at 95°C (200°F) to fix the dye and voila!

Always dry the fabric away from direct heat or light, which could fade the dye. The dye should be colour-fast after the first wash, but it's worth washing separately for the first few washes just to make sure.
Tip: Always wear rubber gloves to protect your hands when handling any kind of dyeing product.

Check quantities
The larger the amount of fabric you add to the dye, the lighter the final colour. Most manufacturers advise weighing the fabric to calculate the amount of dye needed. Always confirm the amount of salt needed - usually about 500g (1.1lb) for a large load. If you're dyeing large household items like duvet covers or bathrobes, look for dyes like Dylon's Home Colour specifically designed for large items. It comes with a packet of fix that's added to the machine with the dye to help provide and keep an even colour.

Hand dyeing
If you want to dye items that are too delicate or too small for machine dyeing, then hand dyeing is the best option. It's a little more laborious, but still gives good results - but be aware that wool and silk items will take on a lighter shade of the dye. Follow the dye manufacturer's instructions, but usually you wash the items to be dyed first, then - wearing rubber gloves - dissolve the dye in warm water in a small container then add to a large steel bowl or sink with the recommended amount of hot tap water. Add the salt - usually about 250g (0.55lb) for hand dyeing - then the items to be dyed.

Leave for approximately one hour, stirring and squeezing the fabric frequently, but always keeping the fabric submerged in the dye. Rinse the items in cold water until the water runs clear then wash in warm water. Always dry away from heat and sunlight, and always wash the dyed items separately for the first few washes post-dyeing to ensure the dye has set.
Tip: Don't use the bath or plastic containers to dye items as they could become permanently stained.

Colour stripper
Don't throw out those black or green curtains just because you've changed your living room's colours to brilliant reds and oranges - you can now use fabric colour stripper to remove the colour from fabric so it can be dyed a lighter colour. You can use colour stripper on most cottons and linens, but it won't work on synthetic, wool or silk fabrics, or dry-clean only items, and certain bright colours like indigo and denim can't be stripped.

Always check the labels and the dye instructions carefully. Most colour strippers can be used in your washing machine.

Tie-dyed look
If you think the tie-dyed look died with the '60s, think again! It can give brilliant new looks to shirts, curtains and even duvet covers! Kids love the effect and will want to help, so get them in on the act. Kits are available, but it's a simple process - usually red, blue and yellow dyes are used since combined they give other brilliant colours, but you can experiment with different colours.

Wrap rubber bands in different places around the clean and damp item to be dyed - it's the rubber bands that give different swirled and circled designs, so don't be afraid to experiment. Wearing rubber gloves, squeeze different colours of dyes onto different parts of the fabric, making sure to get in the folds. Don't worry if one dye gets applied over another dye - that's how the colours mix. Place the dyed item in a sealed plastic bag overnight then remove the rubberbands and rinse in cold water. A quick machine wash later and you've got your new tie-dyed item!

Dyeing wood
You can now use dyes to dye solid wooden items around the home. You can dye wooden bowls, plates, blinds, even wooden floors! You can dye through a stencil to apply a border or achieve other special effects. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, but the process is simple: ensure that the wooden surface is bare and all other coatings or varnish removed, wipe with white spirit to remove any dust or grease, then, wearing rubber gloves, prepare the dye in a small container and apply the dye with a brush to the wood. A second coat after the first has dried will give a darker colour. After completely dry, seal with a clear wood varnish.

Dylon make a range of multi-purpose and household dyes, as well as specialist dyeing kits. Visit their website for hints and tips on dyeing as well as your closest stockist.