Revisting work surfaces

I have been learning a lot browsing thru and reading old posts and replies. I have also been working on redesigning my work space. Right now I do my dying an area which is like a hallway in my basement because that is where my washing machine is. I am working on switching around my storage space and moving the plumbing into a small room. I am looking for any tried true suggestions for my new work space.

I read alot of people use paper towels and newspapers while they are dying. My favorite item to use is diaper changing and crib size water proof pads. Not the quilted ones they are more flannel like. If drips occur the pads soak it up so there is no pooling. After one side gets really stained, I fold or flip it over. I wash them in the washing machine with my dyed stuff and then use them again. I have been using the same pads since kids got out of diapers about 5 years now and only a few are starting to show some wear and tear. I also keep a box of cheap tissues near my work space to clean up small spills. or wipe my gloves off.

When I dye I also use old photo trays, we used to have a darkroom and I put cookie cooling racks inside which I picked up at the dollar store. Some time I elevate the racks so my item is not sitting in a puddle of dye. These I just rinse and reuse.

I keep a hepa filter running in my basement at all time to try and keep the air clean and I do wear a mask when I am mixing my dyes.

As far a what I use for mixing. I have a variety of garage sale blenders, mixers, I also really like my tupperware shakers (unfortunately the can only make 2 cups of dye at a time)

Tying... what can I say, I use whatever I find fun, interesting and available. I most often rubberbands of all sizes. I rinse and re use the larger ones and the small cheap rubberbands I just cut off using baby nail scissors. I have also used paperclips, barrettes, chip clips, sting, twine, dental floss, and many random kitchen items I have found in thrift stores and garage sales.

I look forward to any and all work space suggestions of what works and what doesn't work. Thanks in advance.

Monica