How to Use Soda Ash to Fix Colors

Soda ash is popular to set colors in tie-dyed clothing.

Soda ash is the active ingredient of washing soda. Although similar to sodium bicarbonate, otherwise known as baking soda, soda ash is a more basic compound. It raises the pH levels of liquids, helping make a reaction with dyes occur more quickly and permanently. It does this by allowing the fiber to react chemically with the dye, thereby setting the color into the fabric. Soda ash is popular for creating tie-dyed clothing. Using soda ash on clothing makes for a simple and fun process.

Things You'll Need

• Soda ash
• Water
• Garment to be dyed

Instructions

1. Prepare a solution of 1 cup soda ash to 1 gallon of water. Depending on the hydration of the soda ash, you may need to add more to the solution to get the desired results. Soda ash can become hydrated over time as it collects water molecules from the air.

2. Place the garment into the soda ash. Fabric types that work best in this process contain at least 80 percent cellulose fibers, according to Paula Burch of "All About Hand Dying." Fabrics that contain cellulose include cotton, linen, and hemp. Lower blends, such as 50 percent cotton and 50 percent polyester, create pastel colors. Soak the garment in the soda ash solution for 15 minutes to one hour.

3. Remove the garment from the soda ash solution and wring it dry. The garment should be wet but not dripping. The remaining solution can be used until gone.

4. Dye the garment the desired colors and let it rest. Ideally, you should put the garment into a plastic bag because the garment needs to stay wet while the reaction takes place. The garment should rest for at least two hours, but for best results wait 24 hours before removing it.

5. Wash the garment to finish the process. Pre-fill a washing machine with hot water and 1/4 cup of textile detergent such as Synthrapol. Take the garment to the sink and run it under cold water to stop the reaction. If you have tied the garment up, start running warm water over the garment as it is untied. Keep the garment under warm water until the water runs clear. Place the garment into the washing machine and run it through a full cycle.

References

• Paula Burch: FAQ
• Paula Burch: Hand Dying--How to Do It
• Dharma Trading Company: Tie-Dye Basics