Soda ash
Soda ash is a chemical used in tie dye to prepare fabric so fiber reactive dye bonds permanently and does not fade.
What is soda ash?
Soda ash is sodium carbonate.
It is a white powder that makes water more alkaline.
What is soda ash used for?
In tie dye, soda ash is used to prep fabric so fiber reactive dye bonds to the fabric and does not wash out. 1 cup of soda ash dissolved in 1 gallon of water is the ratio often recommended. Here's a short video for mixing soda ash into water.
Outside of tie dye, soda ash is also used to raise the pH in swimming pools so the water stays clear and balanced.
Where to buy soda ash
Soda ash is commonly sold at pool supply stores because it is used for pool maintenance.
It can also be purchased online from dye suppliers, craft stores, or general online retailers.
Some people choose to make soda ash at home instead of buying it.
Is baking soda the same as soda ash?
No. Baking soda and soda ash are not the same thing.
Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate.
Soda ash is sodium carbonate.
Baking soda can be turned into soda ash by heating it, but they start as different chemicals.
How to make soda ash
Soda ash can be made from baking soda by heating it in an oven.
Spread baking soda in a thin layer on a baking sheet and bake it at 400°F for about one hour.
After it cools, the baking soda will have changed into soda ash.