Chemical Name: Sodium Carbonate
Formula: Na₂CO₃
Common Name: Soda Ash (also known as washing soda)
 
Soda ash is a must have in the dye studio! It has multiple uses;
1. pH Modifier:
Raises the pH of dye baths, making them alkaline.
An alkaline environment can improve dye uptake and affect the final color, especially with plant-based dyes like indigo, madder, weld, and cutch.
2. Fiber Preparation (Scouring & Mordanting):
Commonly used to scour cellulose fibers (like cotton, linen, or hemp) before natural dyeing. Scouring removes waxes, oils, pectins, and sizing agents that prevent dyes from bonding evenly.
Helps to open up cellulose fibers (like cotton, linen, and hemp) before dyeing.
Assists in the bonding of certain mordants (e.g., aluminum acetate) with plant fibers.
3. Indigo Dyeing:
Essential in preparing and maintaining indigo vats.
Used in combination with a reducing agent to create the proper conditions for indigo to dissolve and adhere to fibers.
4. Color Shifting:
Alters colours for Ph reactive dyes: for example, turmeric shifts from yellow to orange-red in an alkaline bath.