Soda ash (sodium carbonate) is an essential alkaline agent in natural dyeing used primarily to scour (clean) cellulose fibers like cotton and linen, raise the pH of dye baths for brighter colours.

It is used at 1-2% of the fiber's dry weight (WOF) to remove oils and waxes before dyeing.

Soda Ash is considered non-toxic, but working in a ventilated area and wearing a mask and gloves is best practice whilst handling this powder. I recommend keeping any tools used for this process separate from kitchen tools. Alum acetate may be safely disposed of in a municipal water system by pouring down the drain.

This material comes in a natural biodegradable cellophane. We recommend transferring this to a glass or plastic jar for long-term storage.