From our Feedback Friday series:

Is soda ash the same as washing soda? In other words can I substitute washing soda for use in scouring linen? And do I use the same amount? I want to dye with walnut hull powder.

Typically, any washing soda brand that says it is 100% sodium carbonate is SA, and can be used to scour cellulose fibers. Use the same amount as called for in the recipe.

I want to try out your Kamala and just read that it needs 1% soda ash added to hot water in order to dissolve fully. Do you dissolve it first in the hot water and then add the dye or vice versa?

We normally put the Kamala in a container, add hot water, and then add SA and stir. However, sometimes adding SA to hot water causes excessive foaming, so it’s fine to dissolve the SA in a little hot water first, then add it to the container of Kamala.

In Aboubakar Fofana’s class we scoured our cellulose fabric with soda ash; what’s the best to use with protein fibres?

Scouring with soda ash removes wax and pectin from cellulose.  You can use a neutral soap for protein fibers. Check out how to scour on our website.