Griffin Dyeworks & Fiber Arts

Understanding Mordants and Modifiers

Baking Soda

BAKING SODA: CHNaO3

Description: Alkali modifier, white crystalline powder, 8.4 pH in solution. Constituent of baking powder + tartaric acid
Other Names: Sodium Bicarbonate, bicarb, bicarbonate of soda, carbonic acid, mineral alkali, soda, sodium acid carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate, sodium hydrogen, [Old] sodiac, solidus
Dye Use: Brightens colors, softens water; alters dyebath acidity. For greenish shades on reds or purples, add baking soda to dyebath before simmering. For purplish shades on berry colors, after-rinse with baking soda.
Best On: Cellulose fibers
Dye Recipe: 2 tsp to 1 gal water before heating or add 2-4 tsp to final rinse
Safety: No known hazard, but don't inhale or get into eyes
Disposal: Pour excess down sink
Alternative: Soda ash
Source: Grocery stores

CODES: c = cup; gal = gallon; lb = pound (weight); tbsp = Tablespoon; tsp = teaspoon / [AF] Anglo-French; [Ar] Arabic; [AS] Anglo-Saxon; [Dan] Danish; [Du] Dutch; [Fr] French; [Ger] German; [Gk] Greek; [It] Italian; [L] Classical Latin; [LL] Late Latin; [ME] Middle English; [ML] Modern Latin; [OE] Old English; [OF] Old French; [ON] Old Norse; [OS] Old Saxon; [Port] Portuguese; [Sp] Spanish; [Sw] Swedish / CE = Common Era; BCE = Before Common Era

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