Experimental Tie Dye: Why Use Soda Ash? [Ice Dye]

This is an experimental ice dye. I receive a lot of questions about how important it is to use soda ash with Procion Dye. As you can see, the part of the shirt that was soaked in soda ash is much more vibrant after the final wash-out.
Note: The last part of the video is missing. After each wash cycle, the area that had soda ash remained virtually the same while the area without soda ash began to quickly fade to pastel colors.
The updated version of this video is the "Batch Time Test" video: • Tie Dye: Batch Time T...
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I use Procion Fiber Reactive Dyes from:
www.dharmatrading.com
www.customcoloursinc.com/
www.grateful-dyes.com/
www.dyespin.com/
Links to the items I use in most of the tie dye videos:
Soda Ash: amzn.to/3gVcFB7
Black Sinew, 300-yard Roll: amzn.to/2XFVBr7
Brown Sinew, 300-yard Roll: amzn.to/2A0OAIB
Set of Two 8" Hemostats (Straight & Curved): amzn.to/3h2O4u0
Crayola Washable Markers: amzn.to/3gXgHJ8
1/2-Pound of Assorted Rubber Bands: amzn.to/3eYu8H6
Counter-top Ice Maker: amzn.to/3dnSOay
Dyeing Rack, set/3: amzn.to/2ANMlsu
Great 4-Tier, Rolling Storage Cart for your Dyes/Bottles: amzn.to/2Dc8ykH
Guar Gum: amzn.to/2UiOS4d
Sodium Alginate: amzn.to/2YmIhHt
Collapsible Hobby/Sewing Table: amzn.to/2Ycbyo9
Stainless Steel Cups, Tumblers, and Mugs for Epoxy Cup Turning: makerflocrafts.com?sca_ref=355883.bi1V5q3vi9
* Some links may be affiliate or sponsor links. Purchasing or even clicking through these links will help support me and the content I provide for free. Thank you very much for your support!

[@FaeoreNeko]

The end result photo doesn't seem to give me a good idea of the difference. If the exact same colours were used on both sides, it might be more obvious, but green is different than purple and both halves of the shirt look very good to me.

[@passadonut]

Julia Saeore the difference is the bottom colors are much lighter then the upper half which are much brighter

[@life_loyalty_trust]

@@passadonut I would have thought the bottom half was in the soda ash for it was much brighter of a color than the top seamed. I watched the entire video and at the end i was confused as to which side was which due to the brightness of the bottom color thinking that one must have been the one with the soda ash. I am just trying to figure this whole thing out as i have dyed many shirts as a kid and never soaked the fabric in soda ash and had very good results that outlasted me and my use so i was just curious in researching how to do it these days and heard about this soda ash thing and want to know what it really helps with or if its just another marketing thing they've put out. I dont think this video did any justice for the point he was making and maybe he realized that and that's why he didn't give us the narrative and decided to just let us figure it out im a little confused by this video its a cliffhanger that should have been ended better with some what of a final result and thought on that.

[@brandiewhite2550]

I don't see a difference either, I had to read the comments to figure it out.

[@carolburnett8372]

@Julia Saeore, I totally agree, I see no difference....but over time I guess the soda ash part does not fade.........wonder if that is what he means?

[@donnabrownbowles3525]

Exactly what I was thinking!!!

[@linaor4447]

😲WOW. NICE SHIRT!!! I couldn't tell if the soda ash was necessary lol

[@CasualCollisions]

The last part of the video is missing. After each wash cycle, the area that had soda ash remained virtually the same while the area without soda ash began to quickly fade to pastel colors. The updated version of this video is the "Batch Time Test" video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qX-TgWauhKypfdE

[@BobbyGeee]

Which side was with and which side was without? Your conclusion? Which is better result??????

[@CasualCollisions]

The bottom half was without and it's visibly less saturated. Over the next few wash cycles, the lower section will fade very quickly and result in the majority of the dye being lost. I'm planning to provide a follow-up video for this shirt that shows the results.

[@TheEyeOfTaurusAK]

lol I was going to guess that the TOP portion was the part without! I really don’t see a diff tho

[@tereselapree222]

While it looks pretty good with one wash and dry, as you wear the T and wash it several times the bottom will over time continue to lose color. And continue to lighten , where the top area with soda ash added will stay the same. Even after repeated washings.

[@casper_42O]

So that's what you need to essentially "lock in " the color

[@casper_42O]

And can you use soda ash with liquid dyes

[@ew1a100]

@@casper_42O yes

[@safiyakwesi5636]

So why exactly is the soda ash used? You didn't explain the difference between the part soaked in soda ash and the other part.

[@ebwbau8036]

it will be less saturated and fade quicker

[@dracofirex]

Soda ash chemically alters the cotton to be more receptive to dye. Doing without can give you some really nice pastel hues, and I've done that intentionally for lighter dyes. Soaking in soda ash will give you wild, vibrant colors!

[@Bwahahahaha1]

@@dracofirex Thank you! You said what this video couldn't.

[@catsordogs_lh]

I just wanted to say that yes, the shirt was neat, but I loved the music being played while you speed up the video... Loved it! ❤️😍

[@sandyevans6273]

I LOVE THE SHIRT YOU DID . . . IT'S VERY COLORFUL! YOU ARE SO GOOD AT USING THE DYES! THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR TALENT!

[@SDSL33]

It is intersting that even though you chose random coulors and you thaught it will turn out not so good, I like this wild look:)) I can see the difference in the coulors with soda ash and without. Thank you!

[@CasualCollisions]

The color difference becomes more significant after a few more wash cycles. The areas without soda ash will fade very quickly.

[@sandancer45]

Very well done, the t-shirt looks amazing, I really like it. Thank you.

[@ep4539]

Watched the whole video without explanation at end or much time to look at the finished product 😠 Had to read the comments to figure it out. Turned out beautifully just wish it was more explained.

[@CasualCollisions]

The video description details the results.

[@NatWarrior3167]

Lol me as well, totally agree.

[@stephanieross5183]

I really like the random colors. It’s a very pretty shirt.

[@shakshisoni]

So what's the difference, you didn't explained

[@jsmith3964]

that's what I said.

[@lynetteb421]

You didn’t point out the differences in the ash soaking compared to the dry technique of tie-dying because they look the same to me.

[@ebwbau8036]

the bottom half is less saturated and will fade much quicker

[@CasualCollisions]

The last part of the video is missing. After each wash cycle, the area that had soda ash remained virtually the same while the area without soda ash began to quickly fade to pastel colors. The updated version of this video is the "Batch Time Test" video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qX-TgWauhKypfdE

[@Rathdrgnknight]

Honestly, I think that shirt looks really good. You said in the video you didnt think it would turn out well but I think it looks amazing.

[@mandamorris7934]

When learning to do this process I took the soda ash as a given and wouldn't be without it.... I'm glad you did this vid for non believers. Perhaps add some comparison shots after the shirt has been laundered say 5 times or more? Again you say you were unsure of the color combo, but like your other poster I too think the colors in this are amazing... Kinda makes me a tiny bit sad that the 'un-ashed' part is going to lose all that gorgeousness eventually... As ALWAYS my friend... great job...

[@CasualCollisions]

I'm debating about doing a follow-up video that shows the shirt after a couple dozen wash cycles.

[@mandamorris7934]

Hey CC.... I do think that would be awesomeness...so folks really get the point.. Thanks for the great instruction!

[@passadonut]

There is a difference . I tie dyed 2 men’s baseball shirts and the one that wasn’t first soaked in soda ash , was so beautiful when I tie dyed it but it faded into a light pastel disappearing act . Then the one that was holds true to its color . Wash after wash

[@life_loyalty_trust]

@@passadonut I just wonder this only by seeing this video and how much brighter the non ashed side was to the ashed side because i do believe the side without ash may fade but it started out at a much brighter color and what if you use that laundry soap to keep clothes bright or just use baking soda or white vinegar that keep clothes much brighter has anyone done those tests i wonder? I just feel as though the marketing people are always trying to come out with something new for people to waste their hard earned money on without thinking of natural ways of doing the same things. Maybe i should try this out for my self and then show the results because i honestly feel as though just using baking soda or white vinegar in the wash would do the trick for it is already brightening the colors! I'm really truly interested in finding out if anyone has tried this before or if its just been passed over by everyone saying its necessary to use soda ash that people just listen.

[@pearloftheorient7174]

Awesome tutorial it's so cool! How much Soda ash per tshirt and how long to soak? Can we just wash, wring and hang to dry or do we really need to spin and color it damp? Thank you. 😀👍🏽

[@chaosassembled]

1 c per gallon of water, 1 gallon per 12 shirts; can be reused / stored; soak for 15 min

[@bren9698]

Thank you , I think the results were the same too me

[@robertzeiser6679]

Definitely soda ash first! I just ice dyed two chair covers and failed to properly prepare one of them. The untreated one released most of the dye and the results looked washed out. I’ve gotten away with filling a spray bottle with soda ash solution and spraying clothes until damp, then letting them hang for 20 minutes. But I’m going to soak and spin from now on.

[@sweetlipzdiamond8365]

Wooowww you jus gave me an idea .... Thank you 😆

[@megmarie5936]

I’m getting more into tie dyeing and I was wondering how do you ice dye?!

[@CasualCollisions]

Here's a comparison between liquid and ice: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpiooYlvZZqfpqM

[@lalanirhythmchanter5566]

Like he did. Powder color, ice melts rinse. But search others on youtube "ice dying"

[@courtneyhubbard4288]

What is the spade ash for? What keeps the dye locked in? I done some denim shorts and most of the dye washed out.

[@CasualCollisions]

The soda ash chemically treats the cotton fibers to allow the fiber reactive dye to bond. Without the soda ash, the dye will wash out in a few wash cycles versus dozens/hundreds of wash cycles.

[@christianbeckstead5837]

What track is playing throughout the video?

[@hippielonggstockings3215]

im confused what side you did the soda ash on in the end result???

[@ebwbau8036]

bottom half

[@CasualCollisions]

The last part of the video is missing. After each wash cycle, the area that had soda ash remained virtually the same while the area without soda ash began to quickly fade to pastel colors. The updated version of this video is the "Batch Time Test" video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qX-TgWauhKypfdE

[@laurenkop1019]

Do you have a recommended source for the clamps, and what size are they?

[@CasualCollisions]

Amazon or eBay. I use 8" curved hemostats.

[@finkle95]

As always.. Thank you for your art and your videos... And quick responses to my inquiries..I was just wondering if I could soak shirts, then tie them, and then dampen again with soda ash? A friend had asked me to make 50 shirts and I would like to prep a little before all the supplies are in? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! I hope you are well!!! Please stay safe!

[@CasualCollisions]

Yes; though, I tend to bag them to prevent them from drying out as I find it easier to work with them that way.

[@finkle95]

@@CasualCollisions thank you for the quick reply and inspiration

[@lauranicole3068]

After you put the color on when you put them in the washer do you add a lot of tie dyed shirts or one at a time?

[@CasualCollisions]

It depends on how well I rinse the material in the sink... But, I usually try to limit it to 5 or so shirts per wash cycle for the first wash-out in the washing machine. After that, I just launder them with everything else.

[@badboyjubby]

This reminds me of a Lei. I feel like going to Hawaii now ;-)

[@guang-wen]

My goodness. Watching you pour on all that dye and then rinse it out is like visual ASMR to me. Keep up the awesome work!

[@moonziedoll]

Do you rinse it with hot or cold water? And where do you get the dyes at

[@CasualCollisions]

I use Procion Fiber Reactive Dyes from Dharma Trading and Custom Colours: www.dharmatrading.com www.customcoloursinc.com/ First rinse is with cold water to remove the unbonded dye. Second rinse with with hot water.

[@varieties8438]

Hola ..me puedes decir que líquido es ese al que metiste la camisetas .explícame por favor.. gracias..

[@CasualCollisions]

The shirts are soaked in Soda Ash (sodium carbonate). This is a required step to allow the Procion dye to bond with the natural fibers of the shirt.

[@mauricementis6042]

so what was the final conclusion

[@yousefalkalari6082]

What is that fast forward song?

[@a1nevare]

What about wet soda ash side vs side wet with regular water? Is there a diference?

[@CasualCollisions]

The last part of the video is missing. After each wash cycle, the area that had soda ash remained virtually the same while the area without soda ash began to quickly fade to pastel colors. The updated version of this video is the "Batch Time Test" video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qX-TgWauhKypfdE

[@teamjesus864]

Where do you purchase the color labels for your dye? My 2oz jars from Darma don’t have labels on top of jar.

[@CasualCollisions]

Dharma sells a dye "poster". www.dharmatrading.com/tools/fiber-reactive-poster.html I cut that down, laminate the color swatches, and use tape to stick it on each jar.

[@bradleach4947]

There is too much chaos to tell. Plus, I feel after about 20 washing cycles and drying, it would show

[@danielomarfigueroa]

So... why use soda ash?

[@rafaelagrimares7802]

Do i have to set it with vinegar after dyeing if i pre-treat the shirt with the soda ash?

[@CasualCollisions]

No. Vinegar is not used with Procion Fiber Reactive dye.

[@rafaelagrimares7802]

@@CasualCollisions what about the fast dyes? Am i still going to set it with vinegar?

[@mariashavon5358]

hello, what kind of powder dye do you use

[@CasualCollisions]

I use Procion Fiber Reactive Dyes from: www.dharmatrading.com www.customcoloursinc.com/ www.grateful-dyes.com/ www.dyespin.com/

[@lindaberg9161]

I do ice dying as well but I have never done both sides....I soak tshirt in soda ash...pack or tie the way I want....then sprinkle a bit of soda ash on tshirt ...very little and then sprinkle on the dyes and then pack with enough ice to go all the way through ...let site for 12 to 24 hours then rinse ...

[@CasualCollisions]

With all my ice dyes, I either dye each side or dye with a container to let it sit in muck. I don't think I've done a single-sided ice dye in 5+ years.

[@lindaberg9161]

@@CasualCollisions I am going to tey that I am new to all this and a older lady...so I am not sure what all I need to do right but getting there wish I could share pics if my start.... God bless.

[@kimpot624]

The green part is without soda ash, purple has soda ash

[@sumocloud]

Wow how much dye are you using? Could have dyed hundreds of shirts with this much dye. Maybe it's cheaper in the US..

[@CasualCollisions]

I use an average of 50 cents of dye per shirt. The spoon in the videos is a baby food spoon and holds less than 1/4 teaspoon of dye.

[@irinad1397]

Do you put the shirt in the washing machine by itself

[@CasualCollisions]

The first wash cycle is either alone or with other shirts that have just been washed-out in the sink. After the first wash/dry cycle, I treat them the same as any other clothing.

[@Henrydingus01123]

Purple Heart 9:45

[@shahdannashas7983]

Which one is better... With soda ash or without soda ash...????

[@CasualCollisions]

The part of the shirt that was soaked in soda ash is much more vibrant after the final wash-out. After each wash cycle, the area that had soda ash will remain virtually the same while the area without soda ash will quickly begin to fade to pastel colors. I have another soda ash comparison video in process that will give a better example of what happens after multiple wash cycles.

[@bryonagii]

Does is have to be 12 hours?

[@CasualCollisions]

You need to let the dye sit for *at least* 12 hours. I normally go 18-24 hours in total to allow extra time for the dye to bond with the fabric.

[@LeticiaSPandaMcfly6]

You can leave a shirt in soda ash for 12 hours? Or is it because you have multiple shirts in the water? I’ve been leaving it for only 20 minutes. Am I doing it wrong?

[@CasualCollisions]

I've had shirts in the water for over a year - especially long sleeves that just work their way to the bottom of the bucket.

[@LeticiaSPandaMcfly6]

Casual Collisions oh wow! That’s great to know. Thank you so much for getting back to me. It’s all a learning process. Videos like yours really help me.

[@busybizzle2474]

What side is what?

[@vanessadorado2010]

Where can I buy soda ash?

[@rickbuell8996]

You can make your own soda ash--there's a youtube video, and it's very simple: spread baking soda onto a cookie sheet, and bake it at 200°F for 2 hours. Let it cool, and there you have it!

[@bushidoanis1329]

I thought soda ash is just to fix the paint on the T-shirt but somehow I don’t see any difference

[@deborahcook1248]

need the recipe to make the soda ash and water.

[@CasualCollisions]

1 cup of soda ash to 1 gallon of water.

[@carlschmiedeke151]

So Which end of the shirt had the soda ash on it, the part of the shirt that was laying in the bucket, with the tag on it, or the part of the shirt that was hanging out of the bucket, & what happens to the shirt if you don't use the ash, either way it turned out awesome

[@CasualCollisions]

The tag/top of the shirt was in the bucket and the bottom of the shirt was not. If you don't use soda ash there is no physical/chemical bond between the Procion dye and the fabric. Without that bond, the dye will wash-out with each wash cycle, resulting in a very faded design within just a few wash cycles. A properly soda-ashed shirt can last hundreds of wash cycles with little fading. The fading in this case is due to the physical wear of the cloth fibers versus the removal of the dye.)

[@carlschmiedeke151]

@@CasualCollisions very well explained, you my friend are full of knowledge, I love your work, thank you, & I appreciate your quick response

[@amirzainol27]

The result photo seems like different from what u are doing..

[@jamesproffitt9641]

You should of wet the other side to make it more a fair test soda ash water on one side and just damp on the other side

[@CasualCollisions]

There are many issues with this video and I still plan to redo it - especially including a timeline of images showing the results after numerous wash cycles. If you're curious about the difference between dying on wet, damp, and dry material with ice dyeing, I do have a video that covers that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXO6dXdohLSIl5o

[@jamesproffitt9641]

@@CasualCollisions yeah and maybe add urea and no urea just idea

[@gillyard200]

I agree

[@alineassis9721]

Boa tarde, queria da uma opinião de vc tenta faz algo na explicação dos seus videos pra nos brasileiros entender melhor

[@Daniel-uq8xp]

Alíne Assis reactive colorant

[@andrewoldham4462]

Is it possible to add soda Ash after die has been applied

[@Serai3]

I really don't see it. You used completely different colors, so how can we compare them?

[@CasualCollisions]

Here's an updated video that will show the differences of soda ash usage as well as the batch time.

[@Serai3]

@@CasualCollisions Thank you! :)

[@huwpenson2678]

SO WHATS THE DIFFERENCE

[@CasualCollisions]

The last part of the video is missing. After each wash cycle, the area that had soda ash remained virtually the same while the area without soda ash began to quickly fade to pastel colors. The updated version of this video is the "Batch Time Test" video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qX-TgWauhKypfdE

[@TheEyeOfTaurusAK]

Sooooo there is no difference?

[@rfire731]

I actually like the side without the soda ash. I guess it's a matter of preference. I think the shirt turned out amazing!

[@CasualCollisions]

You may like it at first; but, it will fade much faster each time it's washed. I may need to wash it a couple of dozen times and do an update video...

[@rfire731]

Casual Collisions, oh, I didn't realize the colors would fade faster without the soda ash. Thank you, that's good to know.

[@dinoflagella0853]

You didn't answer the question

[@CasualCollisions]

The last part of the video is missing. After each wash cycle, the area that had soda ash remained virtually the same while the area without soda ash began to quickly fade to pastel colors. The updated version of this video is the "Batch Time Test" video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qX-TgWauhKypfdE

[@tarynalvarez1590]

The ash is supposed to lock the colors into the shirt after long periods of washing and wearing. So this really doesn't give us a real idea of if its worth it

[@CasualCollisions]

Here's an updated video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qX-TgWauhKypfdE

[@x7j4]

I watch this video from the beginning to the very end and I absolutely do not understand the point of the video because it was not explained at the end.

[@omordomo9685]

I couldn't see the difference. Why don't you try to make a solid color dye (without blanks), so this way we can see better how they differ. Thank you.

[@CasualCollisions]

Here's an updated version of the test along with examples of the difference based on the batch times used: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qX-TgWauhKypfdE

[@LynnMTHA]

But you didn't say why. I've never done this, gonna try to dye a backpack for my grandson. The one side was lighter, but much lighter colors. Is that why? Why did you stop talking sir, help! How about the fixative? Is there an alternative?

[@MaxwellSchultz]

soo much wasted dye at the end? Just straight down the drain. this stuff is so expensive, I'd be collecting to dye something brown or black.

[@CasualCollisions]

I get this comment a lot; but, the reality is that I don't use much dye per shirt. The spoon in the videos is an old baby food spoon that holds less than 1/4 tsp when it has a heaping load of dye. And, while I don't monitor dye usage on a design/shirt level; I do monitor my dye usage for inventory control and I use less than 50 cents in dye, on average, per shirt. You can't really save the dye to re-use on another shirt since it's been in contact with soda ash. If you tried to re-use it to dye another item, it would result in little-to-no dye bonding with the fabric.

[@Daniel-uq8xp]

This Process is very slow my friend but.. Nice job. @TieDyeUniverse

[@pedropenduko5647]

Ñ

[@bevturquoise4651]

What happened? You never finished the experiment....UGH!

[@CasualCollisions]

The last part of the video is missing. After each wash cycle, the area that had soda ash remained virtually the same while the area without soda ash began to quickly fade to pastel colors. The updated version of this video is the "Batch Time Test" video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qX-TgWauhKypfdE

[@WCarey-nz7lx]

So you did all that to say what, exactly??? You didn't explain anything really.

[@EricRogersRoofing]

Lol breaking the rules and it works. That's why I always try different things.

[@CasualCollisions]

No, it doesn't work. The section that didn't have soda ash properly applied is visibly less saturated and washes out within a few wash cycles.

[@frtygoat40]

What a waste of time. Your finally results didn't show the final results ?

[@CA317537]

Do you ever get to the point of this entire video??? WHY USE SODA ASH?? You don't even address which side is which!! Dude, please redo this whole video.

[@Nemalde]

This is a very poor experiment. A better experiment would have been two separate shirts. Same design, same colors.