the answers to a few dyeing question. I got my ultimate box and dharma dye order in the last two days and I am itching to get started.

Where do you buy your salt in large quantities? I about dropped over when I saw that a washing load takes 20 cups of salt.

What is the pool product name for soda ash?

Also, how do I figure out how many gallons of water my washer holds?

TIA

ph up for the pool chemical

I find it easier, and way more economical to dye in buckets, less of everythign is needed-unless you are dyeing yardage.

I must confess, I don't use salt, with no effects, well, not taht I am aware of anyway

I have found the Dharma instructions to be a little excessive. Ive not used nearly that much salt when dyeing and things have come out well. You'll need to experiment a little, but I havent found it to be as exact a science as it seems.

As for the salt, you can buy in bulk at Costco. The "pH up" can be found at Walmart.

Have fun!!

get water softner salt if you want salt (which in my experience depends on your local water supply and on the darkness/intensity of color you want).

so, if you have fairly balanced water, do you need salt? According to testing, our water is very neutral.

We have a water softener, so in your opinion, do I still need to use salt? Could I cut the salt in half?

you know, i have no idea. I'd try it out first. I know that when I dye something a pastel color I don't need salt, but when I am aiming for something more bold, I do or else the color fades rapidly.

....hiding in shame that I consider myself a geo-chemist (chemist who specializes in geology-related stuff) and I can't really answer your question.

The salt I can buy here comes in pellets. Will that take forever to dissolve?

not in warm water. Just let the agitator run a bit and it should dissolve reasonably quickly. All 20 cups of mine dissolved in about 15 minutes.

When you don't use salt, the dye bonds to the water instead of the fabric, so it wastes a lot of dye. That is why you get more intense colors with salt.

I buy salt at costco (well, a friend with a costco membership buys it for me) but I don't use as much as they say to. Actually, I don't measure, just dump a bunch in. I always dye in the washer, it is easier to get good coverage. I just fill it up a little if I am doing a small load.

I bought a 50 lb bag of soda ash at the hot tub store. It was $20. I just asked for soda ash and they knew what I wanted.

No hot tub supply stores around here so I guess I will have to step foot in the new Wal-Mart that opened up here last week.

Thanks for sharing all your info in regard to adding salt.