Soda Ash and Front Loading Washer

[dewms]

I am getting ready for this 4 day class next week and am trying to figure out how to Soda Soak and Spin before the class.  

I have a front loading washing machine.  Can I just put the Soda Ash in with the material and turn the washer on?  I think if I use the last rinse setting the soda ash won't get diluted.  I also think I need to stop the machine and let it soak for 15-20 minutes.  That is how long I let things soak in the bucket.  

Thanks, De

[John]

I am getting ready for this 4 day class next week and am trying to figure out how to Soda Soak and Spin before the class.  

I have a front loading washing machine.  Can I just put the Soda Ash in with the material and turn the washer on?  I think if I use the last rinse setting the soda ash won't get diluted.  I also think I need to stop the machine and let it soak for 15-20 minutes.  That is how long I let things soak in the bucket.  

Thanks, De

I would wash the stuff hot with synthropol first to remove any oils the manufacturer may have gotten on the fabric (in the case of new stuff). Then run the stuff in the first fill and wash phase with the ash in there. Let it agetate a bit to knead the ash into the fabric. Before it starts to drain stop the washer and set it to spin. You want to spin the fabric to a damp state but don't want the water to start pumping into the machine again. Spin, don't rinse, out the ash you just put into it.

Hell, let the machine do the work. That's what machines are for.

[ecilA]

haven't worked with a front loader.  Are you providing the shirts?  Can you set up several ash buckets with different sizes in each?  I'd have people grab a shirt from the bucket housing their size and head to the folding area rather than have the shirts pre-ashed for this class.

[steve]

I am getting ready for this 4 day class next week and am trying to figure out how to Soda Soak and Spin before the class. Thanks, De

I will be doing classes soon as well. This year I am going to try activated dyes. That way we can moisten the fabric lightly for folding, tie, then dye.

I found that soda soak is a PITA for classes. I will have the dye premixed in bottles and a concentrated solution of soda ash will be added at the last minute to activate the dye If I need more of a color, I will activate another bottle.

Steve

[ecilA]

obviously depends on the size of the class and what it is you are teaching them.

I've had great success with the tub of ash water--pull your size when teaching kids basic dyeing.

I've mulled the whole frontloader thing over, it is probably excellent for washing out but I use top because it allows me ease in opening during any part of the cycle.

I'd assume there is a place to add things on a front loader?  Make soda ash soup and send it in through a dispenser or before there is water standing in the machine open the front and pour already mixed ash in, let that agitate a while, let that soak.  Spin out.

[dewms]

I'd assume there is a place to add things on a front loader?  Make soda ash soup and send it in through a dispenser or before there is water standing in the machine open the front and pour already mixed ash in, let that agitate a while, let that soak.  Spin out.

Sounds good to me!  Thank you for your practical suggestions.  De