<p>Most of the resources that I reviewed agree that the amount of soda ash used for home dyeing is safe to pour down the drain. However, I agree that it is important to take extra precautions with a septic system. So I checked the <a href="http://www.dharmatrading.com/info/fiber-reactive-dye-general-information.html?lnav=techniques.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Dharma Trading Co. website</a> (a great resource with lots of detailed info about dyeing fabric and fiber), </p>

<blockquote>
  <p>One environmental consideration is that if you have added Soda Ash to your dyebath, then it's alkaline (high pH) and can be neutralized by the addition of a little white vinegar (low pH). If you used vinegar or acidic acid in your dyebath, you can add some Soda Ash to neutralize the acid. </p>
</blockquote>

<p>They go on, </p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Highly acidic or alkaline waste water maybe could upset the balance in a septic tank. We have pH test paper you can use to test the pH before flushing it down the drain.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>So, I would recommend testing the pH of the leftover liquid, and, if it is overly alkaline, treating it with some white vinegar before you pour it down your drain. </p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-06-29T01:00:55.413Z
Good information and backed up with external sources!
Matt
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-06-28T20:22:19.207Z
2017-06-29T01:00:38.007Z
2017-06-29T01:00:38.007Z
magerber
<p>If I use soda ash when tie-dying, is it safe to dump the liquid down into my septic system or will it kill off?</p>

<dye><dyeing>
Is Soda Ash used in Tie Dying septic safe?
Lilibete
# Is Soda Ash used in Tie Dying septic safe?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2017-06-26)

If I use soda ash when tie-dying, is it safe to dump the liquid down into my septic system or will it kill off?

**Tags:** dye, dyeing


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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2017-06-28. Score: 3

Most of the resources that I reviewed agree that the amount of soda ash used for home dyeing is safe to pour down the drain. However, I agree that it is important to take extra precautions with a septic system. So I checked the [Dharma Trading Co. website](http://www.dharmatrading.com/info/fiber-reactive-dye-general-information.html?lnav=techniques.html) (a great resource with lots of detailed info about dyeing fabric and fiber),

> One environmental consideration is that if you have added Soda Ash to your dyebath, then it's alkaline (high pH) and can be neutralized by the addition of a little white vinegar (low pH). If you used vinegar or acidic acid in your dyebath, you can add some Soda Ash to neutralize the acid.

They go on,

> Highly acidic or alkaline waste water maybe could upset the balance in a septic tank. We have pH test paper you can use to test the pH before flushing it down the drain.

So, I would recommend testing the pH of the leftover liquid, and, if it is overly alkaline, treating it with some white vinegar before you pour it down your drain.

> **Comments:**
> **username_2**: Good information and backed up with external sources!  

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