Soda ash (sodium carbonate) is used to create a caustic solution for cooking paper fibers. During the cook process, an alkaline solution helps remove the acidity from the fiber leaving behind cellulose that will make paper with a neutral pH.

Sold by the pound which is about 2 cups of soda ash.

Quantity tip: one pound of fiber usually requires 4 ounces of soda ash giving you 5 cooks per pound.