Dave Cushman wrote:
> Now in UK 'washing soda' is potassium carbonate, not sodium hydroxide
> (caustic soda).

Dave
I think that it is sodium carbonate decahydrate, at least that is what is
says on the Dri Pak washing soda that I use.  Most useful substance around -
dissolves wax and propolis, will clean clothes and furnishings, carpets etc.
I use it as a disinfectant wash for hive tool and rubber gloves when
examining colonies as recommended by the National Beekeeping Unit.

Must admit that I have not heard of using it for stale foundation.  How long
do you soak it?  Cannot be too long or there would be no wax left!  And why
does it work?  I assume that it softens the wax and might also remove any
thin veneer of propolis.

Peter Edwards
[log in to unmask]
www.stratford-upon-avon.freeserve.co.uk/

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