pickling

**Di Sandland** · 10-09-2009, 08:10 PM

George Weil/Fibrecrafts are a good source for alum. It is used extensively as a mordant in textile colouring.

I can't comment on its relative advantages/disadvantages over citric acid as I've never used citric acid!

**mizgeorge** · 10-09-2009, 08:14 PM

You can also get it from t4j, either on ebay or through the website.

My local independent chemist will order it for me, and a lot of barber's shops have it available (it's what styptic pencils are made from).

**bustagasket** · 10-09-2009, 08:20 PM

myslow cooker was under £10 from tescos

**Unhindered** · 12-09-2009, 12:54 PM

Thanks for all your help guys

Ive managed to get hold of a free slow cooker from my local freecycle

I'm gonna look into what acid to use a bit more coz we had what I think was citric acid at uni (blue stuff haha) and id never even heard of anything else but if it does a better job/doesnt smell so bad and wont sting me or make holes in my clothes I guess its a winner! haha

**Boo** · 12-09-2009, 05:44 PM

Citric acid isn't blue unless you pickle a lot of copper, then it gradually turns blue, as does any other pickle I would imagine.

Citric acid is odorless and clear and along with alum, that both have food uses, safe to use domestically.

Thanks for the alum links earlier - I meant to return and comment - the site was down at the time, but I've bookmarked it to look at when my citric acid gets low.

**Lindyloo** · 12-09-2009, 07:31 PM

I'm slightly confused by your note George. Is alum the same thing as safety pickle?

**mizgeorge** · 12-09-2009, 08:50 PM

There are several types of safety pickle Linda - my preference is for alum. Sorry if that was confusing, I know I can be at times

**Unhindered** · 13-09-2009, 11:24 AM

Ah yes that makes sense, alot of copper was used at uni! Does any one know any differences between the two, pros and cons? And what is the full name of the alum one as on the link someone has posted above there are two alums

**The Dragon** · 13-09-2009, 05:35 PM

If you are having trouble finding citric acid try a winemakers or beermakers shop. I make a fair bit of wine in winter and will order extra citric acid on-line the use it as pickle. I think a fair few members use salt and brown vinager as well and there are a few other threads dotted about the forum on this subject as well so it might be worth doing a search to see what other information is about.