A solid composition which in aqueous solution liberates ammonia or a primary amine, containing either a) an ammonium salt of a water-soluble polymeric acid and at least one equivalent quantity, in relation to the acid value of the polymeric acid, of a basic compound, or b) a salt of a water-soluble polymeric acid and at least one equivalent quantity of a water-soluble ammonium salt of ammonia or primary amines and an essentially anhydrous inorganic and basic compound, or c) at least one ammonium salt of ammonia or primary amines with inorganic or organic acids and an equivalent quantity of a solid and essentially anhydrous inorganic and basic compound, containing basic compound selected from the group of alkaline earth metal and alkali metal hydroxides or oxides, borax and basic phosphate salts. Also provided is a solid composition containing an alkaline earth metal or alkali metal carbonate and a dye which contains functional groups which are capable of reacting with the functional groups of a polyfunctional organic compound containing at least one aldehyde group, forming a covalent bond.