5 Lbs. lukewarm melted GREASE 1 Lb. LYE 3 Tsps BORAX 1/4 Cup AMMONIA 1 Quart Cold WATER
Fats that are not fit for food may be made into soap. Dissolve the LYE in COLD Water and let stand until cool, then add the Fat slowly, stirring constantly. Mix the other ingredients together and add to the first mixture. Stir the whole until thick and light colored. Pour into a pan lined with cloth. Mark into pieces of desired size before the soap becomes hard. When hard, break pieces apart and pile in such a way that soap may dry out well.
Note: Soap will be a little harsh until it ages (about 30-90 days). Note: Original recipe called for the addition of 1 Tsp SALT and of all things, 2 Tbls SUGAR No idea why and I leave these items out. Caution: Lye is a very powerful base which will take the skin off your hands in seconds. Always wear latex gloves when working with Lye. Be careful of splashes also, Never add water to Lye but add Lye to water.
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From the Settlement Cookbook circa 1920
5 Lbs. lukewarm melted GREASE 1 Lb. LYE
3 Tsps BORAX 1/4 Cup AMMONIA
1 Quart Cold WATER
Fats that are not fit for food may be made into soap. Dissolve the LYE in COLD Water and let stand until cool, then add the Fat slowly, stirring constantly. Mix the other ingredients together and add to the first mixture. Stir the whole until thick and light colored. Pour into a pan lined with cloth. Mark into pieces of desired size before the soap becomes hard. When hard, break pieces apart and pile in such a way that soap may dry out well.
Note:
Soap will be a little harsh until it ages (about 30-90 days).
Note: Original recipe called for the addition of 1 Tsp SALT and of all things, 2 Tbls SUGAR No idea why and I leave these items out.
Caution: Lye is a very powerful base which will take the skin off your hands in seconds. Always wear latex gloves when working with Lye. Be careful of splashes also, Never add water to Lye but add Lye to water.