Making soap

Here's a recipe for cleanliness the homemade way.

For one bar of soap, you will need:

1 cup clarified animal fat
1 teaspoon borax
5 teaspoons lye
For those industrious-minded survivalists seeking to live off the fat of the land, here is a recipe to turn that very same fat into a quotidian staple of indisputable importance: soap. The pioneers did it, and just think of what a hygienic bunch they were!

To clarify the fat, melt it slowly and then strain through a double thickness of cheesecloth. Add an equal amount of hot water, and bring to a boil. Next, remove from the fire and add one quart cold water. Once the fat has hardened atop the water, it is ready to be removed and made into soap.

Melt the clarified fat and cool to about 110 deg F Add borax and stir. In a separate container, dissolve the lye into 1/2 cup soft water (rainwater, melted snow, or ice work best), stirring throughout. Heat the lye to about 85 deg F, and then add the solution to the fat in a slow, steady stream, stirring cautiously so as not to curdle the soap. Continue stirring for 10 to 20 minutes, until the mixture thickens to a heavy gravy, and then pour into a mold. Cover with an insulating rug or blanket, let harden overnight, and then set aside in an airy place for two weeks to age.
(Make sure to have other soap on hand during the aging process, especially if still amongst society.)

It is important to use enamel, iron, or earthenware (not aluminum) pots and utensils during all steps utilizing lye. Lye reacts with aluminum, and this will impede the soap-making process.

Copyright Hearst Magazines Aug 2000
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