6 lbs clean fat [tallow or lard, or combination] (about 6 3/4 pints of liquid fat)
slowly pour the lye into the water in a pyrex, iron, or enamel vessel
(caution: don't spill lye solution on your skin, clothing, or furnishings, as it is extremely caustic).
stir until the lye is completely dissolved. then let cool to the correct temperature as shown in the table to
follow. melt fat to a clear liquid and let cool to correct temperature
as shown in table, or until the fat offers resistance to the spoon. stir occasionally to prevent crystals from
forming. pour the lye solution into the fat in a thin, steady stream with slow, even stirring. [rapid
addition of lye solution or hard stirring is apt to cause a separation). A honey-like consistency is formed
which becomes thick in from 10 to 20 minutes. pour the thickened
mixture into a wooden box that has been soaked in water and lined with clean cotton cloth wet in water and
wrung nearly dry. place in a protecting pan. cover with a board or cardboard, then with an old rug or blanket
to retain the heat while it is texturing out. Leave it alone for 24 hours.
to remove the soap from the mold, lift it by the ends of the overhanging cotton lining. cut into bars by wrapping
the soap with a fine wire and pulling the wire through. place so air can reach it, but avoid drafts and cold.
Aging improves soap. in 10 to 14 days it is ready for use.
Follow the temperatures in the table below closely