Basics of Making Soap, Part 2

Next you will need some type of alkali, either lye that you purchased for this purpose or create your own with wood ash. Collect the ash from your campfire or fireplace. Sift it to remove any pieces of charcoal or unburned wood, leaving a fine powder.

Wash the ash with water and then strain it (a tee shirt works great). Mix the ash/alkali water with the rendered fat in a pot over the fire until it reaches a boil. Lower the heat or move to the side of the fire and allow the liquid to simmer, stirring occasionally, until all of the water has evaporated.

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