How to Make Lard Lye Soap
Soap-making techniques have gone basically unchanged for several hundred years. In the early days of soap, it was typically made out of any type of fat, which was mixed with lye made from wood ashes. Modern soap is made with more pure and clean ingredients, but the technique remains the same. Your options for soap molds and scents is virtually endless, so you can always keep it exciting.
Things You'll Need
- 6 oz. lye
- 11 oz. cold water
- 2 lbs., 12 oz. lard
- Large mixing bowl
- Large steel pot
- Soap molds
- Wooden spoon
- Rubber gloves
- Safety goggles
- Face mask
- Muslin
- Food thermometer
- Newspaper
Instructions
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1
Lay two layers of newspaper down on a table or countertop. Set the soap molds on top of the newspaper. The newspaper will soak up and spilled liquid, which in turn shortens your cleanup time.
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2
Put on the face mask, rubber gloves and safety goggles. Lye is a highly caustic substance and can burn or irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory system.
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3
Pour the cold water into the mixing bowl.
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4
Add the lye to the cold water. Pour the lye with a slow, constant stream. Stir the mixture constantly, but slowly with a wooden spoon.
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5
Stick the thermometer in the mixture and wait for the temperature to reach 85 degrees. The lye produces a chemical reaction that automatically heats up the water.
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6
Dump the lard into the pot. Melt it on the stove at medium heat. Once melted, let it cool down to 95 degrees.
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7
Pour the lye into the lard with a thin, steady stream. Stir the mixture constantly while you are pouring it. After they are completely mixed together, let the mixture cool down.
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8
Check the consistency every five minutes. Once it has a consistency of pudding, it is ready to pour in the molds.
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9
Pour the soap mixture into the molds. Fill each mold completely to the top. Let the soap sit in the molds for one week.
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10
Remove the soap from the molds and wrap them in muslin. Store them in a cool, dry place for an additional four weeks before using.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Add a couple drops of essential oils to add scent to the soap. Try carving the soap to add your own unique designs.
If lye gets on your skin, wash it off immediately. Flush your eyes with water if lye gets in them.
