Small Cabin

Small Cabin Forum
 - Forums - Register/Sign Up - Reply - Search - Statistics -

Small Cabin Forum / Useful Links and Resources / How to Make Soap from Ashes
Author Message
rockies
Member
# Posted: 17 Mar 2017 22:55
Reply 


I saw them do this one the BBC show Tudor Monastery Farm. Since most people on here have a wood stove you might like to make use of your fire ash.

http://www.motherearthnews.com/homesteading-and-livestock/how-to-make-soap-from-ashes -zmaz72jfzfre

MtnDon
Member
# Posted: 17 Mar 2017 23:34
Reply 


I have made bar soap for years. The best soap is made with precisely measured ingredients. The soap making process is a chemical reaction and if there is too much of one ingredient the soap is less than ideal. Using ashes it is difficult to know the strength of what you have; if your ashes produce a stronger lye than expected... well that is how lye soap got the bad reputation for being hard on your skin. Given a particular amount of the lye (I use commercially available sodium hydroxide) you the amount of fat or oil required varies with the type of fat or oil. Too little fat and the soap is harsh, too much fat and the soap is greasy and can go rancid easily.

I love the soap I make for it's gentleness, its lather and the fact I can leave out all the fragrance. I make soap about once a year on average and distribute some of it to my sisters. It's true I don't use wood ashes or old rendered fats so mine costs more.

I use a cold process; not really cold but no cooking and the oils and lye solution start out at about 95 F.

Your reply
Bold Style  Italic Style  Underlined Style  Thumbnail Image Link  Large Image Link  URL Link           :) ;) :-( :confused: More smilies...

» Username  » Password 
Only registered users can post here. Please enter your login/password details before posting a message, or register here first.