SC -Lye from ashes

[Phyllis Spurr]

> From:          "marilyn traber" <mtraber at email.msn.com>
> Date:          Wed, 25 Feb 1998 22:58:41 -0500

> You derive the lye used in soapmaking from the wood ashes from your
> fireplace or wood stove.
> 
> According to the foxfire series, you make a trough from whatever wood is on
> hand, drill a hole in the bottom. Plug the hole in the bottom, fill it with
> ashes, top off with water and let stand for a little while.  Pull the plug
> out and drain the liquid out of the trough through coarse muslin to filter
> out the ashes. Let stand for a day or so to settle the remains of the ashes
> and use in the normal manner of soapmaking.[IE, eat the fat and lye in
> different containers to different temperatures, then add the lye to the fat
> in constant dribble while stirring. yipee, lots of fun, can smell terrible
> depending on what kind of fat you start out with.]
> margali

I've also made my own lye, in about the same manner.  However, an 
easier way to make lye water is to take a coffee can, punch holes in 
the bottom, fill with your ashes, place filled coffee can over a 
recepticle to catch lye water, pour water into the ashes and let 
drain.  Do this several times with fresh ashes each time.  I usually 
add a little table salt to strengthen the lye water and strain 
through a cloth to remove ash debris.
 
I try to always use beef tallow for soap making, just my preference.  
I don't normally heat my lye prior to adding to the fat.


Phyllis L. Spurr 
Texas Department of Health, Public Health Region 2/3, Tuberculosis Elimination Division
e-mail:  Phyllis.Spurr at tdh.state.tx.us
phone:  (817) 264-4384
fax:    (817) 264-4385
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