Make Lye From Salt and Gelatin

8 Steps to Make Soap from Fat and Ashes (With Pictures)

Your great-grandparents knew a simple secret: mixing animal fat with wood ashes makes real soap. This old skill, more than 150 years in use, can still save you money today. Check the link in my bio if you want to learn over 100 practical, forgotten survival skills. Here’s a basic version of the recipe to help you get started. What you’ll need: Wood ash from hardwoods such as oak, maple, or hickory Rainwater or any soft water Animal fat like lard, tallow, or saved bacon grease A large pot and a w