Expert: Terry Knorr - 4/3/2006

Question
Hi Terry,
I've done a little soapmaking (cold process) just for my own family so I know a bit about that process but I've been asked by a local museum to try to do a demonstration of making soap like the pioneers would have.That would have been a hot process i imagine and I am having trouble finding info on how to make soap in an historically accurate way.I'm not really worried too much about making high quality soap just being able to show the steps.Would you have any info about that or could you guide me where to look?Also I'm having trouble locating lye no one in the area stocks it anymore.Do you know any mail order sources for lye?


Answer
Hi Jo!

I also use the cold process, but have looked into hot process soap making.  It is basically the same process until you mix the lye-water with the fats/oils.  Once these are mixed, you continue to heat the mixture until it reaches a temperature above 212 degrees F.  The idea is that the mixture cannot reach a temperature above 212 until all the water is gone, and when all the water is gone, all that is left is a very hot soap mixture.  The mixture can then be put into a mold to cool.

You can do a search for hot process soapmaking on the internet and find more information.  Also, if you enjoy reading old time recipies, you might check out a series of books called "Foxfire".  These books were written by high school students in GA after interviewing old mountain people.  

The best place I've found for lye, so far, is Rainbow Meadow.  I believe their website is www.rainbowmeadow.com
I hope this helps.

Have a great day!
Terry