1 can lye
3 qts. cold water
3/4 c. borax
4 1/2 lbs. melted fat or tallow

Dissolve the lye in the cold water. Use a long wooden spoon. (Don't breathe the lye fumes.) Add the borax, this whitens the soap and adds extra cleaning power. When dissolved, slowly add melted fat. Any fat will do, if clean. Stir slowly and constantly for 10-15 minutes. (If you want bar soap, just stir until well mixed.) Then stir off and on for next 24-36 hours. It will be white and grnular and easy to handle for all household uses.