11 c. cold water
9 c. strained grease or fat
1 can Lewis Lye
Long stick for stirring (old mop handle)
1 very lg. container lye-proof material - a big stoneware crock jar is perfect, 20 gal. crock size

First: Spread several layers of newspaper over a large area of floor.

In stone crock, in center of newspapers, measure in 11 cups of water. Use any fat or grease, even rancid fat. Heat just enough to liquify. Strain out impurities and add 9 cups to water in crock. Stir in.

Now, CAREFULLY open lye and dump into crock. Stir vigorously until mixed in. BE CAREFUL: THIS IS VERY CAUSTIC. IF IT GETS ON YOUR SKIN WASH OFF IMMEDIATELY. Now keep stirring mixture constantly for about a half hour or until mixture starts to thicken, like thick soup. Leave in crock overnight.

Next day cut into bars and pry out of crock. Let dry for several days to harden. This soap works best in soft water. When the bars are very hard, the bars can be grated and used in the washing machine.