Re: mms_soap Lye, and question about beef fat

If you're making soap only for your personal use, yes, 4 pounds of
lye will last for quite a while, (about 60-70 bars of soap, assuming
4 oz bars),with the qualification that you keep the lye stored well,
ie, keep the lye dry.

After opening the first can, make sure to remove the lye required for
your batch and seal the container immediately. Store the containers
in a cool, dry location.

Lye is hydroscopic, meaning that it readily absorbs water. It MUST be
carefully stored to maintain is effectiveness within soap recipes.

I have no experience using animal fat for soap making, but
traditional soap making used animal fat and potash (Potassium
Hydroxide), so it should be possible to use it.


best of luck,

Andrew

At 11:26 AM 5/1/2008, you wrote:
>I am gathering supplies to make soap...for the first time. This is my first
>post. I was told about Roebic, and purchased 2-2# containers from Lowes.
>Since I am new at this, I assume it will last me a real long while. I have
>to wait till the chicks are in their chicken tractor and the garden is all
>planted before my first batch.
>I do have a question. Tallow or beef fat, this works right? And how much
>would you mix with other fats, and what kinds for soap? Or could I use all
>beef fat?
>Thanks,
>Bette