Q&A for How to Make Ash Soap

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  • Question
    How much fat is used for the 12oz of lye?
    Community Answer
    Different oils will need differing amounts of lye to saponify. For example, olive oil will need a very different amount than lard or tallow. Use an online saponification calculator to correctly calculate how much of each to use.
  • Question
    What kind of preservatives should I use?
    Community Answer
    Soap doesn’t need preservatives; it should be cured for 4 - 6 weeks, which helps the water evaporate and makes the bar harder.
  • Question
    What is responsible for the brown or tan color of the soap?
    Community Answer
    The amount of sugar in the batter causes heat. The more heat, the darker the color can be. The age of the soap is can also change the color.
  • Question
    Can I use grass ash like rosemary instead of hardwood ash?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can.
  • Question
    What are the negative aspects of ash soap?
    Community Answer
    Same as of other soaps (fatty acid salts). It's alkaline, so it may be irritant to sensitive skin. In hard water, it doesn't wash well and it turns into scum. Quality also depends on the ash; if the wood was chemically treated (anti-fungal agent, polish, etc.), it could contaminate the soap.
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