Reference

Hard Soap. (Washing.)

pp. 562-563 · The White House Cook Book
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Six pounds of washing soda and three of unslaked lime. Pour on four

gallons of boiling water, let it stand until perfectly clear, then

drain off, and put in six pounds of clean fat. Boil it until it begins

to harden, about two hours, stirring most of the time. While boiling,

thin it with two gallons of cold water, which you have previously

poured on the alkaline mixture, after draining off the four gallons.

This must be settled clear before it is drawn off. Add it when there

is danger of boiling over. Try the thickness by cooling a little on a

plate. Put in a handful of salt just before taking from the fire. Wet

a tub to prevent sticking; turn in the soap and let it stand until

solid. Cut into bars, put on a board and let it dry. This makes about

forty pounds of soap. It can be flavored just as you turn it out.

Original source page for Hard Soap. (Washing.)
pp. 562-563