Blast from the past: Jim's cousin sent this out - this is the way they used to make soap -- I know Angie, you will get a kick out of it! We're still wondering why the kerosene.... Jim's Mom will turn 91 next Tues, to give you an idea of how old this recipe is.
Hey all you Draegers, today when we are all catching up on our laundry, take a look at this recipe I just found in one of mom's old recipe box. It's lengthy but I just had to share. You will all appreciate just dumping our cup of detergent into the washing machine
Here's all the steps Grandma Draeger did just to make laundry soap. Not sure tips & comments are grandma's or mom's
She also has on top of this recipe to
Make this outside or in a wood shed - you will see why
1. 3# Can ( empty coffee can) filled with old grease from Bacon or other meats
2. Melt grease slowly & strain. (Be very careful as grease burns easily & starts on fire & splatters)
3. Cool so you still pour it . Use cheese cloth - Make a bag by
sewing side & ends, drape over a large pan.
4. In a crock or enamel pan put 1/4 C Borak 2 T sugar 2 C H20 Stir using a wooden spoon or stick - not metal
5. "
Stand Back" & add 1 can Lye-
Dangerous! gently stir, try not breathe in fumes, it will become very hot & "steam"
6. When lye is dissolved- add 2 more cups of water gently- 1/4 C kerocene, 1/4 c ammonia
***
ALL INGREDIENTS CAN BURN & ARE POSIONEOUS- YOU CANNOT BE CAREFUL ENOUGH******
(SEE DR IF GETS IN EYE OR SHIN)
7. Fill bottom of kettle - when cool - add slowly the grease mixture & stir. leave stand- stir again. When it's like pudding, take enamel pans & line with an old cloth- pour mixture into pas 9x13 or any size square pan will do. Let stand until firm
8. On an old board- lay newspapers & wax paper- flip soap onto waxed paper- Peel cloth off & cut into bars
9. Leave soap Cure for 2 weeks before you use it. Then wrap in wax paper & store for using.