Assemble supplies and equipment before starting. Never use an aluminium pot to make soap. The basic ingredient of homemade soap is fat. Save drippings from all meat dishes, since any good animal fat may be used. The commonest fat sources are fats from meat cuttings, bacon grease and roast drippings.
Some fats are hard and others are soft.
The best soap is made from a combination of hard and soft fats. The following chart describes the classification of various fat sources. The most important step in soapmaking is preparing the fat. Grind fat with a food chopper, using the medium-fine blale. Place in a kettle large enough so the fat will not spatter on the stove as it heats.