Why Are Wood Ashes Needed For Soap?
Wood ashes contain potassium hydroxide, also known as lye, which is a necessary ingredient in making a basic soap. When wood ashes are mixed with water, potassium hydroxide is created through a process called leaching. This potassium hydroxide is then mixed with animal fat or vegetable oil to produce soap. Therefore, wood ashes are needed for soap making as they provide the necessary ingredient for saponification.