While researching life during colonial times, Carson learns that people would extract potassium hydroxide from wood
ashes and mix it with animal fat. What were the colonists doing?
generating hydrogen
making soap
producing salt
cleaning steel

The colonists were making soap through the process of saponification. By combining potassium hydroxide, which they obtained from wood ashes, with animal fat, they created a basic yet effective cleaning agent. This homemade soap not only served personal hygiene needs but also played a crucial role in laundry and hygiene practices in their everyday lives.

In addition to its domestic uses, soap-making was a valuable skill that showcased resourcefulness in colonial times. Colonists often had to manage limited supplies, so knowing how to turn common materials like wood ashes and fats into essential products was not only practical but a vital part of their self-sufficiency and economic survival.