Final answer:
Colonists used potassium hydroxide extracted from wood ashes and animal fat to make soap during colonial times.
Step-by-step explanation:
The colonists were making soap using potassium hydroxide extracted from wood ashes and mixed with animal fat. This mixture is known as a lye solution, which is used in the process of soapmaking. Potassium hydroxide reacts with the animal fat to form soap through a process called saponification.
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