Discovering Savon de Marseille: My Grandma's Natural Stain Removal Secret

Recently, I had the delightful opportunity to visit my family in France. While wandering through local supermarkets and garden centers, I kept encountering Savon de Marseille. I had never thought of using it for cleaning, but I'm always eager to learn about French methods, especially those endorsed by my late grandmother, whose home exuded freshness and cleanliness.

Curious, I asked my mother if she remembered my grandmother using Savon de Marseille during her childhood, to which she replied with fondness: 'Yes, I do.' My mother recalled how this soap was a fundamental part of my grandmother's laundry routine, performed by hand back then. She also used it to clean their beautiful tiled floors and other areas of their home with this traditional ingredient.

'To be honest, she was thrilled when the washing machine was invented,' my mother added. I think we can all agree on that sentiment. Naturally, my interest was piqued, and I wanted to learn how to incorporate it into my own cleaning habits.

The Magic of a Classic French Soap

It's widely known that natural ingredients can work wonders in cleaning, and Savon de Marseille is a prime example of how pure cleaning products can be remarkably effective. This iconic soap is not only excellent for laundry but is also beneficial for various other cleaning tasks around the house.

To gain insights, I reached out to Val's Services Cleaning and other cleaning professionals to see if they incorporated Savon de Marseille into their routines. 'When cleaning homes, we prefer products that not only perform well but also add a touch of elegance and tradition,' shared CEO Val Oliveira. 'Savon de Marseille stands out as a timeless and versatile solution that embodies those qualities.'

What Exactly is Savon de Marseille?

As the name suggests, Savon de Marseille originates from Marseille, France. To earn the authentic designation from the 'Union des Professionnels du Savon de Marseille,' it must contain at least 72 percent vegetable oil, as indicated on Marseille's tourism website.

This soap is crafted through a specific manufacturing process involving a cauldron, and it has gained international popularity. However, be cautious, as many brands might falsely claim to offer 'real' Savon de Marseille or products containing it, which may merely consist of a similar blend of ingredients.

According to La Maison du Savon de Marseille, an authentic manufacturer, the term 'Marseille Soap' lacks a protected designation. Therefore, protecting its name is crucial, as it has faced many counterfeits over the years.

This doesn't imply that these alternative products are ineffective. However, they do not represent the genuine 'Made in Provence' Savon de Marseille. The 72 percent vegetable oil content is essential for maintaining the soap's gentle and hypoallergenic properties. Products that aren't authentic lack the prestigious label associated with a rich history rooted in French and, more specifically, Provencal tradition.

It appears that this quintessential French soap could be an excellent natural addition to our cleaning toolkit.

Using Savon de Marseille for Laundry

Let's explore how my grandmother typically utilized it for laundry. If you've been impressed by the results of adding white vinegar to your laundry, Savon de Marseille could further enhance your laundry routine.

'Savon de Marseille is a versatile soap that serves various cleaning needs, from laundry to household tasks,' says Angela Rubin from Hellamaid, highlighting its natural effectiveness: 'It removes stains and odors without harsh chemicals,' Rubin adds.

Due to its gentle and hypoallergenic nature, Savon de Marseille makes an excellent natural laundry detergent for clothes, delicate fabrics, and other household items. For laundry, opt for Savon de Marseille flakes; I discovered a great option on Amazon from the French brand La Corvette. You can also find laundry-specific products.

'We purchase it in its pure format and create cleaning solutions in-house,' says Oliveira, sharing a general method:

'The ratio varies depending on the task, but a typical mix is about 1 part soap to 10 parts water. Adjustments are made based on the surface and material being cleaned.'

When buying from a reputable supplier, they will provide guidelines for product usage. Make sure to follow these recommendations, and as with any new product, it's wise to spot-check it in an inconspicuous area first.

Hellamaid is a well-regarded cleaning service in Canada featured in various international media outlets.

Removing Stubborn Stains

It's easy to assume that stained items are beyond saving, particularly when dealing with delicate fabrics or hard-to-remove stains, like oil on clothing.

Oliveira shared a story about using Savon de Marseille to revitalize a worn-out rug with stunning results: 'One of our dedicated technicians recently discovered the magic of Savon de Marseille. They worked on a vintage silk rug, a family heirloom that had seen better days.'

As we know, washing silk sheets or pillowcases is notoriously tricky. Stained silk often seems like a lost cause.

'The rug was stained and faded, almost destined for the attic. However, driven by curiosity and our commitment to eco-friendliness, we decided to try Savon de Marseille.

'The results were extraordinary,' Oliveira continues. 'The soap's natural ingredients and gentle touch not only lifted the stains but also revitalized the rug's vibrant colors, restoring its former glory. This remarkable transformation of a beloved heirloom showcases the soap's enduring appeal and cleaning prowess.'

When working with delicate silk, always test the soap on a small, inconspicuous section of the fabric first.

Additional Uses for Savon de Marseille

While I typically seek out Savon de Marseille in the beauty aisle and always try to bring some back to London for a friend, there are so many more uses than I had realized. Beyond naturally lifting stains and serving as a homemade laundry detergent, Savon de Marseille can assist with a variety of tasks:

• Cleaning an iron base: Just like vinegar can be used to clean an iron, you can lift yellow stains by rubbing a block of Savon de Marseille over the bottom of the warm (but switched off) plate, as recommended by Fer à Cheval. Finish by polishing it with newspaper.
• Protecting leather furniture: Fer à Cheval also suggests applying Savon de Marseille to a leather sofa for protection. Use a clean cloth and massage it into the fabric in circular motions.
• Using as dish soap: You can use a sponge or cloth to apply the soap from a block onto your dishes as usual. Some even make their own liquid by grating the soap and mixing it with water, vinegar, and baking soda. Chateau du Savon provides a straightforward recipe for this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can you find authentic Savon de Marseille?

It can be challenging to locate genuine Savon de Marseille in local stores, but if you do, ensure you check not only the product's origin. Even soap from Marseille isn't necessarily authentic Savon de Marseille, so always verify the 72 percent vegetable oil content, which is necessary for authenticity, alongside the registered logo from the 'Union des Professionnels du Savon de Marseille.'

Regardless of whether it's genuine Savon de Marseille or not, pay close attention to the ingredients list for any synthetic materials that may not belong; this will quickly indicate whether it is a more authentic product. Genuine soaps are typically white or green and made from palm, copra, peanut oil, or olive oil. Avoid any colorful soaps as they might contain dyes and therefore lack the gentleness you expect.

I found some suppliers on Amazon that offer reasonable international shipping times. La Corvette, one of the last historical soap factories in Marseille, has a wide selection of Savon de Marseille products on Amazon, including a lovely soap.

Savon de Marseille 'en copeaux' soap chips

Soap Stain Remover 300 G - Maison De Savon De Marseille

Soap 72% Olive Oil 600 g - Maison de Savon de Marseille

Alternatively, consider picking it up on your next trip to Marseille.

What are other ways to use Savon de Marseille?

In addition to its use for laundry and stain removal, Savon de Marseille can effectively tackle various household chores.

'Savon de Marseille can also clean surfaces throughout the home, including countertops, floors, and dishes,' adds Rubin.

This soap is as versatile as baking soda or vinegar when cleaning, remaining gentle on the environment, and in some respects, an even softer cleaning option. Oliveira notes that they consistently observe remarkable results when using Savon de Marseille, and they remain impressed by how it rejuvenated the vintage silk rug.

'Whether it's wiping surfaces, handwashing delicate fabrics, or revitalizing cherished heirlooms, Savon de Marseille has proven itself to be a dependable and eco-friendly ally in our quest for exceptional cleaning.'

What is tradition if not a symbol of trust? Often replicated, it is essential to find as authentic a Savon de Marseille product as possible to enjoy the same delightful benefits of generations gone by. Although I love to bring back a bar of soap or two whenever I go to France, Savon de Marseille will now have a permanent spot on my cleaning supply shelves. Thank you, Grandma.