Savon de Marseille - A Humble Cube with So Many Uses!

Discover a gem that’s been here all along.

Savon de Marseille - France’s Favourite Soap!

Famous the world over for it’s purity and quality and instantly recognisable by its unique shape and colour, there is much to love about Savon de Marseille. These incredible cubes are gentle, pure and naturally anti-bacterial and have been the workhorses of French kitchens, laundry rooms and greenhouses for centuries.

A perfect skincare product, they are a wonderful French alternative to petroleum and chemical based products and are well-suited to anyone with skin allergies. Savon de Marseille is economical to use, it's hypoallergenic (no dye or fragrance), biodegradable, naturally antibiotic and recommended by dermatologists to combat skin dryness.

Using only natural organic ingredients sourced in Provence, these amazing cubes are composed solely of vegetable oils, (ideally locally pressed olive oil at 72%), natural ash from marine plants grown exclusively in the Camargue region, salt and water. They are made only in Marseille, using a strictly controlled traditional process which has remained unchanged for over 600 years, and can be used in a variety of ways in and around the home.

Whole, grated, shredded or blended, Savon de Marseille can be used as a natural and eco-friendly dish washing solution, a household cleaner, a pest control solution, a laundry detergent as well as for washing silk and other delicate fabrics, a powerful stain remover, a beauty and skincare product, as a shower gel, as a shampoo and even a toothpaste. It’s a must-have product for everyday life, it has a great number of benefits, plus it lasts twice as long as ordinary soaps!

Now, onto some secret household tips for using Savon de Marseille… but sssh! Don't tell everyone!

FOR HOUSEHOLD CLEANING.

1. As a Green (Biodegradable) Dishwashing Solution.

Savon de Marseille is a true zero waste, chemical free natural product and a fabulous choice for dishwashing. It effectively cuts through grease, but is gentle on delicate surfaces. It’s sudsy, non-toxic, hypoallergenic, easy to use and gentle on the skin.

Simply wet a natural hand brush or eco dishwashing pad and rub in a circular motion on top of the block to load. From pots and pans to fine crystal, it truly is all you need for smear free, squeaky clean dishes. Leave the brush on top of the block of soap next to your kitchen sink and you're always ready to go! No plastic bottles, no waste, no fuss, it cleans like a dream and leaves your hands soft too!

You can even make your own dishwashing liquid. Simply pour 30cl of very hot water onto 180g of grated Savon de Marseille and mix together until perfectly fluid, then leave to cool. Add 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar. The mixture will become frothy - it’s a normal reaction. If you want fragrance, add one or two drops of mint, lemon or your favourite essential oil. Shake well before each use.

2. As a Household Cleaner for Kitchens, Bathrooms, Worktops, Carpets and Floors.

Savon de Marseille is tough on stains and gentle on the environment. It can be used at home to clean your kitchen, baths, sinks, worktops or almost any other surface in your home and you can even use it to clean rugs and tiled and stone floors.

For work surfaces, kitchens, bathrooms and electrical appliances such as cookers, fridges and kettles, simply rub Savon de Marseille directly onto a damp cloth or sponge, clean the surface you want to treat then rinse well. Wipe off with a soft cloth if necessary.

To clean a carpet or rug deep down, mix two to three tablespoons of grated Savon de Marseille with some warm water then dip a stiff brush into the mixture and scrub the carpet with it. Lift up the carpet and leave it to dry.

Savon de Marseille is also ideal for cleaning or degreasing wall or floor tiles. To clean stone, use a brush soaked in water with Savon de Marseille. This technique can be use for anything from marble, granite, terra-cotta, travertine, or even slate.

For cleaning floors, mix 40g of grated Savon de Marseille with 2 litres of hot water. Dip in your floor-cloth and clean as usual.

3. For Cleaning Leather Sofas.

Leather sofas don’t often look dirty but you’d be surprised at how much grime you can actually remove from them. To clean a leather sofa, mix a tablespoon of Savon de Marseille in half a litre of water. Using a dampened lint-free cloth, gently rub the surface to clean. The shine on the leather will be restored.

4. As a Dog Shampoo.

Many dogs with glorious coats are living proof of the benefits of Savon de Marseille. You can use it to wash your best friend’s coat without irritating, even from puppyhood! It’s natural, soft and moisturising and cleans really well.

As with other dog shampoos, always make sure to rinse well afterwards, especially in and around the paws, where soap could remain. Savon de Marseille will definitely give a spectacular shine and lustre to your dogs coat!

5. To Revive Leather Handbags.

To restore a leather handbag or purse, clean it carefully with soapy water made by dissolving a tablespoon of Savon de Marseille in half a litre of water containing a few drops of ammonia, then leave to dry. To finish off, rub with a soft cloth moistened with lemon juice. You can also do this on leather jackets and other leather garments.

6. As a Jewellery Cleaner.

To clean your gold or silver jewellery, dissolve 35g of grated Savon de Marseille in a bowl of hot water, then soak it for about ten to fifteen minutes. Remove and scrub with a soft toothbrush and then rinse with clean water. Leave to dry on paper towel and shine-on! Oxidized jewellery comes out looking literally like new!

To clean plastic, glass or bronze trinkets, dip them in a bowl of warm water containing a few tablespoonfuls of grated Savon de Marseille. Brush lightly with a soft toothbrush and dry with a soft cloth.

7. As an Iron Cleaner.

To clean a clogged iron sole plate, wipe some Savon de Marseille on a still warm iron, then iron on a clean cloth. This should help unclog and extend the life of your iron.

8. As a Brush Cleaner.

Wondering what the dimples are for? Ask an artist! For centuries, artists have kept their paint brushes soft and supple by cleaning them thoroughly at the end of each day by rubbing them on a block of Savon de Marseille.

But Savon de Marseille is not just for artists! You can also clean your make-up brushes with it too. Savon de Marseille foams lightly, effortlessly removing traces of makeup and it doesn't damage or dry out the brush hairs or strip them of their natural oils. It’s also extremely hygienic as Savon de Marseille is naturally antibiotic, so it’s a perfect replacement for chemical based products that can sometimes cause irritation to sensitive skin.

FOR LAUNDRY.

9. As a Natural Laundry Detergent.

Savon de Marseille contains no colouring or synthetic adjuvant, making it ideal for sensitive skins and delicate clothes. As a natural laundry detergent, it can be used to clean almost anything from new clothing to your finest cashmere sweater or even to hand wash delicate lingerie pieces.

You can make your own laundry wash with Savon de Marseille. It’s a hypoallergenic, colouring-free, fragrance-free washing liquid with no additives and couldn’t be more economical or ecological. You can use your laundry liquid on any fabrics but it’s especially good for delicates.

Simply dissolve 35g of grated Savon de Marseille in a large pan containing 1 litre of boiling water, stir with a wooden spoon and heat gently until the soap has completely dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool and then add 1 tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda (optional) and 10 drops of essential oil (optional). Pour into an empty bottle or a sealed washing liquid container.

Don’t worry if it sets in the bottle when it cools down. Just shake well before each use until the liquid is smooth again. To use, pour 20cl of the liquid into the detergent compartment of your washing machine or into the diffuser in the tub with your linen.

10. For Washing Delicate Fabrics.

Guaranteed colouring free, fragrance free and additive-free, Savon de Marseille is hypoallergenic and gentle on even the most sensitive skin so it’s ideal for babies or anyone with skin allergies. Recommended for an efficient gentle wash, whatever the fabric, it’s perfect for all delicates including baby clothes, silk, woollens and lingerie.

For a hand wash, dissolve 25 grams of grated Savon de Marseille in 5 litres of hot water. Leave to soak then wash and rinse thoroughly. Use cold water for woollens.

11. As a Powerful Stain Remover.

Savon de Marseille can also tackle a variety of stubborn stains. Amongst others, it’s really effective on shirt collars and can be used on a variety of stains including red wine or beer, butter, coffee, chocolate, food, gravy stains, lipstick, make-up or even blood.

To remove a stain from a piece of clothing, moisten the stain with cold water and rub the affected area with the barely damp Savon de Marseille and leave it to form a dry crust. Make sure not to use hot water because it will “fix” the stain into the fibres of the garment. Leave for a few hours and then wash as normal.

AROUND THE HOME AND GARDEN.

The rich olive oil composition of Savon de Marseille makes it a great skincare product especially for babies and people with even the most sensitive or allergic skin. With no colouring, no added fragrance and no petroleum by-products, it’s a gentle, natural alternative to other modern products which can be irritating and less suitable for fragile skins. The unique manufacturing process is a guarantee of "Extra Pure" soap that is entirely free of impurities.

Did you know?

Thanks to its nourishing olive oil content, Savon de Marseille soap helps reduce the signs of dry skin and irritation. What’s more, it improves skin condition for people who tend to be sensitive to skin problems.

Savon de Marseille can be used as a shower gel, its gentle formula soothes irritations and allergies, and can help in many cases of acne, eczema or psoriasis. It can also be used as a shampoo, a make-up remover, as a shaving soap or even as toothpaste!

12. As a Beauty Product for the Face and Body.

A “must have” for the complexion, Savon de Marseille is made with olive oil and contains no colouring, no fragrance, no parabens and no palm oil. It’s a perfect gentle and natural alternative to other modern-day products and irritating cleansers that are much harsher on fragile skin. With Savon de Marseille, your skin will be soft and well-cared for.

Recommended by French dermatologists and more economical than shower gel, Savon de Marseille cleanses and gently removes impurities. Ideal for daily face cleansing, it naturally purifies the skin from the very first time you use it. Rich in vegetable oils, it’s good for all types of complexion, even the most sensitive, and it prevents drying. It’s also highly recommended for washing your hands throughout the day.

13. As a Make-up Remover.

Entirely natural, Savon de Marseille is made with olive oil and makes a gentle make-up remover that won’t irritate your skin. It can easily replace your micellar solutions and other make-up removal and moisturising oils and take good care of your skin. At the end of the day, moisten your face with warm water and rub your skin with Savon de Marseille. Lather with your hands or a natural sponge. Rinse thoroughly. N.B. Don’t use Savon de Marseille as an eye make-up remover, it will sting your eyes! If the soap comes into contact with the eyes, rinse thoroughly with clean water.

14. As a Shampoo.

Olive Savon de Marseille is an excellent shampoo for a non-aggressive, deep down hair wash, especially for greasy hair but it also works for dry hair. Just wet your hair with warm water then rub with Savon de Marseille to make a lather. Wash your hair then carefully rinse out all the lather. Dry as usual.

15. As a Natural Toothpaste.

Using real Savon de Marseille made with olive oil as toothpaste helps keep gums healthy, leaves teeth clean and white and is simple, economical and environmentally friendly. Rub your wet toothbrush on a piece of olive Savon de Marseille and brush your teeth as normal. There will be lots of lather! Rinse your mouth with clean water.

16. As a Shaving Soap.

Savon de Marseille soap means a beautiful, baby bottom shave each day. It lathers easily and well, does not dry out on the face and with its high olive oil content it makes an exceptional lubricant. It has an excellent cosmetic protective effect on the skin that feels soft, smooth and nice the whole day long. Savon de Marseille is one of the least expensive soaps available and is also extremely long lasting. Just lather with a shaving brush then apply to the skin before shaving.

17. As a Natural Insect Repellent in Your Wardrobe.

The traditional moth balls we’ve all known since childhood have a tell-tale acrid smell because they contain either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. Both chemicals work by sublimation, which means that they give off toxic fumes. They have been banned in the EU since 2008. Modern moth balls use pyrethroids such as Transfluthrin, which is not too pleasant either. Inhalation or skin contact with Transfluthrin is known to cause nervousness, anxiety, convulsions and even skin allergies amongst other symptoms.

For a harmless and natural alternative, simply hang a slice or ‘tranche’ of Savon de Marseille on a rope in your wardrobe to repel moths, insects and larvae that can damage your favourite garments or woollens. It really works!

18. As a Pest Control Solution.

Biodegradable Savon de Marseille is an excellent natural insect-killer and is effective at keeping aphids and insects off your plants. When diluted with water, it can be used as an insecticide on plants and soils. The beauty of Savon de Marseille is that you can also treat edible plants, such as fruit trees, salads and vegetables. Once rinsed, the fruit is edible even after treatment with Savon de Marseille. In a spray bottle, pour hot water over 2 tablespoons of grated Savon de Marseille and mix well. Spray on the affected plants, repeating for 3 days.

Savon de Marseille can also be used as an effective mole control solution in your garden. You can make your own all-natural mole repellent by mixing 2 tablespoons of grated Savon de Marseille with 6floz of castor oil in a jar. Place the lid on the jar and shake well until the ingredients are combined. Pour several tablespoons of the mixture into a gallon of tap water and pour the solution into and around obvious mole holes. Moles hate the slick, oily substance and will generally relocate within a day or two. Reapply the solution after rain, when new mole holes appear, or every week or so, as needed.

The mixture won’t hurt the moles but it will upset their digestive tract and cause a stomach upset. If it gets on their skin, it will make them itch.

The repellent won’t cause permanent damage but it will make the moles re-route their tunnels elsewhere.

HEALTH & HYGIENE USES.

Savon de Marseille can be used as an antiseptic cleaner for treating minor cuts and grazes, to relieve itching caused by skin irritation, insect bites or skin problems and it’s also great for treating minor burns and even sunburn.

19. Cleaning Minor Cuts and Grazes.

A natural antiseptic that is famous for its disinfecting properties, Savon de Marseille is an essential item for your first aid kit. For minor cuts and grazes, swab the affected area with a damp piece of Savon de Marseille and then rinse in clean water.

20. Relieving Itching.

The high pH in Savon de Marseille gives it antiseptic properties that soothe irritations and allergies. If your skin is irritated or if it feels itchy because of acne, eczema, psoriasis or insect bites, you can use Savon de Marseille. Gently rub the itchy areas each day with a cube of olive Savon de Marseille soap.

21. Soothing Burns.

Savon de Marseille can perform miracles when it comes to soothing light burns or even sunburn. To soothe a light burn or mild sunburn, apply the soap while simultaneously pouring cold water onto the affected area.

So you see… Savon de Marseille truly is a miracle soap! How many other soaps have survived over six centuries on the market?