Savon de Marseille has long been used not only for washing the body but also for cleaning textiles. Its simple composition and effective cleansing properties made it a reliable household soap for generations.
Before the widespread use of modern detergents, Marseille soap was commonly used for hand-washing clothing, removing stains and cleaning delicate fabrics.
A Natural Degreasing Soap
One of the reasons Marseille soap performs well for laundry is its ability to dissolve oils and grease.
The soap molecules created during saponification naturally bind to both water and oily substances. This allows the soap to lift dirt and grease from fabrics so they can be rinsed away with water.
This basic property of soap makes it effective for removing many common stains.
Gentle on Fabrics
Because Savon de Marseille is composed primarily of saponified vegetable oils, it does not rely on the aggressive chemical agents often found in modern laundry detergents.
Historically it has therefore been used for washing delicate materials such as:
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wool
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silk
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baby clothing
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linens
The absence of optical brighteners, bleaching agents and synthetic detergents makes the soap particularly suitable for gentle washing.
Solid Soap for Stain Removal
A traditional Marseille soap cube is also commonly used as a stain remover.
The soap can be rubbed directly onto damp fabric, allowing the soap to penetrate the fibres before rinsing or washing.
This method has long been used for treating stains such as grease marks, food stains and everyday household dirt.
Liquid Black Soap for Household Cleaning
Alongside solid Marseille soap, liquid savon noir (black soap) has historically been used for household cleaning and sometimes for laundry pre-treatment.
This soft soap, made from olive oil or linseed oil, produces a mild but effective cleaning solution suitable for many surfaces and fabrics.
A Practical Household Tradition
The use of Marseille soap for laundry reflects its original role as an everyday household product rather than a specialised cosmetic soap.
Its simple composition allows it to perform effectively across many cleaning tasks, which is why Marseille soap has remained a practical tool in homes throughout France and the Mediterranean.
Browse our Marseille Laundry collection here.