Soap: The Original Stain Remover

Soap has been used to remove stains for centuries because of the way soap molecules interact with oils and grease. One end of the molecule binds to oil while the other binds to water, allowing dirt and residues to rinse away during washing.

Traditional vegetable oil soaps such as Savon de Marseille and Aleppo soap are particularly effective when applied directly to the stain before washing. Rubbing the soap into damp fabric allows it to penetrate the fibres and loosen grease, make-up, food stains and everyday grime before the garment even reaches the washing machine.

For most household stains — cooking oils, grass, sauces, cosmetics or collar marks — a simple soap treatment remains one of the most reliable solutions.

Sommières Clay: Drawing Out Oil and Grease

Terre de Sommières is a naturally absorbent clay discovered near the village of Sommières in southern France. For generations it has been used to remove grease and oil stains from fabrics, upholstery and delicate materials.

Unlike soap, which dissolves oils, Sommières clay works by absorbing them. The clay’s microscopic porous structure draws grease out of fibres and traps it within the powder. This makes it especially useful for stains that are difficult to wash away or for materials that cannot easily be cleaned with water.

It can even be used completely dry — simply sprinkle the clay over the stain, leave it to absorb the oil, then brush away.

Oxygen Cleaners: Lifting Organic Stains

Some stains respond best to oxygen-based cleaning. Products such as sodium percarbonate release active oxygen when dissolved in warm water, helping break down organic stains such as wine, tea, coffee, fruit, blood and grass.

This gentle oxidising action lifts stains without chlorine bleach, optical brighteners or harsh chemicals. It also helps brighten whites and remove lingering odours.

Used alongside traditional soap stain treatments, oxygen cleaners provide a powerful yet environmentally responsible way to tackle stubborn marks.

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