Some pieces deserve a slower wash. Whether it’s a favourite cotton top or a garment you prefer to care for by hand, a traditional Savon de Marseille soap cube can become part of a simple laundry routine.
The starting point is always the garment’s care label. Handwashing does not make every fabric suitable for ordinary soap, and wool, silk or specialist finishes may need a dedicated detergent.
Before you begin
Check that the garment can be washed in water and follow its recommended temperature. If it is marked dry-clean only, leave it to a professional.
For a first wash, keep colours separate and test an inconspicuous area for colourfastness. Empty pockets, fasten hooks and turn the garment inside out where appropriate.
What you’ll need
- A clean basin
- Water at the temperature stated on the care label
- A little grated Marseille soap or ready-made laundry soap flakes
- A clean towel
1. Prepare the soapy water
Grate a small amount of soap into a separate container and dissolve it thoroughly in warm water. Add this to your basin, making sure the final water temperature suits the garment before putting it in.
Start with less soap than you think you need. The aim is lightly soapy water, not a basin full of foam. Undissolved pieces can leave residue on fabric.
Our 600g Marseille Soap Cube Olive Oil 72% is one option to keep in the utility room for suitable handwashing jobs.
Prefer to skip the grating? Try soap flakes
Ready-made laundry soap flakes offer another way to prepare your handwash, without grating a cube. Choose Fer a Cheval Natural Laundry Soap Flakes or Fer a Cheval Olive Oil Laundry Soap Flakes.
Follow the pack’s handwashing directions and recommended quantity. Dissolve the flakes fully before adding your garment, and check that the water temperature and soap are suitable for its care instructions.
2. Wash gently
Lower the garment into the water and gently move it through the basin. Lightly squeeze the fabric to work the water through it, rather than scrubbing, stretching or twisting.
Pay attention to areas such as cuffs and collars, but avoid vigorous rubbing. Keep soaking brief unless the garment’s care instructions advise otherwise.
3. Treat marks with care
For a small mark on a robust, washable fabric, test a little soap on a hidden area first. If suitable, gently work a small amount into the dampened mark before washing.
Alternatively, choose our Savon Détachant Marseille Stain Remover Soap for a dedicated stain-removing option. Follow the product’s directions and the garment’s care label, and test on a hidden area first.
Avoid rubbing a cube directly onto delicate fabrics. Some stains need specialist treatment, and repeated scrubbing can damage fibres without removing the mark.
4. Rinse thoroughly
Empty the basin and refill it with clean water at a temperature suitable for the fabric. Gently move the garment through the water, then repeat with fresh water as needed until the soap has rinsed away.
If you notice residue once the garment is dry, rinse it again. Next time, use less soap.
5. Remove excess water without wringing
Lift the garment carefully, supporting its weight rather than letting it hang from one point. Gently press out water without twisting.
Where suitable, lay it on a clean towel, roll the towel around it and press lightly to absorb more moisture. Use a towel that will not transfer colour.
6. Reshape and dry as directed
Follow the care label for drying. Some garments should dry flat and be gently reshaped while damp; others can be hung.
Allow the garment to dry fully before putting it away.
Which size soap cube should you choose?
For this routine, choose the size that fits your space and how often you expect to use it. A 300g cube is a compact option, while a 600g cube gives you more soap to keep ready for household jobs.
Let the cube drain and dry between uses rather than leaving it sitting in water.
Explore our Traditional 72% Savon de Marseille collection →
A little care goes a long way
Successful handwashing is less about using plenty of soap and more about choosing a suitable method: follow the care label, wash gently, rinse thoroughly and take care when drying.
Start with an everyday washable garment and keep the routine simple.
