Marti’s Blog

THE WONDERS OF OLIVE OIL BLACK SOAP

“die ou mense het die beste geweet…” / “our forefathers knew best”

During my travels in France, I often come across this strangely coloured liquid soap with a strong petroleum-like smell. I was fascinated by the fact that something that is supposed to “wash clean” could be the colour of dirt…. black.

Then I discovered that my soap producer in Provence also makes “black soap”. In our ensuing discussions, I discovered the history and many uses of this wonderful product.

Black soap has been produced for over 110 years according to the traditional soapmaking method and has been used for generations in France. Today, it is the best biodegradable alternative to a general household cleaner, but there is so much more to it.

Black soap is used not only in the house, but also in the garden and on animals. I have a friend who washes her dog with black soap and has since completely done away with flee repellent.

So, if you want to use a natural, multi-purpose product that is eco-friendly, economical, and extremely effective at cleaning everything, everywhere – in the home and in the garden  – this is the product. Biodegradable and solvent-free with no added colourants, it is safe for the environment.

Black soap is available from our shop in Franschhoek and from our online shop: https://www.masquerade.co.za/shop/french-soap/olive-oil-black-soap/.

Where and how to use black soap:

In the house

– Cleans, disinfects, removes stains, nourishes and gives a shine to all types of flooring (including tiles, terracotta, ceramics, laminate, marble and wood), boats and windows. Just add 3 to 4 tablespoons to a bucket of water.

– Cuts through grease; removes burnt-on, hardened food deposits from cookers, hobs, braais, extractors and ovens; and effectively cleans worktops, sinks, leather surfaces and car exteriors. Apply a few drops to a sponge, cloth or brush, wipe the surface and then rinse off the soap with water.

 In the garden

– Controls greenfly, scale insects, red spider andmites on rosebushes, ornamental plants, fruit trees and vegetables. Prepare a mixture of 3 tablespoons black soap per litre of water and spray onto plants.

 For pets and animal

– Black soap serves as a gentle wash that not only adds shine to the coats of dogs, horses and other animals, but also has anti- parasitic qualities and prevents allergies and rashes such as those caused by eczema and dermatitis.

– In France, organic cattle and goat farmers use black soap daily to clean udders and teats before milking.

 For DIY and artwork

– Cleans and lengthens the lifespan of paintbrushes.

– Removes paint stains from fabrics.

Products featured in this article:

Olive Oil Black Soap