Used to clean sofas, carpets or oil stains, Sommières soil is a must for ecological cleaning. But is it safe? What is its average price and where can you easily buy it? Here’s everything you need to know.
The history of the land of Sommières begins in the 19th century, a few kilometers from Montpellier. It is in the eponymous village that this ultra-fine clay was born, acclaimed for more than 150 years for its exceptional stain removal properties. Although it was originally designed in France, this is no longer always the case since it is also imported from Turkey, Morocco (where it is notably called Fez soap) and even Eastern countries. The clay is available in several colors: white, purple, green or even brown. It should not be confused with diatomaceous earth.
This is also used for the hygiene of our cat friends since their litter is in fact partly designed with this product. Please note that to preserve your Sommières soil for as long as possible, it is better to avoid leaving it lying around in a damp corner. Discover some tips to know for maintaining your home with clay without spending a lot on household products.
What are the properties of Sommières soil?
The land of Sommières has above all absorbent capacities and will be effective against both humidity and grease. It therefore allows detach but also deodorize a large part of the house, all in a natural way. It is a multi-use powder that you can use alone or in addition to another product. For example, there are soaps enriched with Sommières soil for better stain removal action.
Removing grease or oil stains
To maintain furniture or upholstery that has had the misfortune of being stained by oil or butter, nothing is simpler than using clay. Sprinkle a little Sommières earth on the stains and leave to act for 1 to 2 hours on average. If the stain is set in, let the product sit a little longer before vacuuming it up with a vacuum cleaner. This tip also works for makeup and paint marks.
How to clean a sofa with Sommières soil?
To remove stains from a leather or fabric sofa or simply to give it a little shine, simply sprinkle the furniture with Sommières earth. It will then be necessary leave to act for at least two hours before using a soft brush and then vacuuming to remove the powder from the sofa. The stains should disappear and your sofa will also be deodorized.
How to use Sommières soil to clean a carpet?
When soda has been spilled on a carpet, the reflex should be to get clay right away for optimal results. The process is the same every time. Just leave a little powder on the area that needs a little refreshment and vacuum it up once it has worked on the area concerned. Stains from wine, sugary drinks and even urine from our pets can be cleaned using this simple method.
Cleaning a mattress
In the same way as for cleaning the sofa, to remove stains and marks on a mattress, Sommières soil has proven itself! Sprinkle the surface with powder and leave to act for a few hours. You can brush out more stubborn stains using a soft brush. Finally, vacuum the surface to remove the powder.
Revive damaged laundry
Giving a new appearance to slightly worn household linen is possible thanks to clay. To remove stains from textiles, a little clay will do the trick. This technique can also be carried out with the addition of Marseille soap and a little hot water. Once the clay powder has had its effect for 1 to 2 hours, or more if necessary, all you have to do is put the textiles in the machine and that’s it! Its effectiveness is notably due to its very effective absorbent power.
Polish marble and granite
Maintaining your marble or granite surfaces and worktops should no longer hold any secrets for you thanks to Sommières earth, which is a formidable dry cleaner. Take the clay powder out of your cupboard and sprinkle it everywhere for a guaranteed effect. Marseille soap and black soap are also products that work well for cleaning marble.
A parquet floor like new
When grease stains become embedded in the parquet, it becomes difficult to remove them, even with cleaning wipes specially designed for wood maintenance. Sommières earth is the solution when it remains placed for 2 to 3 hours, or even overnight, on a wooden floor. Don’t forget to vacuum up any powder residue once the exposure time has expired.
Does the land of Sommières represent a danger?
Natural and safe for humans and animals, Sommières soil has a strong stain removing, absorbing and even deodorizing power. Who says natural also says healthy for the environment, a significant advantage at a time when all or almost all chemical products are harmful to the planet.
What is the difference between Sommières earth and diatomaceous earth?
If the soil of Sommières has very absorbent capacities and can retain 80% of its weight in waterdiatomaceous earth is even more effective and can absorb up to 150% of its weight. The first consists ofpulverized clay while diatomaceous earth is composed offossilized microscopic algae which make it an excellent natural insecticide. Sommières earth will therefore be more useful in the house while diatomaceous earth will be a real asset in the garden. Diatomaceous earth can also be used as a natural insecticide.
What is the price of Sommières land?
Obtain a 500 g bag of Sommières soil costs on average 4.50 euros. There are cheaper and higher ones, depending on the brand and purity of the product.
Where to buy Sommières soil?
To stock up on clay, simply go to the large areas such as Leclerc or Monoprix, organic stores or the DIY stores like Leroy Merlin. We also find clay within the supermarkets.
