Terre De Sommières - Natural Dry Stain Remover Clay, 400g

Terre de Sommières comes in the form of a powdered clay, often ochre in color (though it can vary from white to violet, including pale brown and green shades). It is an ultra-fine smectite clay capable of absorbing up to 80% of its weight in water.

This clay is a remarkable dry stain remover that leaves no halo and effectively removes greasy stains (oil, butter, diesel, makeup, etc.) from delicate surfaces such as textiles (even silk), upholstery fabrics, carpets, leather, marble, granite, linoleum, wood, parquet, and more.

It also absorbs and neutralizes many other types of stains, including urine on cushions or wine on tablecloths, making it one of the most versatile and ecological cleaning powders available.

A Bit of History

Terre de Sommières was discovered in the early 19th century near the village of Sommières, close to Montpellier in southern France.
This small artisanal extraction site has always had limited production (a few hundred tons per year), with a primarily French market.

Its first known use was for degreasing wool (washing wool fibers) in textile workshops and laundries.

Today, it is still extracted from quarries in the Mediterranean region, particularly in Morocco, under the name Savon de Fès (“Soap of Fez”).

Did You Know?

You can reactivate the absorbent power of Terre de Sommières by gently heating it (traditionally done in an oven at around 60°C for 15 minutes).
If the powder has been stored for over two years, or exposed to humidity, this helps restore its full absorbent capacity.

Standard Method for Removing Grease Stains:

Generously sprinkle Terre de Sommières over the surface without rubbing.
Leave to sit for several hours (2–3 hours minimum, or longer for older stains).
Then rub or gently dab, remove excess powder, and vacuum.
Once the powder is removed, the stain should have disappeared.

When and Where to Use It:

Grease stains on clothing, fabrics, leather
For textiles or leather items difficult to wash (jackets, duvets, cushions, sofas, carpets, etc.):

1. Sprinkle Terre de Sommières over the stain.
2. Leave to act for several hours.
3. Brush off or vacuum.
If needed, repeat.

Oil stains on wooden floors or parquet
Sprinkle clay on the stain, leave for 2–3 hours (longer if old), then vacuum or brush.
If needed, reapply.

Wine or sugary drink stains
Sprinkle Terre de Sommières on the fresh stain and let it act for 2–3 hours.
Vacuum up the powder once the stain is absorbed.

Urine stains on cushions, rugs, sofas
Sprinkle generously on the affected area and leave overnight.
Vacuum the next day.
Effective for pet stains and household accidents.

Grease stains on furniture leather
Dab with a cloth, sprinkle clay, and let it sit overnight.
Vacuum or wipe, then reapply leather wax to protect.

Wax stains (candles)
Gently scrape off hardened wax with a wooden spatula or blade.
Place absorbent paper over the area and heat gently with an iron to absorb as much wax as possible.
Then sprinkle Terre de Sommières, leave overnight, and vacuum.

Oil or grease on marble or granite
Sprinkle generously, leave for several hours, and vacuum.
If the stain persists, mix clay with alcohol to form a paste, spread it, leave to dry, and then remove.

Paint stains
Apply directly onto the stain (still wet or fresh) and let sit overnight.
Vacuum and, if needed, repeat using a bit of solvent.

For mechanics and DIY workers
Rub Terre de Sommières directly on greasy hands (especially after mechanical work).
Rinse with water - it removes oil and grime naturally.

Make Your Own Stain-Removing Soap

Traditionally, Terre de Sommières was used to boost the cleaning power of soaps.
Add about 10% of Terre de Sommières during the liquid soap-making phase.
This enhances its degreasing and stain-removing capacity.

General Notes

Allow Terre de Sommières to sit as long as possible for maximum absorption.

The clay can be reused if kept dry.

Avoid using water directly on fresh grease stains - apply Terre de Sommières first to absorb the oil before cleaning.

Keep the product dry for the best performance.

Inert clay with no treatment or refinement

Produced and packaged in Western Europe (cardboard tube or kraft paper sachet)

Safe for humans and the environment

Exceptionally low carbon footprint:

40 g CO₂ / 100 g for kraft paper sachet (400 g)

57 g CO₂ / 100 g for cardboard tube (400 g)

Key Technical Characteristics:

100% natural smectite clay, untreated and unrefined
Absorbs up to 80% of its weight in water
Non-flammable
Natural pH around 8.5

Store in a dry place, away from humidity.

Keep out of reach of children.
Always test on an inconspicuous area before full use.

400g