So what are the alternatives? We do not have English supplied shops up here.
I have read on-line on how to make your own sort of a version, but even then I feel that getting all the ingredients would still be hard here in Spain.

With no replies yet, you must ask yourself does anyone know what sugar soap is???

Before you ask I do, I have some in my garage.

Fred, thanks for your reply.
I too was beginning to wonder.
I have a little too. And running a Casa Rural the walls get more then their fair share of wear and tear. Presentation of the rooms is essential to running one, so preparing walls before painting is important to me.
Maybe I will have to ask some friends to ring some across when they are here in the summer.

There are some sellers of it on eBay who offer shipping to Spain.

What is Sugar soap?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugar_soap

Try Ammonia or a cleaner that contains it, Iceland sell a UK product called Stardrops that contains ammonia & is quite good for cleaning paintwork.

I shouldn't think there's an Iceland in Galicia...aren't their stores only in the Brit populated costas? I've certainly never seen one anywhere near here...

Yep that is what I said in my question.
A lot of cleaning stuffs leaves some sort of residue and SS does not. I have a little left so hopefully I can eke it out until next Easter.
Having managed for so long on Spanish items and food I now see feel a real desire to use to something that you cannot find any alternative.


Thanks for all your answers it is appreciated.

Well you did ask for "an alternative" and you can buy it in most Feraterias (sic) It is widely used in industry for cleaning as does not leave a residue once rinsed.
We use it ourselves on paintwork prior to painting which is what I assumed you wanted an "alternative" for, as this is what sugar soap is usually used for in the UK.

My apologies for not fully reading your original question/ location and offering my opinion without bearing this in mind.

Found this:

http://shop.ebay.es/sugar%20soap

That seems to be just what he's after, not too expensive, and they ship to Spain for a reasonable rate.

Just use a mild detergent, the sugar soap is good as it is slightly abrasive but as long as you get the grime and any grease from peoples hands off then it should be fine, if washing leaves the surface a little shiny then use a very fine sandpaper lightly on the surface when dry (will give the new paint something to bite into). You should make sure you don't leave any of the detergent on the area 'or sugar soap if you used it' so wipe up with some clean water... just make sure to turn off any electrics if working around switches etc.

Thanks for the links on "ebuy" and to econ for the tips.
All appreciated