Murphy’s Oil Soap is known as a wood floor cleaner, but it is much more useful than that! Check out this list of ideas and hacks on uses for Murphy’s Oil Soap that will blow your mind.
If you don’t currently use Murphy’s Oil Soap, it’s probably one of those staple cleaners that you at least saw around your parents’ or grandparents’ house.
It’s been around in some form or another for more than 100 years, so its effectiveness is unquestionable. It’s most commonly known as a wood floor cleaner, but this natural oil soap can do so much more than clean wood floors.
Fun Fact: There’s no actual oil in Murphy’s Oil Soap. Yup, it’s true! Pine oil is used in raw form, but once all the ingredients are turned into soap, there’s no oil remaining in the product – just in case you were worried about “cleaning” with an oil!
Now, let’s get to it. Here are 20 Murphy’s Oil Soap uses you may not have heard of before today. Prepare to be amazed!
Murphy’s Oil Soap Cleaning Uses Your Grandma Never Taught You
Are you intrigued by how to use Murphy’s Oil Soap for more than just cleaning wood floors? I don’t blame you because I really had no idea that it could be used for such a wide variety of uses!
Check out these 20 surprising Murphy’s Oil Soap Uses!
1. Rejuvenate and Clean Art Paint Brushes
Do you have a dried paintbrush that’s now petrified because you let the paint dry on the bristles? Soaking it in Murphy Oil Soap for 24-48 hours with dissolve the paint and soften the bristles so that it’s like new again. This tip works excellently to clean out acrylic paint out of your favorite art brush!Â
2. Quickly Wash House Paint Brushes
If you’re remodeling and doing lots of painting, you may want to take a page out of this clever woman’s book. She keeps Murphy Oil Soap in a soap dispenser by the sink to wash her brushes out quickly after each use. She claims this tip is for Lazy Girls, but I bet anyone could find it useful!
3. Make Your Sink Sparkle
Shine your sink and protect it against spots with Murphy Oil Soap. This process is so simple you might think you’re missing a step! The key is in buffing and drying after application. You’ll be surprised with just how shiny your sink can be!
4. Clean Wooden Cabinets
The author of this clever article tested 4 common household cleaners on her kitchen cabinets, and Murphy’s Oil Soap won as the best cleaner for the job! Do be careful if you have painted cabinets! You’ll want to make sure you take the time to dilute the concentrated soap so it doesn’t affect your paint.
5. Clean Jewelry
This clever gal uses Murphy’s Oil Soap to clean her gold and diamond jewelry, and even trusts it with her wedding ring! There are no complicated ingredients in this jewelry cleaning hack. Just soap, hot water, and a child’s toothbrush. When was the last time you cleaned your jewelry? Time to get everything sparkly and shiny!
6. White Oil Recipe
Who knew you could create an organic insecticide with Murphy’s Oil Soap? This recipe uses ingredients you have around your home to create a “white oil”, which is an insecticide that works especially well on small insects like aphids and mites.
7. Leather Conditioner
Did you know you can use it to clean leather? It doesn’t stain leather fabrics the way some other soaps do. And just like with many of the other hacks on this list, it takes very little Murphy’s Oil Soap to do it! Just a few drops will go a long way. Not only can you use this on your favorite leather jacket, but your leather furniture as well! Make sure you dry the leather with a towel after cleaning to prevent the material from soaking up too much water.Â
8. DIY Swiffer WetJet Refill Recipe
This author prefers the term “frugal” to “cheapskate”. No matter what word you use, this is a hack that is sure to save you loads of money! Using just a couple of tablespoons of Murphy’s Oil Soap and a little elbow grease, you can refill those expensive Swiffer Wet Jet solution bottles with a homemade soap that is much friendlier to your wallet!
9. Sticky Wooden Banister Cleaner
Does anyone like humidity? I know the banisters and stair rails in your house certainly don’t like it! When the weather gets humid, use a bit of Murphy’s Oil Soap and a scrubber to clean them up and get them feeling smooth again!
10. Non-Toxic Homemade Cleaning Wipes
If you’re looking for greener cleaning solutions, you can’t go wrong with homemade cleaning wipes. You can use either Murphy’s Oil Soap or Castille Soap in this recipe that helps save money, avoid harmful chemicals, and works like a charm.
11. Freshen Up Woodwork
Another cleaning solution to get the wood surfaces in your home smooth and clean! Mixing Murphy’s Oil Soap with paint thinner will help remove grime that has bonded with the clear finish on your wood. Be careful with this cleaning solution! It may remove the top layer of the finish. Be sure to test in an inconspicuous location first on painted surfaces.
12. Clothing Stain Remover
Who knew that Murphy’s Oil Soap could be used as a stain remover for your clothes? I sure didn’t, but it really works at lifting those stains away without bleach. To be most effective, apply the undiluted soap directly to the stain, and simply throw in the wash! It can’t get easier than that.
13. Homemade Soft Scrub
After all this cleaning you’re probably going to need to take some time for some well earned self-care. Why not DIY a soft scrub with our favorite soap? This recipe only calls for 3 ingredients you probably already have around your house.
14. Dry Erase Board Cleaner
Accidentally use a permanent marker on your dry erase board? Or perhaps your dry erase markers just don’t erase like they’re supposed to? Try a combination of Murphy’s and a magic eraser to clean your dry erase board! No need to throw your whiteboard out when someone “accidentally” uses the wrong marker!
15. DIY Febreeze
Soap, essential oils, and warm water are all you need to create a great-smelling all-purpose cleaner that smells even better than Febreeze. This version is also far better for your health and the environment! Now that is what I call a win-win situation.
16. Cleaning Stencils
If you’re the crafty type and use stencils in your projects frequently, Murphy Oil Soap will clean the paint off stencils in a pinch. All you need is some is the soap, a shallow tote, and some warm water!
17. Cleaning Outdoor Furniture
Muphy’s Oil Soap is a great way to get the grime off of your outdoor patio furniture! Better Homes and Gardens recommends cleaning your outdoor patio furniture at least four times a year. Murphy’s Oil Soap not only works well on wooden patio furniture but on wicker furniture as well!
18. Cleaning Stainless Steel Appliances
Get the grime off of your stainless steel appliances with this natural soap without degrading the finish like so many other chemical cleaners will. You’ll be amazed at how shiny and clean your appliances are!
19. Shampoo your Dog
Since Murphy’s Oil Soap is 98% natural, it makes a great and safe dog shampoo! It will get your pooch’s coat nice and shiny and will help protect against fleas and ticks. Simply work the solution into your dogs fur, and then rinse thoroughly with warm or cold water. Want an extra shiny coat? Use cold water.
20. Remove Gum from Wood Floors
Ever gotten gum stuck to your wood floor? What a mess! But this video will help you sort it out right away. Simply freeze the gum, gently scrape it off, and then wipe up with Murphy’s Oil Soap!
I can’t wait to use some of these clever hacks now that I know how to use Murphy’s Oil Soap. Some of these uses and tips will make some of my cleaning tasks easier and faster!
