No, you should not use Murphy’s Oil Soap on unfinished wood. Unfinished wood is highly porous and will absorb the soap's moisture and oils unevenly. This can lead to permanent watermarks, dark splotches, and discoloration.
You should absolutely NOT use Murphy's Oil Soap to clean your wood floors! Here's why: The simple answer is that Murphy's Oil Soap doesn't do what people think it does. It is marketed as a wood floor cleaning product that has the ability to both clean and shine your floors.
For Water Based Finishes
Cleaners such as Pledge and Murphy's Oil Soap are not recommended because they leave a dull residue on the finish. Water based surfaces may be cleaned with a damp cloth or General Finishes Orange Oil.
While several store-bought chemical cleaners are useful for cleaning many surfaces, when it comes to unsealed wood floors, it is best to skip them altogether. So, in this case, using a simple mix of water and dish soap is more than enough.
Unfinished (bare) wood is highly absorbent and prone to scratching, making water and harsh chemicals major no-nos. The best and safest approach is using a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and warm water or a specialized product like Rubio Monocoat Raw Wood Cleaner, applied sparingly along the grain.
Use A Natural Dish Soap
One of the most effective ways to remove dirt and stains from unvarnished natural wood is to [dilute] a small amount of natural dish soap into some lukewarm water. Then, carefully use a damp cloth to apply this to the wood.
Yes, you can use Dawn dish soap on wood, but only if it is heavily diluted and you use it correctly. Dawn is excellent for cutting through kitchen grease and grime, but because it is a strong surfactant, using it too often or leaving it un-rinsed can strip protective finishes and dry out the wood.
It will also start leaving a residue after a few times. If it is furniture - use Murphy's oil soap, but not on wood floors! Use only what the wood floor manufacturer recommends. If it's raw wood floors and finished in the home you can use a very small amount (2 Tablespoons) to a gallon of water.
To spot clean unsealed floors: Use a lightly dampened cloth to gently wipe the area. Some unsealed floor manufacturers may recommend using an oil, such as linseed or jojoba, to wipe away grime and messes. Never soak the wood or scrub it, as this can further set the stain.
Bleach and Ammonia-Based Cleaners
Using these cleaners may discolor wood, erode the finish, and damage deeper layers of your floors. “Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, such as ammonia or bleach, which can strip the finish and damage the wood,” says Scott.
Yes, Murphy's Oil Soap Liquid Wood Cleaner must be diluted with water for most cleaning tasks.
The best all-around homemade wood cleaner combines 1/2 cup of white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar for dark wood), 1/4 cup of olive oil, and 111 tablespoon of lemon juice in a spray bottle. It cleans grime while moisturizing the wood grain to restore shine without harsh chemicals.
Bona and Murphy Oil Soap serve different needs. Bona is a pH-neutral, water-based cleaner intended for routine maintenance on polyurethane-finished floors. Murphy Oil Soap is a plant-based oil soap designed for deep-cleaning unsealed, oiled, or older traditional wood floors, but it requires rinsing to prevent residue.
To make your house smell amazing while mopping, use a simple DIY mix of hot water, 1 teaspoon of dish soap, and 5–10 drops of essential oils (like eucalyptus and lavender, or lemon and peppermint). If you prefer pre-made options, heavily scented commercial products like Clorox Scentiva Floor Cleaners work beautifully.
Yes, you can use Dawn dish soap on wood cabinets, but only highly diluted in warm water. Because Dawn is an aggressive degreaser, using it straight or without thorough rinsing can strip the wood's finish or leave a dull, hazy residue over time.
Murphy Original Oil Soap should not be used on unfinished, unsealed or waxed wood surfaces because they may be water sensitive. Before using on an unknown surface, test on an inconspicuous area. Dulling or discoloration indicates the wood may be waxed or needs refinishing.
Cleaning unsealed (unfinished) wood requires extreme caution because the wood absorbs liquid like a sponge, which can cause severe warping or staining. The golden rule is to use minimal moisture and avoid harsh chemicals.
Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner is safe for use on your sealed or finished, and unwaxed or unoiled laminate floor. Surfaces should be sealed including the grout lines, unsealed stone or grout lines may cause staining.
Murphy® Oil Soap gets deep into grime to break up dirt particles and it's safe to use on wood products like cabinets.
Timeless wood colors are natural, organic hues that bridge the gap between warm and cool without relying on passing fads. The most classic choices are pale, natural wood and mid-tone browns. These choices highlight natural grain patterns and adapt easily to changing furniture and decor styles.
Murphy's Oil Soap is a water-based cleaner, not a wood finish. When used as directed and heavily diluted in water, the surface moisture will typically evaporate in 15 to 30 minutes. If using the ready-to-use spray, it generally air-dries in about 1 hour.
The best and safest thing to clean most wood is a simple mixture of mild liquid dish soap and warm water applied with a damp microfiber cloth. It cuts through grease and grime without leaving harmful chemical residue. Always wipe with the grain and dry the wood immediately.
To make the solution is simple and easy on the wallet! Pour equal parts of vinegar and Dawn into a spray bottle. Gently shake, then spray liberally onto the surface to be cleaned. I have found the best results is when I use it to clean chrome shower and sink fixtures.
When wiping your cabinets clean, it's also important to avoid abrasive rags or pads—and to clean the surfaces of your cabinets gently. Scrubbing too hard can damage the finish of your wood cabinetry over time.