Does Murphy's oil soap clean hardwood floors?

Author: Joana Cole  |  Last update: Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Get the most out of your Cleaning Time and use products like Murphy® Oil Soap that can get the job done. Whether you're cleaning one area or all of your flooring, Murphy® Oil Soap is safe to use on hardwood floors. This article was brought to you by Colgate-Palmolive Company, the makers of Murphy® Oil Soap.

Is it okay to use Murphy's oil soap on hardwood floors?

Murphy Oil Soap is safe to use on all finished hardwood floors, ceramic tile, laminate, and vinyl floors. With It's 98% natural ingredients, it won't harm them but extend their life by using it on regular basis.

What is the best soap to clean hardwood floors with?

Best Concentrate: Murphy Oil Soap Concentrated Wood Cleaner

The Murphy Oil Soap Wood Cleaner has been a classic cleaning staple for decades — and for good reason. The concentrated formula is made of 98 percent naturally derived ingredients, doesn't contain any ammonia or bleach, and is biodegradable and phosphate-free.

What is the best thing to clean hardwood floors with?

To clean hardwood floors, it's best to use a gentle, pH-balanced cleaner specifically formulated for wood. Microfiber mops or soft cloths work well for dusting and light cleaning, while a damp mop can be used for deeper cleans. Avoid using harsh chemicals or excessive water, as these can damage the finish.

Does Murphy's oil soap need to be rinsed off?

No rinsing

It has a pleasant smell and seems to do the job. I like that no rinsing is required.

Does Murphy's Oil Soap Contain Wax & Will it Leave a Residue on Hardwood Floors?

Is Bona better than Murphy's oil?

Conclusion. So, the Murphy's Oil Soap vs Bona debate is over, and Bona wins. These are some of the best hardwood floor cleaners, but the flooring market is full of competitors. Their hardwood floor cleaner is said to be overall better by all the homeowners who have been using it for years.

What happens if you don't dilute Murphy's oil soap?

The reason is because it may leave a slight film when it is not diluted. Please know that I have, on occasion, used it straight in order to remove stains from my wood. 99% of the time, I dilute it, though. I hope that this answers your inquiry satisfactorily.

What is the best homemade cleaner for hardwood floors?

Combine a gallon of water with 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar. Then, add a few drops of dish detergent for a fresh scent and extra cleaning power. Dip a microfiber mop or a sponge into the cleaner and use it wipe down your floors.

Is Dawn dish soap safe for wood floors?

The ideal mixture typically involves a mild solution of diluted vinegar with just a few drops of Dawn. This blend ensures that the cleaning power is strong enough to clean the floors without leaving any harmful residues or damaging the wood.

Why not use Bona on hardwood floors?

Bona Polish is NOT a hardwood floor cleaner. It is a cheap thin finish that you apply to your floors. Over time and repeated use the film gets thicker and it scuffs and scratches easily making the floors look unsightly. The only remedy to restore your floors is to strip the Bona Polish off.

How do you clean hardwood floors that haven't been cleaned in years?

You can use a hardwood floor cleaner, such as Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner or Bruce Hardwood and Laminate Floor Cleaner. Home Depot carries both products in 32-ounce spray bottles — $7.97 for Bona's product and $4.48 for Bruce's. The spray products deliver a mist that you can wipe away with a mop while you are standing.

Is pine sol good for hardwood floors?

You can use Pine-Sol® on wood floors, though it is not recommended for use on unfinished, unsealed, unpainted, waxed, oiled or worn wood.

Is fabuloso good for hardwood floors?

Is Fabuloso® Professional safe on wood? Yes, Fabuloso® Professional's formula works on all non porous hard surfaces.

What is the best soap for cleaning hardwood floors?

Murphy Oil Soap is a time-tested wood cleaner that's been around for generations. Our cleaning pros love the versatility — it not only tackles grime on hardwood floors, but can also clean wood cabinets, furniture and more.

What is the best mop for hardwood floors?

Final Verdict. Our top pick is the Bona Hardwood Floor Premium Spray Mop for its strong spray output, lightweight design, and impressive maneuverability.

What is the best oil to clean hardwood floors with?

The Best Oils for Wooden Floors
  • Stains Oil 125 ml. Stains Oil 125 ml is one of the best choices for enhancing the natural beauty of wood flooring. ...
  • Bona Matt Hard Wax Oil 2.5L. ...
  • Osmo Matt Hard Wax Oil 2.5L. ...
  • Blanchon Maintenance Oil 2.5L. ...
  • WOCA Neutral Oil 2.5L.

Can I use Murphy oil soap on wood floors?

With the vast array of cleaners available today, consumers need to be aware of how to properly use their products to avoid health hazards and damaging surfaces. Murphy® Oil Soap is one natural cleaner that's effective on hardwood floors and more when used as instructed.

How to clean filthy hardwood floors?

Here's a simple guide:
  1. Start by sweeping or vacuuming off dust, dirt and debris. ...
  2. Treat dirt spots or loose debris using a dry mop and a concentrated cleaner. ...
  3. For stubborn stains, use a damp cloth, ensuring it's wrung out properly.
  4. For oiled flooring, use an oil-based treatment to keep it from drying out.

Does vinegar clean hardwood floors?

And a quick Google search reveals that a lot of people still recommend using it. But vinegar should not be used as a hardwood floor cleaner because its acidity can lead to etching in the wood's surface. Avoid ammonia – Ammonia will discolor, deteriorate, and dull the finish.

How not to clean hardwood floors?

Let's go over a few cleaning mistakes to avoid, so you can keep your hardwood floors clean for years.
  1. Using Too Much Water. ...
  2. Choosing Harsh Cleaners. ...
  3. Skipping Regular Dusting. ...
  4. Using the Wrong Vacuum Attachment. ...
  5. Ignoring Spills. ...
  6. Applying Wax or Oil on Polyurethane Finishes. ...
  7. Forgetting Protective Pads for Furniture.

What is the fastest and easiest way to clean hardwood floors?

How to Clean Hardwood Floors
  1. Vacuum your floors.
  2. In a bucket, mix warm water with a few drops of natural dish soap. ...
  3. Dip your microfiber mop in the bucket. ...
  4. Mop your floors, working in small sections at a time.
  5. Go over the floors with a dry mop to prevent water damage and ensure a streak-free finish.

What's best to clean wooden floors?

Sweep or use a dust mop to pick up these items. You could also use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to gently vacuum the floor. Dampen a microfibre mop with a wood floor cleaning product and water. Wring it out so it's only damp, not soaking wet — lots of water can damage wooden floors.

How to clean old hardwood floors from 1910?

Maintaining the floors takes much less time and effort.
  1. Vacuum. ...
  2. Washing solution: Gallon of water with a few drops of Dawn. ...
  3. Mop: Flat mop with washable Microfiber mop heads. ...
  4. Spray bottle to spray the cleaning solution on the floor. ...
  5. Dry the floor with a couple old bath towels/rags as you complete sections.
  6. Rinse and Dry.

What is Bona floor cleaner?

Highly effective yet gentle, Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner is formulated with 95% biobased content and is safe for all unwaxed, unoiled, polyurethane finished hardwood floors. The residue-free, fast drying solution cleans hardwood floors by removing dust, dirt and grime to reveal your floor's natural shine and beauty.

Does Murphy's oil soap get too old to use?

A: Not as a rule. If it's a concentrate then it will keep indefinitely.

Previous article
How many square feet is a 10x12 shed?
Next article
Are junction boxes allowed in the attic?