Murphy's Oil Soap is a cleaner, not a stain remover. It will not remove water stains from wood. Instead, it can safely clean away grime from the surrounding area.
Avoid using Murphy's Oil Soap on modern finished hardwood floors, unsealed or raw wood, nitrocellulose guitar finishes, and laminate or vinyl planking. The soap contains vegetable oils that can leave a dull, sticky film on water-resistant finishes and seep into wood or laminate seams, causing swelling or peeling.
Water stains (mineral buildup) are best removed with acids or specialized cleaners. For DIY, use a 1:1 mixture of distilled white vinegar and water. For stubborn stains, use a heavy-duty commercial mineral remover like Bio-Clean or Bar Keepers Friend.
Use Osmo Tannin Spot Remover
Designed specifically for tannin stains, this product works effectively to lift dark blemishes caused by water damage. Use without sanding, and repeat if necessary.
No, you should not use Murphy Oil Soap on Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP). While it is great for real wood, oil-based soaps and waxes leave behind a hazy residue on LVP that builds up over time, attracts dirt, and makes the floor look dull or sticky.
Yes, Dawn dishwashing soap can be used to clean luxury vinyl plank flooring. Just add a few drops to a bucket of warm water. This mixture is excellent for removing grease and grime, especially in kitchens. However, be cautious not to use too much soap, as it can leave a film that dulls the floor's shine.
First off, Murphy's Oil Soap is an oil-based polish. It leaves OIL on the floor (the water evaporates… the soap and oil residue do NOT). This oil can and WILL penetrate THROUGH the floor's polyurethane finish and onto/into the wood. The worst that can happen: your floors will never take on more finish again…
Abrasives to Remove Hard Water Stains
Many window cleaners prefer Bronze Wool over Steel Wool for the simple fact that it lasts longer and does not rust. Either option will work though. For milder stains, a scrubbing pad and a bit of elbow grease and buffering can go a long way!
Dark water marks: Dark water marks occur when the moisture has passed through the finish and stained deep into the wood grain. This level of penetration usually necessitates the finish being removed and the stain being bleached or carefully sanded.
We've all tackled stains in a hurry and made the same errors.
Hard water stains are generally not permanent and can be broken down with acidic cleaners like white vinegar. However, if left untreated for years, the mineral deposits can physically corrode and eat into the surface—a process called etching—which results in permanent damage.
Professionals use a combination of commercial degreasers to break down body oils, acid-based cleaners (like Bar Keepers Friend) for hard water and soap scum, and drill brushes or medium-bristle brushes for deep scrubbing.
Dawn dish soap can help remove hard water stains in your home, but it is not strong enough to do so on its own. Instead, pair the detergent with a stronger cleaner like vinegar or hydrogen peroxide.
Yes, Murphy's Oil Soap is a highly concentrated formula and must be diluted for general cleaning. Using it straight from the bottle can leave a cloudy residue or film on surfaces.
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.
When diluted properly, Murphy® Oil Soap Original Formula does not leave a residue. Despite the fact that it is called "oil soap," there is no "free oil" left behind. If you see a residue after applying Murphy® Oil Soap for the first time, it's likely that another cleaner was previously used.
The best products to remove water stains from wood depend on the type of stain. For fresh white or cloudy rings (trapped moisture in the finish), use specialty wipes like the Guardsman Water Mark Remover Cloth. For dark black water stains (damaged wood), treat the area with oxalic acid or WOCA Denmark Tannin Spot Remover.
STEP ONE: WET YOUR MAGIC ERASER.
Water activates the tough micro-scrubbers, so they can dig deep and remove hard water stains from glass and the toughest soap scum, making cleaning shower glass easier than ever.
The best way to remove hard water stains from faucets and fixtures is to use white vinegar, which dissolves mineral buildup without damaging most finishes. Simply soak a cloth or paper towel in vinegar, wrap it around the affected area, and let it sit for 15–30 minutes.
for the original post I squirted it on the wall, sprayed it with a 50/50 water vinegar spray, gave a few quick swipes with a dish brush, let it sit for a few, and then did another few quick swipes. hard water stains completely gone.
By using the right laundry products and the right technique, stains that have been dried do come out.
Yes, CLR (Calcium, Lime & Rust Remover) is specially formulated to dissolve hard water stains, which are primarily made up of calcium and lime mineral deposits. It is highly effective on surfaces like porcelain, chrome, stainless steel, and fiberglass.
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.
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 Murphy’s Oil Soap on tile floors. It is a gentle, natural-ingredient cleaner that safely lifts dirt and grime without damaging the ceramic or porcelain tiles.