Our Recommendation. There seems to be very convincing evidence against products like Murphy® Oil Soap™ when manufacturers and industry experts, for the most part, will not recommend it for polyurethane-coated solid hardwood flooring.
We suggest using only steam mops, or damp mopping using distilled white vinegar, or glass cleaners heavily diluted with water to clean your flooring.
These floors have been sealed with a water-resistant film, such as a polyurethane coating. If you're unsure of your finish, place a drop of water on the surface. If it absorbs the water, it's not finished, and Murphy® Oil Soap should not be used yet.
Many homeowners use Murphy's Oil Soap on hardwood floors. It has been in the market for years and amassed a massive fanbase. However, wax or oil-based soaps may not suit urethane-finished wooden floors. Some polishers also may damage the flooring.
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 more finish again… ever. Murphy's Oil Soap is a contaminant…
Mix up a solution of soap and water.
The best soaps for polyurethane floors are mild, pH-neutral ones. For instance, you can simply use a capful of dishwashing soap or Murphy Oil Soap in a bucket of water.
Many people say that the product leaves their hardwood floors greasy, sticky, discolored, and dull. The product will leave a residual buildup if used on a regular basis. If you're cleaning your wood floor with this product, try and use plain water in between each time your clean your wood floors with Murphy's Oil Soap.
Using a regular, nylon mop, you can choose between a specially made hardwood floor cleaner, and a pH-neutral, water-based cleaner. For very soiled floors, experts advise opting for an alkaline water-based cleaner, however, a solution of baking soda and water can also loosen up and remove grease and dirt.
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. The views and opinions expressed by the author do not reflect the position of the Colgate-Palmolive Company.
These may look like great options when you're shopping around, but some of these will do more harm than good. One of the biggest culprits is Murphy's Oil Soap. Even though it says it is safe of wood, it actually leaves an oily film on the top of the hardwood.
The best mop for wood floors is a microfiber flat-head or string mop you can easily wring out. You can control the amount of moisture in the mop, and the microfibers pick up dirt and grime better than some traditional mops. Mix one tablespoon dish soap and one quart of water in a spray bottle.
We recommend wiping with a damp cloth, either using soap and water or a natural based cleaning solution. Most standard cleaning solutions contain either an alcohol or ammonia base, which over an extended period of time, can eat through the finish.
Bona is safe for all unwaxed, unoiled, polyurethane-finished wood floors. It's a water-based, pet-safe, pH-neutral formula. It doesn't leave a residue and dries in about a minute and a half. Bona does make their own microfiber mop that you can use, but it's a bit small for my taste.
Depending on many factors, like your lifestyle and type of finish, polyurethane can last between three to six years. However, if you see damage on your floors, it may be time to reapply a fresh finish to your hardwood.
URETHANE WOODEN FLOORS
Regular cleaning will remove dust and dirt before the finish gets scratched, worn and loses its shine. Always avoid excess water when cleaning your wood floor. If you spill (food or drink), clean the floor immediately to avoid permanent damage or stains. Sweep the wood floor or vacuum frequently.
Murphy® Oil Soap gets deep into grime to break up dirt particles and it's safe to use on wood products like cabinets. Next, gather another cloth or sponge. You may also want to use an old toothbrush to get into crevices.
Murphy® Original oil soap is the one Mom and Grandma used to clean wood to a natural shine. Pull out the bucket and get nostalgic while cleaning wooden floors and furniture, cabinets, tile and linoleum.
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.
Cons of Oil-Based Polyurethane
Longer dry times. Dents easier due to it softer finish. The odor is unbearable (respirator use is recommended). The floor darkens over time.
Put on the polish
Apply only one thin coat. Then, remove any dust nibs with 1,500-grit sandpaper or a piece of brown paper bag. Finally, using a soft cotton rag or polishing pad, buff the finish to a high shine using automotive paste wax, photo below, which has fine abrasives that polish the finish even further.