Murphy’s Oil Soap was originally created in Ohio in 1910 when Jeremiah Murphy bought the formula from a German immigrant.1 This versatile, 98% natural cleaner has been a household staple for generations, known for its ability to clean and polish wood surfaces to a brilliant shine.
But Murphy’s Oil Soap can do so much more than just clean wood floors. Here’s 15 surprising and helpful life hacks using Murphy’s Oil Soap.
1. Refresh Outdoor Furniture
Give your outdoor furniture a new lease on life with Murphy’s Oil Soap. Mix the soap with water and use it to clean plastic, metal, glass, or wood furniture. The natural oils in the soap will leave your furniture looking refreshed and revitalized.
Regular cleaning of outdoor furniture can extend its lifespan. By using Murphy’s Oil Soap, you not only clean your furniture but also protect it from the elements.
2. Create an All-Purpose Bathroom Cleaner
Say goodbye to harsh chemicals and hello to a natural, all-purpose bathroom cleaner. Mix Murphy’s Oil Soap with water in a spray bottle to create a solution that can tackle the entire bathroom, from walls and floors to sinks and toilets.
Consumers are looking for cleaning products that are safe and effective. Murphy’s Oil Soap fits the bill, as it is made with natural ingredients and is free of harsh chemicals.
3. Remove Stubborn Clothing Stains
Don’t let stubborn stains ruin your favorite clothes. Apply Murphy’s Oil Soap at full strength directly to the stain, then toss the garment into the washing machine. The soap’s cleaning power will help lift the stain, leaving your clothes looking like new.
Natural soaps like Murphy’s Oil Soap can be just as effective at removing stains as synthetic detergents. Plus, they are gentler on fabrics and the environment.
4. Condition Leather Furniture & Accessories
Murphy’s Oil Soap isn’t just for wood – it can also be used as a leather conditioner. Apply the soap at full strength to a dry cloth and work it over leather furniture, car dashboards, or even leather shoes and bags. Buff with a second cloth for a polished look.
Leather is a durable material, but it requires regular conditioning to maintain its suppleness and prevent cracking. Using a natural oil soap like Murphy’s can effectively condition leather without causing damage.
5. Make a Natural Insect Repellent
Keep pesky insects away from your garden and landscaping with a homemade insect repellent using Murphy’s Oil Soap. Combine the soap with rubbing alcohol, water, cooking oil, and lemon juice for a natural solution that will deter bugs.
Natural insect repellents containing plant-based oils can be just as effective as synthetic repellents. You can create an eco-friendly repellent that won’t harm beneficial insects.
6. Clean & Shine Stainless Steel
Stainless steel appliances and surfaces can be a magnet for fingerprints and smudges. To keep them looking their best, mix a small amount of Murphy’s Oil Soap with water and use it to clean and polish stainless steel. The soap will cut through grease and grime, leaving behind a streak-free shine.
Regular cleaning is the key to maintaining the appearance and durability of stainless steel. You can keep your stainless steel looking like new for years to come.
7. Soften Paint Brushes
If you have old, hardened paintbrushes, don’t toss them out just yet. Soak the bristles in a mixture of Murphy’s Oil Soap and water to soften and remove dried paint. This simple trick can save you money on replacement brushes.
The average cost of a professional paintbrush is $15. By using Murphy’s Oil Soap to clean and maintain your brushes, you can extend their lifespan and save money in the long run.
8. Eliminate Floor Squeaks
Squeaky floors can be annoying, but Murphy’s Oil Soap can help. Mop your laminate or hardwood floors with a solution of soap and water to condition the wood and eliminate squeaks. This trick works especially well on laminate floors that pop and crack when walked on.
Proper maintenance, including regular cleaning with a pH-neutral cleaner, can help prevent floor squeaks and extend the life of wood floors.
9. Quiet Squeaky Hinges
Speaking of squeaks, Murphy’s Oil Soap can also quiet noisy door hinges. Simply apply a few drops of the soap directly to the hinge and work it in by opening and closing the door a few times. The soap will lubricate the hinge, eliminating the squeak without the need for harsh chemicals.
Squeaky hinges can produce sounds up to 100 decibels, which is equivalent to the noise level of a motorcycle. With Murphy’s Oil Soap, you can quickly and easily silence those annoying squeaks.
10. Create a Natural Air Freshener
Ditch the artificial air fresheners and create your own natural version using Murphy’s Oil Soap. Combine water, a small amount of soap, and a few drops of your favorite essential oil in a spray bottle. Use it to freshen the air in any room, leaving behind a clean, natural scent.
Many commercial air fresheners contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be harmful to human health. By making your own air freshener with Murphy’s Oil Soap, you can avoid these harmful chemicals and enjoy a fresh, natural scent.
11. Remove Stubborn Labels
Saving jars for reuse is a great way to reduce waste, but removing the labels can be a challenge. To easily remove stubborn glue residue, apply a few drops of Murphy’s Oil Soap to the label and let it sit for a few minutes. The soap will break down the adhesive, making it easy to scrub away.
Americans generate 4.9 pounds of waste per person per day.(ref) By reusing jars and containers, you can help reduce this waste and do your part for the environment.
12. Clean & Condition Garden Tools
Keep your garden tools in top shape by cleaning them with Murphy’s Oil Soap. Mix the soap with water and use it to scrub away dirt and rust from your tools. The soap will also condition the metal, helping to prevent future rust and corrosion.
Proper maintenance of garden tools can extend their lifespan by up to 10 years. Cleaning and conditioning your tools, you can ensure they stay in good working order for years to come.
13. Remove Scuff Marks from Floors
Scuff marks on hardwood or laminate floors can be unsightly, but Murphy’s Oil Soap can help. Apply a small amount of the soap directly to the scuff mark and scrub with a soft cloth or sponge. The soap will break down the mark, leaving your floors looking clean and polished.
Scuff marks are one of the most common types of damage to wood floors. Removing these marks can keep your floors looking their best without the need for harsh chemicals.
14. Clean & Condition Wicker Furniture
Wicker furniture can add a charming touch to any room, but it can be difficult to clean. To keep your wicker looking its best, mix Murphy’s Oil Soap with water and use it to scrub away dirt and grime. The soap will also condition the wicker, helping to prevent cracking and drying out.
Regular cleaning and conditioning can extend the life of wicker furniture by up to 5 years. By using Murphy’s Oil Soap, you can ensure your wicker stays looking beautiful for years to come.
15. Create a Natural Pest Control Spray
Keep pests away from your plants with a homemade pest control spray using Murphy’s Oil Soap. Mix one cup of vegetable oil with 1/4 cup of Murphy’s Oil Soap and combine with four cups of water. Spray the mixture on the undersides of plant leaves to deter insects.
Natural pest control methods like oil soaps can be just as effective as synthetic pesticides. Mixing in Murphy’s Oil Soap, you can protect your plants without harming beneficial insects or the environment.
From cleaning and conditioning to pest control and air freshening, Murphy’s Oil Soap is a versatile and eco-friendly solution for countless household tasks. Give these 15 life hacks a try and discover the many surprising uses for this classic cleaner.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.