For over a century, Murphy’s Oil Soap has been a trusted name in household cleaning products. Known for its natural ingredients and gentle yet effective cleaning power, Murphy’s Oil Soap has become a staple in many homes. While it’s widely recognized for its ability to clean and restore wood surfaces, this versatile product has numerous applications beyond wooden furniture and floors. In this article, we will delve into 45 ingenious household hacks that harness the versatility of Murphy’s Oil Soap, helping you achieve a cleaner and more organized home effortlessly.
-
Revive Wood Floors:
Wood floors can lose their luster over time, accumulating dirt and grime. To bring them back to life, mix Murphy’s Oil Soap with warm water and use a mop to clean and restore their natural shine. The gentle formula of Murphy’s Oil Soap effectively removes dirt while nourishing the wood.
-
Deep Clean Wooden Furniture:
Wooden furniture, whether it’s a cherished antique or a modern piece, requires regular maintenance to preserve its beauty. Dilute Murphy’s Oil Soap with water and use a soft cloth to clean and polish your wooden furniture. This method effectively removes dust, fingerprints, and smudges, leaving your furniture looking fresh and rejuvenated.
-
Refresh Cabinets:
Kitchen and bathroom cabinets can accumulate grease and grime over time. Create a cleaning solution by mixing Murphy’s Oil Soap with warm water, then wipe down your cabinets with a cloth or sponge. This gentle yet effective formula cuts through grease, removing residue and leaving your cabinets with a streak-free finish.
-
Shine Stainless Steel:
Stainless steel appliances add a sleek and modern touch to any kitchen. However, they are prone to showing fingerprints and smudges. To restore their shine, apply a small amount of Murphy’s Oil Soap to a cloth and buff your stainless steel appliances gently. This method removes fingerprints and leaves a beautiful, streak-free finish.
-
Clean Leather:
Leather furniture and accessories require special care to maintain their appearance and longevity. To remove stains and moisturize the material, mix Murphy’s Oil Soap with water, creating a gentle cleaning solution. Gently rub the mixture on leather surfaces, then wipe off any excess with a clean cloth. This process effectively cleans and conditions the leather, keeping it looking its best.
-
Polish Brass and Copper:
Brass and copper items can lose their luster over time, tarnishing and dulling their appearance. Create a paste by mixing Murphy’s Oil Soap with salt, then apply it to brass or copper surfaces. Allow the paste to sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off with water. This hack effectively removes tarnish, revealing the natural shine of these metals.
-
Remove Paint Splatters:
Accidental paint splatters can be a nuisance, especially on surfaces like tiles or laminate flooring. To easily remove them, dip a cloth in undiluted Murphy’s Oil Soap and gently rub it over the paint splatters. The oil-based soap helps loosen the paint, making it easier to wipe away without damaging the surface.
-
Eliminate Soap Scum:
Soap scum can build up in showers, tubs, and sinks, making them look dull and dirty. Create a powerful scrub by mixing Murphy’s Oil Soap with baking soda. Apply the mixture to a sponge or brush and use it to scrub away soap scum. The combination of Murphy’s Oil Soap and baking soda effectively cuts through the residue, leaving your bathroom fixtures sparkling clean.
-
Pre-treat Laundry Stains:
Some stains, particularly oil-based ones, can be stubborn and difficult to remove. Before laundering your clothes, apply a small amount of Murphy’s Oil Soap directly onto the stains. Gently rub the soap into the fabric and let it sit for a few minutes before washing as usual. Murphy’s Oil Soap helps break down the oil-based stains, making them easier to remove during the wash cycle.
-
Restore Tile Floors:
Tile floors, especially in high-traffic areas, can accumulate dirt and lose their shine. To clean and restore the luster of ceramic or porcelain tile floors, mix Murphy’s Oil Soap with warm water. Use a mop or sponge to apply the solution and gently scrub the tiles. Rinse thoroughly to reveal clean and refreshed floors.
-
Clean Laminate Countertops:
Laminate countertops are susceptible to stains and can quickly become dull. Dilute Murphy’s Oil Soap with water and use it to wipe down laminate countertops. This hack effectively removes dirt and grime, leaving your countertops clean and streak-free.
-
Revitalize Wicker Furniture:
Wicker furniture adds a touch of natural beauty to indoor and outdoor spaces. Over time, wicker can accumulate dirt and lose its original charm. To revitalize your wicker furniture, use a soft brush or cloth to apply a mixture of Murphy’s Oil Soap and water. Gently scrub the surfaces to remove grime and restore the furniture’s natural beauty.
-
De-grease Oven Racks:
Oven racks are notorious for accumulating grease and baked-on food residue. To easily remove these stubborn stains, soak the oven racks in a mixture of warm water and Murphy’s Oil Soap. After soaking, scrub them gently with a brush to break down the grease and residue. Rinse thoroughly before placing the racks back into the oven.
-
Refresh Upholstery:
Upholstered furniture can quickly become stained and lose its freshness. Create a mild cleaning solution by mixing Murphy’s Oil Soap with water. Gently scrub the upholstery with a cloth or soft brush, paying extra attention to stained areas. This hack effectively removes stains and refreshes the fabric, giving your furniture a new lease on life.
-
Clean Glass Surfaces:
For a streak-free shine on glass surfaces such as windows and mirrors, mix equal parts of Murphy’s Oil Soap and vinegar. This combination creates a powerful cleaning solution. Apply the mixture to a cloth or paper towel and wipe down the glass surfaces. The vinegar helps dissolve smudges and dirt, while the Murphy’s Oil Soap leaves the glass streak-free and sparkling.
-
Remove Crayon Marks:
Crayon marks on walls or furniture can be unsightly, but they don’t have to be permanent. Apply a small amount of undiluted Murphy’s Oil Soap to a cloth and gently rub it over the crayon marks. The soap’s cleaning properties help break down the wax, making it easier to remove without damaging the surface underneath.
-
Tackle Greasy Grills:
Outdoor grills can accumulate grease and food residue over time. To cut through the grease and restore your grill grates, dilute Murphy’s Oil Soap with warm water. Apply the solution to a scrub brush and use it to clean and degrease the grates effectively. Rinse thoroughly before using the grill again.
-
Remove Water Stains from Wood:
Water stains on wood surfaces can be unsightly and challenging to remove. Mix equal parts of Murphy’s Oil Soap and baking soda to create a paste. Apply the paste to the water stains on wood surfaces and gently buff until the stains disappear. This hack helps lift the water stains and restore the wood’s natural beauty.
-
Clean Pet Toys:
Pet toys can harbor dirt, grime, and unpleasant odors. To effectively clean them, soak the toys in a mixture of Murphy’s Oil Soap and warm water. After soaking, rinse the toys thoroughly to remove dirt and grime, leaving them fresh and ready for your furry friends to enjoy.
-
Refresh Makeup Brushes:
Makeup brushes require regular cleaning to remove product buildup and maintain their performance. Mix a small amount of Murphy’s Oil Soap with warm water, creating a gentle cleaning solution. Soak the brushes in the solution and gently swirl them to loosen any residue. Rinse thoroughly and allow them to air dry. Your makeup brushes will be clean, soft, and ready for flawless application.
-
Cleanse Vinyl Floors:
Vinyl floors are durable and easy to maintain, but they still require regular cleaning to keep them looking their best. Dilute Murphy’s Oil Soap with warm water and use a mop or sponge to clean vinyl floors thoroughly. This hack effectively removes dirt and grime, leaving your vinyl floors clean and shiny.
-
Remove Grease from Range Hoods:
Range hoods can accumulate stubborn grease and grime. Apply a small amount of undiluted Murphy’s Oil Soap to a cloth and wipe down the range hood surfaces. The soap’s grease-cutting properties help remove stubborn grease, leaving your range hood clean and fresh.
-
Restore Shine to Silverware:
Silverware can tarnish over time, losing its shine and brilliance. Create a paste by mixing Murphy’s Oil Soap and baking soda. Gently scrub the silverware with the paste, paying attention to tarnished areas. Rinse thoroughly and buff with a clean cloth to restore the silverware’s shine.
-
Refresh Wooden Cutting Boards:
Wooden cutting boards can absorb odors and accumulate stains. Scrub them with a mixture of Murphy’s Oil Soap and water to remove stains, odors, and bacteria. Rinse the boards thoroughly and allow them to dry completely before using them again.
-
Clean Outdoor Furniture:
Outdoor furniture is exposed to the elements and can accumulate dirt, mildew, and stains. Dilute Murphy’s Oil Soap with water and use it to clean and refresh your outdoor furniture. Scrub the surfaces gently, paying attention to stained areas. Rinse thoroughly to reveal clean and revitalized furniture.
-
Remove Sticky Residue:
Sticky residue left by labels or tape can be challenging to remove. Apply a small amount of Murphy’s Oil Soap to a cloth and gently rub it over the sticky residue. The soap’s properties help dissolve the adhesive, making it easier to wipe away without damaging the surface.
-
Keep Houseplants Dust-Free:
Houseplants not only bring beauty to your home but also accumulate dust on their leaves. Mix a small amount of Murphy’s Oil Soap with water, dampen a cloth, and gently wipe down the leaves of your houseplants. This hack removes dust, restores their natural shine, and allows the plants to breathe freely.
-
Clean Paintbrushes:
Paintbrushes can become caked with dried paint over time. To clean and condition them, soak the paintbrushes in a solution of warm water and Murphy’s Oil Soap. After soaking, rinse the brushes thoroughly and allow them to air dry. This hack effectively removes dried paint and leaves your brushes clean and ready for your next project.
-
Polish Ceramic Sinks:
Ceramic sinks can become stained and lose their shine. Apply Murphy’s Oil Soap to a cloth and use it to clean and polish ceramic sinks. This hack effectively removes stains and leaves your sink looking clean and brilliant.
-
Revive Vinyl Siding:
Vinyl siding can accumulate dirt, mold, and mildew, making your home’s exterior look dull and dirty. Mix Murphy’s Oil Soap with warm water and use a soft brush or cloth to clean and rejuvenate the vinyl siding. Scrub gently to remove dirt and grime, and rinse thoroughly to reveal a refreshed and revitalized exterior.
-
Remove Grease from Clothes:
Grease stains on clothing can be stubborn and challenging to remove. Before laundering your clothes, apply a small amount of Murphy’s Oil Soap directly onto the grease stains. Gently rub the soap into the fabric and let it sit for a few minutes. Launder as usual, and Murphy’s Oil Soap will help break down the grease stains, making them easier to remove.
-
Clean Shower Doors:
Shower doors can accumulate soap scum and hard water stains over time, making them look dull and dirty. Create a paste by mixing equal parts of Murphy’s Oil Soap and baking soda. Apply the paste to the shower doors and scrub gently with a sponge or cloth. Rinse thoroughly to reveal clean and sparkling shower doors.
-
Restore Shine to Jewelry:
Jewelry can lose its sparkle over time due to dirt and tarnish. Soak your jewelry in a mixture of warm water and Murphy’s Oil Soap. Gently scrub the jewelry with a soft brush to remove dirt and tarnish. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry to reveal clean and shiny jewelry.
-
Wipe Down Vinyl Blinds:
Vinyl blinds can accumulate dust and grime, making them look dull and dirty. Dilute Murphy’s Oil Soap with water and use a cloth or sponge to wipe down the blinds. This hack effectively removes dust and grime, leaving your blinds clean and refreshed.
-
Polish Chrome Fixtures:
Chrome fixtures, such as faucets and towel bars, can develop water spots and lose their shine. Apply Murphy’s Oil Soap to a cloth and buff the chrome fixtures gently. This hack removes water spots and restores the fixtures’ shine, leaving them looking polished and beautiful.
-
Clean Fireplace Glass:
Fireplace glass can accumulate soot and grime, obstructing the view of the fire. Create a solution of Murphy’s Oil Soap and warm water, then use a cloth to clean the fireplace glass. Gently wipe away the soot and grime, revealing a clear and beautiful view of the fire.
-
Remove Grease from Garage Floors:
Garage floors can become stained with oil and grease, making them look unsightly. Mix Murphy’s Oil Soap with warm water and scrub the garage floors to remove oil stains and grease buildup. This hack helps restore the cleanliness of your garage floors.
-
Clean Painted Walls:
Over time, painted walls can accumulate fingerprints, smudges, and stains. Dilute Murphy’s Oil Soap with warm water and use a sponge or cloth to gently clean painted walls. This hack effectively removes fingerprints, smudges, and stains, leaving your walls looking fresh and clean.
-
Remove Crayon from Fabric:
Accidental crayon marks on fabric can be frustrating. Before laundering the fabric, apply a small amount of undiluted Murphy’s Oil Soap to a cloth and blot the crayon marks. The soap helps break down the wax, making it easier to remove during the wash cycle.
-
Clean Vinyl Records:
Vinyl records are delicate and require proper cleaning to maintain their sound quality. Dilute Murphy’s Oil Soap with water, apply the solution to a soft cloth, and gently clean the vinyl records. This hack effectively removes dust and dirt, improving the sound quality and extending the lifespan of your vinyl collection.
-
Polish Granite Countertops:
Granite countertops are a beautiful addition to any kitchen or bathroom. To maintain their shine and remove dirt, mix a small amount of Murphy’s Oil Soap with water. Wipe down the granite countertops with the solution, removing dirt and leaving a streak-free shine.
-
Remove Rust from Tools:
Rusted tools can hinder their functionality and make them less effective. Soak rusted tools in a mixture of warm water and Murphy’s Oil Soap. After soaking, scrub the tools with a brush to remove rust and restore their usability. Rinse thoroughly and dry the tools before storing them.
-
Polish Porcelain Fixtures:
Porcelain fixtures, such as sinks and toilets, can accumulate stains and lose their shine. Apply Murphy’s Oil Soap to a cloth and use it to clean and polish porcelain fixtures. This hack effectively removes stains and leaves your fixtures spotless and gleaming.
-
Clean Outdoor Play Equipment:
Outdoor play equipment, such as swings and slides, can accumulate dirt, grime, and sticky residues. Dilute Murphy’s Oil Soap with water and use it to wipe down the outdoor play equipment. Scrub gently to remove dirt, grime, and sticky residues, leaving the equipment clean and safe for children to enjoy.
-
Refresh Car Interiors:
Car interiors can accumulate dust, dirt, and stains over time. Dilute Murphy’s Oil Soap with water and use it to clean and refresh your car’s interior. Wipe down dashboards, seats, and vinyl surfaces, removing dirt and leaving a clean and refreshed interior.
Conclusion:
Murphy’s Oil Soap is not only a reliable wood cleaner but also a versatile household staple. With these 45 household hacks, you can unlock the full potential of Murphy’s Oil Soap and tackle various cleaning challenges around your home. From reviving wood floors to cleaning stainless steel appliances and refreshing upholstery, Murphy’s Oil Soap provides effective, gentle, and natural solutions for a cleaner and more organized living space. Incorporate these hacks into your cleaning routine, and discover the power and versatility of Murphy’s Oil Soap for yourself.