How to Remove Murphy’s Oil Soap From Hardwood Floors
When it comes to cleaning your hardwood floors, you may be wondering if Murphy’s Oil Soap is a good option. After all, this soap is known for getting rid of dirt and grime. But, unfortunately, Murphy’s Oil Soap on your hardwood floors can cause more damage than good.
Removing Murphy’s oil soap from hardwood floors can seem like a daunting task, but it can be accomplished relatively easily with the right tools and techniques. This post will show you how to remove murphy’s oil soap from hardwood floors and reveal some better options for keeping them clean. Read on for more information!
How to Remove Murphy’s Oil Soap From Hardwood Floors: 8 Solutions to Try
1. Try WD-40
WD-40 is well known for many different things. It’s got a very narrow use, though, for cleaning products, which is pretty much limited to light lubrication and squeaky hinges. Still, because Murphy’s Oil Soap contains mineral spirits (petroleum distillate solvents), the spray should help lift the Murphy’s Oil Soap off the floor.
2. Apply Vinegar
Vinegar is also a solvent, albeit not as strong as mineral spirits. If WD-40 doesn’t do the trick, try applying Vinegar liberally to the area and letting it sit for at least 15 minutes before wiping it clean with a mop or rag.
3. Try Cooking Oil
Rub cooking oil over the spot and let it soak in for a little while. This works similar to how olive oil is used as a wood conditioner. Let it sit for 15 minutes before wiping it away with a paper towel. Repeat as needed until the oil soap has been removed from the wood floor.
4. Use Baking Soda Paste
This is a solution for those who don’t have mineral spirits or cooking oil on hand. Mix baking soda and water to form a paste, apply to the Murphy’s Oil Soap stain, let sit for an hour, and then wipe away with a damp cloth.
5. Use Detergent Solution
Another possibility is to grab a mop or rag, dampen it with water, and mix some detergent. Then dab the solution onto the stain until it begins to lift away from the floor.
6. Try Ammonia
Like Vinegar, ammonia is an acidic cleaner, so it’ll do a pretty good job breaking down Murphy’s Oil Soap. Mix ammonia with warm water into a bucket until it’s slightly cloudy, then apply to the area where there are stains on your hardwood floors. Use a scrub brush if you’re working with dried soap residue that won’t budge.
7. Stain Remover
You can also try using a stain remover designed for oil-based stains like Murphy’s Oil Soap; be sure not to use it on your bare wood floors, as the instructions will probably require you to apply it to a rag or paper towel and then wipe.
8. Mineral Spirits
In a pinch, mineral spirits will get the job done too, but because this product is strong and thin, be sure not to mix it with other cleaners. Keep in mind that this should only be used by folks who already have some of this stuff lying around their house. Do not buy to try out removing Murphy’s Oil Soap from hardwood floors!
Tips for Preventing Murphy Oil Buildup Off Wood Floors
1. When mopping, avoid leaving standing water on wood floors.
2. Avoid using any floor cleaner that leaves a film.
3. Spot clean spills immediately with an absorbent material, so the oil does not sit on the wood long enough to dry in normal conditions.
4. Remove any pet food or water dishes after feeding to prevent pet-related soiling.
5. Mop hardwood floors at least once a week with distilled water only.
6. Avoid all cleaning products that contain oil or wax, including Murphy’s Oil Soap.
7. Store household cleaners in closed containers away from children and pets.
8. Promptly clean up any spills on floors to prevent the buildup of any oils present in the cleaner that may have spilled on the floor.
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Safety Precautions and Warnings
1. Ventilation. If you are cleaning indoors, open a window so that fumes don’t build up in the room.
2. Caution! Murphy’s Oil Soap is flammable, so do not use near an open flame or other ignition sources.
3. Keep out of reach of children and pets to avoid accidental ingestion or poisoning.
4. Wear rubber gloves and protective eyewear when using Murphy’s Oil Soap, as it can irritate the skin or eyes. Use only the amount necessary for removing excess oil, as excess amounts are harmful to your skin.
5. Do not mix with other cleaners, especially ammonia-based ones, which may create toxic fumes.
6. Do not use Murphy’s Oil Soap on marble or other natural stones, as it may damage the finish.
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Is Murphy Oil Soap Bad for Hardwood Floors?
Murphy’s Oil Soap is an old-world product for hardwood floors that many people debate whether it is good or bad. Some feel that using Murphy’s Oil Soap on their hardwood floors is the only way to clean and treat them, as it brings out the true beauty of the wood. However, other people believe that Murphy’s Oil Soap does nothing but stain and coat the floor with a wax residue, eventually leading to cracking and peeling.
Murphy’s Oil Soap can be a great way of making your hardwood floors shine and gleam if you follow a few simple steps. All it takes is a little knowledge on how to clean and treat hardwood floors with goods that will not damage them. You can use Murphy’s Oil Soap until the day you die, and your floors will still look great! But, of course, it all depends on what you do before and after applying it to your hardwood floor.
Conclusion
Murphy’s oil soap is one of the most popular household cleaning products. It can be used to clean many things, including hardwood floors. The key to removing it from your flooring is patience and time; you should allow at least twenty-four hours before attempting any other cleanup.
If you need help removing this sticky substance after waiting for so long, try using a wet vacuum cleaner or mop with hot water and dishwashing detergent to remove the oils stuck on your wood floor. We hope our advice on how to remove murphy’s oil soap from hardwood floors has helped! If you have any questions or want to know more, then feel free to comment below!
Angela Ervin
Angela is the executive editor of DIY quickly. She began her career as an interior designer before applying her strategic and creative passion to lifestyle and home. She has close to 15 years of experience in creative writing and online content strategy for housekeeping, home decorations as well as other niche efforts. She loves her job and has the privilege of working with an extraordinary team. She lives with her husband, two sons, and daughter in Petersburg. When she's not busy working she spent time with her family.
