Most people think of Murphy’s Oil Soap as that old-school cleaner you pull out for wood floors once in a while. It’s been around forever, and for years, that’s all we used it for, too.
But after hearing people swear it worked on everything from greasy cabinets to garden tools, we started trying it in other places around the house. Some uses were better than expected; a few surprised us; and, honestly, it earned a more permanent spot under the sink.
Here are some of the ways Murphy’s Oil Soap turned out to be useful far beyond hardwood floors.
Crayon Marks on Walls
If you have kids, this one is useful. A diluted spray mixture helped remove crayon marks from painted walls with gentle wiping.
Spot-testing first is still smart, but it handles small marks without damaging the paint finish.
Outdoor Patio Furniture
Patio furniture tends to collect pollen, dirt, and grime fast. Murphy’s worked well for wiping down both plastic and wooden outdoor furniture before summer gatherings.
It cleaned without leaving behind a filmy residue, which made everything feel less grimy afterward.
Garden Tools
We used it to clean dirt and buildup off hand tools after gardening. It cut through grime well and left metal and wooden handles looking cleaner.
After drying thoroughly, the tools even felt slightly conditioned instead of stripped dry.
Greasy Kitchen Cabinets
Kitchen cabinets slowly collect layers of grease that you don’t fully notice until you wipe them down. We mixed a small amount of Murphy’s Oil Soap into warm water and used a damp cloth to clean cabinet doors and handles.
It cut through that sticky buildup surprisingly well without making the finish look dull or dry. After wiping them with clean water and drying them, the cabinets looked noticeably fresher.
Wood Furniture That Looked Dull
A tiny amount on a soft cloth helped remove fingerprints, dust, and light grime from dining chairs and wood tables.
Instead of leaving behind a heavy, waxy shine, it gave the furniture a cleaner, more natural finish. It looked polished without looking overly treated.
Stainless Steel Appliances
We weren’t expecting much here, but diluted Murphy’s actually worked well on refrigerators and dishwashers. It removed fingerprints and light grease without leaving streaks behind.
After buffing with a dry microfiber cloth, the appliances looked cleaner and less smudged than they usually do after a quick wipe-down.
Everyday Bathroom Cleaning
Murphy’s Oil Soap isn’t a disinfectant, but for regular bathroom cleaning, it worked surprisingly well. We used a diluted mixture on counters, sinks, and tile to clean soap residue and everyday grime.
One thing we liked immediately was the smell. It cleaned without leaving behind that overpowering chemical scent many bathroom products have.
Glass Stovetop Messes
For light grease splatters and everyday stovetop messes, Murphy’s handled the job well. We sprayed a diluted mixture onto the cool stovetop and wiped it down with a soft cloth.
It won’t replace a heavy-duty cleaner for burnt-on food, but for regular maintenance, it worked without scratching the surface.
Leather Furniture
We tested a very small amount on a worn leather chair, and it helped clean the surface while restoring a bit of softness. The trick is to use very little and wipe it dry immediately afterward.
It’s not something you want to overdo, but for light cleaning, it worked better than expected.
Oil-Based Clothing Stains
This was one of the more surprising uses. A small drop rubbed into an oily stain before washing helped loosen the mark enough for it to disappear in the laundry.
It worked especially well on cooking grease stains that normally cling to fabric.
Carpet Spot Cleaning
We tested it on a fresh carpet stain using a very diluted solution and gentle blotting. It lifted the surface mark without leaving behind sticky residue.
It’s definitely better for newer spills than deep, old stains, but it worked well enough to keep in mind for quick cleanups.
Cleaning Old Paint Brushes
Instead of throwing out stiff paint brushes, we soaked them in warm water mixed with Murphy’s Oil Soap. It loosened old paint surprisingly well and softened the bristles enough to reuse them.
For anyone who paints regularly, this can save a few brushes from ending up in the trash.
Removing Sticky Label Residue
Sticker residue is one of those annoyingly stubborn problems around the house. A few drops of Murphy’s Oil Soap helped break down leftover adhesive on jars, containers, and plastic surfaces.
After letting it sit briefly, the sticky residue wiped away much more easily than expected.
Squeaky Hinges
A tiny amount on a squeaky hinge helped quiet it down temporarily. It’s not a replacement for proper lubricant, but it worked as a quick fix when nothing else was nearby.
Related: 15 Ways WD-40 Can Backfire and Cause More Damage
A Mild Garden Pest Spray
Some gardeners mix diluted Murphy’s Oil Soap with water and a little oil as a gentle homemade garden spray. While it’s not a serious pesticide, it can help discourage minor pest problems on outdoor plants.
