Murphy Oil Soap · Fabric Treatment Sprays
Murphy's Multi-Use Wood Cleaner Soap
Lower PFAS concern. Standard wood cleaner without high-risk coatings.
Murphy Oil Soap is a traditional plant and mineral oil-based wood cleaner with no known Teflon-family coating coatings or water-repellent treatments. No PFAS disclosure found, but material composition suggests lower inherent risk.
Shop Murphy Oil Soap on Amazon →Material
Plant-based soap, mineral oil, water
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
Category baseline
other is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Murphy Oil Soap is primarily a blend of plant-based saponified oils, mineral oil, and water, with no synthetic surfactants or harsh solvents typical of petroleum-based cleaners. The mineral oil component is a highly refined, non-toxic byproduct that does not bioaccumulate and poses minimal dermal or inhalation risk at consumer-use dilution. This formulation avoids common wood-cleaner hazards like VOCs, formaldehyde, or phenolic compounds, making it one of the gentler commercial options in its category.
The brand's record and disclosure
Murphy Oil Soap (owned by Colgate-Palmolive) has no publicly documented safety recalls, legal actions, or hazardous substance violations for the multi-use wood cleaner line. The company does not actively publicize PFAS testing or avoidance statements for this product, which is consistent with the lower PFAS risk profile of soap-based cleaners. Ingredient transparency is adequate but not exceptional; the product label lists major components but does not detail all additives or preservative systems.
How it compares in its category
Murphy Oil Soap ranks among the lowest-hazard wood cleaners available in mainstream retail, with a simpler ingredient deck than many modern multi-surface sprays that include synthetic fragrances, silicone polymers, or antimicrobial agents. Most competing products (e.g., Pledge, Burt's Bees) offer similar or marginally safer profiles, though some contain added waxes or essential oils that can leave residue buildup over time. This product's mineral oil base is less aggressive than solvent-heavy alternatives and does not strip wood finish if used as directed.
If you buy it
Dilute according to label instructions (typically 1 part cleaner to 4-8 parts water) to avoid oil buildup on wood surfaces and reduce skin contact. Use in well-ventilated areas, though volatile risk is low; mineral oil has a high flash point and does not off-gas significantly at room temperature. Store in a cool, dark cabinet away from children and pets; the bottle should remain sealed to prevent oxidation. Replace if the product visibly separates or develops an off-odor, though shelf life is typically 2-3 years under normal storage.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Mineral oil dermal/inhalation exposure
Mineral oil in wood cleaners is non-toxic at consumer dilution and does not carry established reproductive, carcinogenic, or neurotoxic hazards. Risk is further minimized by proper ventilation and glove use.
Fragrance allergens or sensitizers
Murphy Oil Soap's product line often contains fragrance blends; while the base scent is mild, undisclosed fragrance components may trigger contact dermatitis or respiratory sensitivity in susceptible individuals. Full fragrance ingredient disclosure is not provided on standard retail labels.
Microbial growth or contamination in concentrate
No recalls or field reports of bacterial or fungal contamination in Murphy Oil Soap containers exist on record. The high mineral oil and soap content naturally inhibit microbial growth, though opened bottles should not be left open or contaminated with water.
Heavy metals in pigments or mineral components
Mineral oil is a refined petroleum byproduct with no known heavy metal accumulation; plant-based soap components are not associated with cadmium, lead, or mercury under standard manufacturing. No testing data has been published, but no contamination incidents are documented.
Product degradation or rancidity over time
Plant-based oils in the formulation can oxidize if stored in warm, humid, or light-exposed conditions, potentially producing minor off-odors or separation; this does not pose acute toxicity but indicates product aging and reduced efficacy.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 78% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
More fabric treatment sprays grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.