Murphy’s Oil Soap Liquid Wood Cleaner 32 Ounce review for natural wood care

Description

A Trustworthy Cleaning Companion for Wood Surfaces

I recently started using Murphy’s Oil Soap Liquid Wood Cleaner, 32 Ounce to tackle the endless task of keeping my home looking spotless. As someone who takes pride in maintaining the natural beauty of wood furniture and floors, I was drawn to its promise of being a 98% natural wood cleaner. This product claimed to be gentle yet effective on wood, free from harsh chemicals like ammonia and bleach, and biodegradable to boot. These features made it sound like the perfect addition to my cleaning arsenal, so I gave it a go.

Gentle Yet Effective Cleaning Performance

What stood out most to me was the effectiveness of this wood cleaner without compromising on gentleness. Whether I used it on my dining table, kitchen cabinets, or wooden doors, it managed to cut through grease and grime with ease. The coconut and plant-derived cleaning ingredients worked their magic without leaving behind any residue or streaks. I also noticed that it brought out a natural shine on my older wooden surfaces, giving them a refreshed and polished look.

However, I did observe that heavily soiled or neglected wood required a little extra elbow grease. While the product isn’t a miracle worker for deep stains, it’s fantastic for regular maintenance cleaning.

A Natural and Chemical-Free Approach

One of the main reasons I chose this cleaner was its biodegradable and phosphate-free formula. Knowing that it’s composed of 98% naturally derived ingredients, including water and plant-based components, gave me peace of mind when using it around my kids and pets. The absence of harsh chemicals like ammonia and bleach made it feel safer for both my family and the environment.

The light, natural fragrance was another pleasant surprise. Unlike some overpowering cleaners, this one left behind a subtle, fresh scent that wasn’t too “chemical-y” or artificial.

Ease of Application

Using the cleaner was as simple as can be. I diluted it with water as instructed and applied it with a soft cloth to my wooden surfaces. The 2.21 x 4.76 x 10.06-inch bottle is easy to handle, and for a liquid cleaner, it doesn’t feel overly bulky or heavy. At 2 pounds in weight, it’s manageable during everyday cleaning tasks, even for someone like me who’s juggling chores and kids.

The only minor hiccup was the lack of a spray nozzle or pump, which would have made application quicker. While it’s not a dealbreaker, having to pour it out manually added a small extra step to my cleaning routine.

Positive Features

Here are some of the key benefits of this wood cleaner:

• 98% natural formula with biodegradable, plant-derived ingredients.
• Free from ammonia, bleach, and other harsh chemicals.
• Works well on a variety of surfaces, including wood tables, cabinets, and doors.
• Leaves behind a natural shine without streaks or residue.
• Trusted brand with over 100 years of experience in wood care.

Areas for Improvement

While the product performs admirably in most aspects, there are a few caveats worth mentioning:

• Not ideal for deep stains or neglected wood; requires more effort for tougher cleaning jobs.
• Manual pouring can be inconvenient without a spray nozzle or pump.
• The liquid consistency might feel slightly runny for some users.

Competing Products

In the vast world of wood cleaners, several competing brands caught my attention. For instance, Pledge and Method also offer wood-cleaning solutions with natural ingredients. While they’re comparable in terms of being eco-friendly, I found Murphy’s Oil Soap to have a slight edge in terms of its time-tested reputation and the balance it strikes between cleaning power and gentleness.

That said, if you need a product for heavy-duty cleaning, some competitors like Bona or Weiman may outperform this one. They’re designed to tackle tougher grime but often come with stronger chemical formulations, which might not appeal to everyone.

Value for Money

When it comes to affordable quality, this wood cleaner delivers. Its biodegradable formula, versatility across multiple surfaces, and the trust associated with the brand justify the investment. While it might not be the cheapest option on the market, the peace of mind from using a safer, natural product is worth the slightly higher price point.

I’d recommend this product to anyone looking for a gentle yet effective wood cleaner that prioritizes natural ingredients and environmental safety. It’s not a heavy-duty cleaner, but for maintaining the beauty of your wood surfaces, it performs beautifully.

Additional information