Murphy Oil Soap · Outdoor Furniture Cushion Protectants
Colgate Murphy Oil Soap Multiuse Spray
Lower PFAS concern. Traditional oil-based cleaner no fluorinated coatings.
Traditional mineral oil and surfactant blend with no documented fluorochemical treatments. Lower risk than treated or water-resistant products.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
mineral oil, water, emulsifiers, surfactants
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Colgate Murphy Oil Soap Multiuse Spray is made of, ingredients and materials
Murphy Oil Soap is formulated around mineral oil, water, and surfactant emulsifiers that allow oil and water to mix evenly. Mineral oil itself is a refined petroleum byproduct that does not volatilize at room temperature, so inhalation risk is minimal compared to solvent-based cleaners. The emulsifiers and surfactants in the formula are standard food-grade or cosmetic-grade compounds designed to be low-toxicity; no halogenated or aromatic solvents are present.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Mineral oil residue buildup
Repeated applications without dilution or removal can leave sticky film and attract dust; proper dilution and wiping minimize this risk.
Bacterial or mold growth in bottle
Water-based emulsifier formula can support microbial growth if the spray bottle is stored in humidity or contaminated; replace bottle if odor becomes musty or solution separates.
Skin or eye irritation from surfactants
Surfactants and emulsifiers are mild irritants in concentrated form; dilution as directed and avoiding direct skin contact eliminates practical risk.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Mineral oil cleaners do not rely on VOC solvents or formaldehyde-releasing resins; no off-gassing hazard typical of spray polishes is evident in this formula.
Source, ATSDR ↗Flame retardants
Murphy Oil Soap is a cleaner, not a fabric treatment or cushioning product; flame retardants are not a component of mineral oil-based furniture cleaners.
Source, EPA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Colgate-Palmolive (Murphy Oil Soap's parent company) does not publish detailed ingredient breakdowns or third-party safety certifications specific to this furniture cleaner. The product has been in continuous use for over a century with no major recall history or established safety controversies on record. The brand's silence on PFAS and flame retardants reflects typical practices for older, mineral oil-based cleaners rather than a red flag, as these products predate widespread PFAS manufacturing.
How it compares in its category
Murphy Oil Soap occupies the middle ground in furniture care, lower concern for VOC or formaldehyde risks than heavy-duty solvent strippers, but less transparent than premium eco-labeled alternatives that disclose full ingredient sources. It is chemically simpler than spray waxes or polishes that may contain silicones, nitrobenzene, or undisclosed fragrance compounds. For wood furniture, it represents a tried-and-tested approach that avoids the flame retardant and off-gassing risks of foam or upholstered furniture treatments.
If you buy it
Dilute the spray as directed (typically 1 part cleaner to 4-8 parts water) to avoid excess buildup and improve effectiveness. Use in well-ventilated areas, though volatile organic compound risk is low; mineral oil odor is normal and fades quickly. Do not use on unsealed wood, leather, or marble, as the oil can darken or stain porous surfaces. Replace the bottle every 1-2 years if stored in a humid environment, as emulsifier breakdown can cause separation or bacterial growth in standing solution.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 78% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Murphy Oil Soap has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Colgate Murphy Oil Soap Multiuse Spray?
Blazing Needles
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- Polyester fill with polyester cover
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Azo dyes in polyester textiles
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
More outdoor furniture cushion protectants 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.