Murphy Oil Soap · Outdoor Furniture Cushion Protectants
Murphy Oil Soap Wood Cleaner
Lower concern. Material as recorded contains no components linked to PFAS.
Murphy Oil Soap Wood Cleaner is formulated with mineral oil, soap, and water. The material as recorded is not linked to PFAS, and no water-repellent finish or PFAS-related coating is on record.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
mineral oil, soap, water
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
You may also be interested in
Top-graded picks in the categories readers replace first, every one scored on the same rubric.
- polypropylene filter housing, carbon/sediment cartridge
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Bacterial growth in spent cartridges
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Aquasure
Premier Series 75 GPD Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
- RO membrane, carbon filters, stainless steel housing
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Bacterial and microbial growth in housing and filters
4 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Avocado
Vegan Mattress
- organic cotton, natural latex, coconut coir, recycled steel coils
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Heavy metals
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
What Murphy Oil Soap Wood Cleaner is made of, ingredients and materials
Murphy Oil Soap is formulated from mineral oil, soap (saponified oils), and water. Mineral oil is a highly refined petroleum derivative with no volatilization hazard at room temperature, making off-gassing a non-concern for this product class. The soap component acts as an emulsifier to allow oil and water to mix, a standard food-safe surfactant approach. No aromatic solvents, aldehydes, or harsh organics are present in the standard formulation.
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.
Skin sensitization and irritation from fragrance or soap components
While mineral oil and soap are low-irritancy, prolonged skin contact or use in individuals with eczema or fragrance sensitivity may cause mild irritation. No documented allergic reactions to the formulation are on record, but fragrance is present in some formulations and should be rinsed off skin promptly.
Bacterial or mold growth in the product or on treated surfaces
Water content in the formulation can support microbial growth if the sealed bottle is contaminated or stored improperly. On wood surfaces, residual moisture from diluted application may promote mold if ventilation is poor; always allow surfaces to dry fully and ensure airflow.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and off-gassing
Mineral oil-based formulation has no documented volatile components. Water-based delivery and soap-based emulsification mean no aromatic or aliphatic solvent off-gassing is expected during or after application.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Standard Murphy Oil Soap formulations do not contain formaldehyde resins, urea-formaldehyde, or formaldehyde-releasing biocides. The product relies on its oil and soap chemistry for preservation, not aldehyde compounds.
Source, ATSDR ↗Heavy metals
Mineral oil is a refined petroleum fraction with no inherent heavy metal load. The product contains no colored pigments or dyes that would introduce lead, cadmium, or antimony contamination.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Murphy Oil Soap (owned by Colgate-Palmolive) has maintained a stable, minimalist ingredient list for decades with no major safety recalls tied to the cleaner itself. The brand does not publish detailed safety certifications or disclose PFAS testing status, though the product's simple mineral oil base makes PFAS presence unlikely. No established controversies regarding toxic residues or off-gassing exist in public health databases.
How it compares in its category
This product sits in the lower-volatility segment of wood cleaners. It avoids the solvent-heavy profiles of some commercial wood polishes (which may contain petroleum distillates or phenolic compounds) and the potential formaldehyde off-gassing of some varnish-based alternatives. As a simple cleanser rather than a sealant or stain, it poses fewer long-term indoor air quality risks than furniture refinishing products.
If you buy it
Apply diluted (as directed on label) to wood surfaces with minimal pooling to avoid swelling or water damage to veneers or joints. Ensure good ventilation during application, though fume risk is minimal. Do not use on unsealed or water-sensitive wood finishes. Store in a cool place away from heat; no special containment needed. Replace if the product separates significantly or develops mold (indicates water contamination), though shelf life is typically 2-3 years unopened.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 82% 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 Murphy Oil Soap Wood Cleaner?
Blazing Needles
74 in by 19 in Outdoor Solid Polyester Tufted Chaise Lounge Cushion
- 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.