Murphy Oil Soap · Fabric Stain Guard Sprays
Murphy's Murphy Multi-Use Wood Cleaning Spray
Lower concern. Soap-based aqueous cleaner with no PFAS-linked material on record.
Material as recorded is aqueous cleaning solution with soap-based surfactants, not a material linked to PFAS. Brand has no PFAS statement on record. No coating, water-repellent finish, or other treatment on record.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Aqueous cleaning solution, soap-based surfactants
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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.
Fragrance allergens and sensitization
Murphy Oil Soap contains fragrance (not fully disclosed as individual components on label). Individuals with fragrance sensitivity, asthma, or contact dermatitis may experience mild irritation; true IgE-mediated allergies are uncommon but possible with essential-oil-derived scent compounds.
Eye and mucous membrane irritation
As an anionic surfactant solution, direct eye contact can cause temporary stinging and redness. Standard precaution (rinse with water) is effective; serious injury is rare and documented only in cases of gross misuse or ingestion.
Skin irritation from prolonged contact
Repeated or prolonged direct skin contact (not rinsing hands after use) may cause mild drying or irritation in sensitive individuals, typical of any surfactant-based cleaner. Barrier damage risk is low for intermittent household use.
Ingestion toxicity (accidental)
The product is not intended for ingestion. Accidental swallowing of small amounts may cause mild GI upset; serious toxicity from soap ingestion is uncommon due to low systemic absorption, but the product should be kept away from children and pets.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions
Aqueous soap formulations typically release minimal VOC compared to solvent-based cleaners. No specific VOC testing data for this product is publicly available, but the water-based carrier suggests low off-gassing risk in normal indoor use.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Murphy Oil Soap Multi-Use is a water-based surfactant formulation derived from saponified mineral and vegetable oils, designed to clean wood without stripping finishes. The active ingredients are anionic soaps rather than synthetic detergents, which means lower toxicity and better biodegradability than typical petroleum-based cleaners. No strong solvents, caustics, or abrasive chemicals are present in the standard formulation, making it one of the gentler all-purpose cleaners on the market.
The brand's record and disclosure
Murphy Oil Soap (Colgate-Palmolive subsidiary) has a long commercial history dating to 1889 with a well-established reputation for wood care. The brand does not prominently advertise PFAS testing or exclusion claims, though the aqueous soap-based formula suggests lower PFAS risk than fluorinated or silicone-heavy alternatives. No major safety recalls or regulatory actions specific to this product line are on public record; ingredient disclosure on the label is standard but not exhaustive.
How it compares in its category
This product has lower concern than spray aerosols with propellants and silicones, but more concern than EWG-certified or plant-based niche brands. Many competing products use petroleum distillates, synthetic fragrance blends, or film-building silicones that carry higher VOC or sensitization risk. Murphy's soap-based approach avoids those pitfalls and is widely used in commercial and domestic settings without serious adverse reports.
If you buy it
Use only as directed on the label and avoid contact with eyes and skin; rinse treated surfaces with clean water if skin contact occurs. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain stability; the product has no known heat-sensitivity concerns for typical indoor storage. Ventilate moderately during application to avoid inhalation of spray mist, though the formula poses minimal respiratory risk. Replace the bottle if the spray mechanism fails or the product shows signs of separation or odor change.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% 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.
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