Leather is a beautiful and luxurious material, but it can be difficult to keep clean. If you’re not careful, your leather furniture or accessories can become stained and dirty. In this comprehensive guide, we will answer the question of whether or not you can use Murphy’s oil soap on leather. We’ll provide useful tips on how to clean leather properly, as well as how to treat any existing stains. So read on to find out everything you need to know about using Murphy’s oil soap on the leather!
Murphy’s Oil Soap and Its Uses
Leather is a natural material that can be very delicate depending on the type and quality. However, unlike other items, it requires special care to keep it in top condition. And the best way to clean your leather items is to do so with products specifically formulated for them.
Leather needs to be kept moisturized in order to stay strong and flexible. It also needs to be periodically cleaned of dirt, dust, and debris in order to keep it looking its best. Natural cleaners are usually considered less risky than chemical cleaners because they won’t leave behind any residue or grease that might attract dirt or cause the leather to become brittle/discolored.
It is important to remember that not all leathers are the same. Some may be very delicate and require special care, while others may be more durable and can handle harsher cleaning products. It is also important to look at the manufacturer’s instructions for any specific information regarding cleaning your particular item of leather before using it.
Murphy’s oil soap is mainly used as a floor cleaner and is suitable for use on tile, linoleum, hardwood, and laminate floors. It is also used to clean kitchen cabinets and countertops.
So this leads us to the question: can you use Murphy’s Oil Soap on leather?
The short answer is yes, you can use Murphy’s Oil Soap on leather. However, it is important to note that Murphy’s Oil Soap should not be used as a general-purpose cleaner or conditioner for all types of leather. It may be suitable for some but not all types of leather, so it is important to take the time to do your research before using it on any type of leather product. [1] [2]
Benefits Of Using Murphy’s Oil Soap On Leather
To get the point across better, we will start by discussing some of the benefits of using Murphy’s Oil Soap on leather in detail. All these benefits apply to the cleaning aspect of it and its ability to remove dirt and debris from the surface.
It can prevent the leather from staining
As we mentioned Murphy’s Oil Soap is a mild cleaner that doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals or abrasives. This makes it ideal for cleaning leather to remove dirt and other debris without damaging the material. Because it does not leave behind any residue, Murphy’s Oil Soap can help prevent staining on leather by removing surface dirt and grime before it has a chance to set in.
While leather is pretty resistant to staining, it can still happen if dirt and grime are allowed to sit on the surface for too long. Using Murphy’s Oil Soap regularly can help keep your leather clean and looking its best.
It can be used as a leather cleaner
This makes Murphy’s Oil Soap an excellent cleaner for leather. It works by removing dirt and debris from the surface of the leather without leaving behind any residue or damaging the material. Moreover, it doesn’t contain harsh chemicals that could damage the leather in any way. In fact, Murphy’s Oil Soap can be used to clean even delicate materials such as suede and nubuck leather without any problems.
In addition to being a great cleaner, one of the biggest benefits of using Murphy’s Oil Soap on leather is its gentleness. The soap does not contain abrasive particles that could scratch or damage your leather items when you’re cleaning them with it.
It can work as a leather conditioner
The fatty acids and oils in Murphy’s Oil Soap work well to condition and soften the leather. This helps to keep the material supple and looking its best, while also preventing it from drying out. It is important to note, however, that this should only be done periodically as too much oil can lead to a buildup of dirt and debris on the surface which will eventually cause the leather to become discolored or even cracked over time.
While professional leather conditioners can’t be totally replaced by Murphy’s Oil Soap, they can be used to supplement the overall care of your leather goods.
It has antifungal and antibacterial properties
Murphy’s Oil Soap is known to have antifungal and antibacterial properties, which can help protect the leather from mold, mildew, and other forms of bacteria that may cause damage. This helps to keep your leather items safe from any potential contamination or degradation.
This is due to the fact that the formula contains oils that have natural antifungal and antibacterial properties. As such, it can help protect the leather from bacteria and mold that could potentially cause damage to the material over time.
It’s non-toxic
Using toxic chemicals on leather can cause major problems that cannot always be fixed. Some of these issues may include discoloration, drying out, and cracking of the material over time. In extreme cases, it could even lead to irreversible damage to your leather furniture! This is why it is important to know exactly what you should use when caring for your leather furniture.
Luckily, Murphy’s Oil Soap is non-toxic. You can use it to clean leather without worrying about any of the potential damage caused by toxic cleaners. It contains all-natural ingredients, like vegetable oil and glycerin that helps to nourish the leather while you clean.
It is effective at removing the sticky residue
Murphy’s Oil Soap is highly effective at removing sticky residue from leather due to its natural oils. This is because the soap contains a surfactant, which helps to break down and dissolve the stickiness. The result is that you are left with a clean surface free of any sticky residue. When removing sticky residue, you need to be careful not to scrub too hard and damage the leather. To make sure you don’t do any harm, it’s recommended that you use a soft cloth or brush to gently work the soap into the leather in circular motions. [2]
When Would You Want to Use Murphy’s Soap on Leather
So now that you know the benefits of using Murphy’s Oil Soap on leather, when should you actually use it? The answer is that Murphy’s Oil Soap can be used for a variety of purposes. We suggest not overusing it to clean and condition leather items but using it occasionally for spot cleaning or light deep cleaning.
For cleaning tough stains
For instance, if you have a tough stain on your leather item that won’t come out with regular cleaning, Murphy’s Oil Soap can be used to remove it. Just mix a small amount of the soap in warm water, dip a cloth in it and gently rub at the stain until it comes out.
This is ideal as you won’t need to resort to harsh chemical solutions, which can damage your leather item in the long run.
For conditioning the leather
It’s important that you never use too much Murphy’s Oil Soap on leather as it can cause the leather to become dry and stained over time. This applies to any other cleaning product too as overuse can cause more harm than good.
Also, always test the soap on a small and discreet area of your leather item before using it for cleaning or conditioning purposes. This will help you to ensure that you won’t damage your leather item in the process. [1] [2]
Is Murphy’s Oil Soap Safe on All Kinds of Leather
But there are many different types of leather, and it can be difficult to know if Murphy’s Oil Soap is suitable for them all. Generally speaking, Murphy’s Oil Soap should be safe to use on most types of leather as long as you check with the manufacturer beforehand.
It is important to note that certain types of leather may require special care and attention when cleaning. For example, suede leather needs to be handled very carefully, as it can easily stain and discolor if it is not treated properly.
In addition, delicate leather items should never be exposed to water or any other liquid cleaner as this could cause damage or discoloration over time. Instead, these items must be cleaned using a dry cloth and specialized leather cleaner. We suggest you use a specialized suede cleaner over Murphy’s oil soap when it comes to cleaning these delicate items. Nubuck leather is another material that should not be exposed to water or any other liquid cleaner. In this case, you can use a specialized nubuck cleaner or a dry cloth and Murphy’s Oil Soap if needed. [2]
How To Safely Clean Leather With Murphy’s Oil Soap
As mentioned, Murphy’s Oil Soap is safe to use on most leather items as long as you follow the directions carefully. To help you out, we decided to create a detailed step-by-step guide on how to safely clean leather with Murphy’s Oil Soap. So, let’s get going!
Wipe the surface of your leather
The first step in the process is to wipe away any loose dirt and dust from the surface of your leather. This will help ensure that Murphy’s Oil Soap can penetrate deep into the leather, getting rid of harder-to-remove grime and stains.
This can be done with a dry and clean cloth. If there are any sticky spots, you can use a slightly dampened cloth to help loosen them up. Make sure the cloth is not too wet as it can damage the leather if it gets soaked.
If you used moisture when wiping, let the leather surface air dry before proceeding.
Mix Murphy’s Oil Soap with warm water
The next step is to mix two parts of Murphy’s Oil Soap with one part of warm water. Mixing Murphy’s Oil Soap with water helps dilute the concentration of the soap, reducing its potency and making sure that it doesn’t strip away any essential oils from the surface of your leather goods. Not only does this reduce potential damage caused by using too strong a solution but also ensures your item remains clean for longer as less of its natural protective layers are taken away in the process.
We suggest you use three drops of Murphy’s Oil Soap for two cups of water. This should create the perfect diluting ratio to clean leather without causing any damage to it.
It is important to use only lukewarm water so that it doesn’t damage the leather. Make sure the solution is thoroughly mixed before proceeding.
Dampen the towel in the solution
Once you have mixed the solution, dampen a clean cloth or towel in it. Make sure that the entire cloth is soaked but not dripping. Gently wring out any excess water so that the towel is slightly damp and won’t produce suds when wiping down your leather item.
Gently wipe down your leather
Now, gently wipe down your leather item with the dampened cloth. Move in one direction to ensure an even application of Murphy’s Oil Soap on the surface of your leather. Don’t scrub too hard as this can cause damage and make sure to go over every part of the item with equal pressure.
We suggest you work in small sections and dry each section with a clean cloth as you go. This will help ensure that the leather remains evenly cleaned and reduce the possibility of streaking or discoloration.
Rinse
Once you have finished cleaning your leather item with Murphy’s Oil Soap, you will need to rinse off any remaining soap residue. You can do this by wiping down the surface with a new damp cloth. Make sure that the cloth is only damp and not wet as too much water can damage the leather.
Let the leather air dry
Once you have wiped down your entire leather item, wipe the leather with a clean and dry cloth. This will help remove any excess moisture from the leather surface and prevent it from drying too quickly or unevenly.
Let the item air dry for a few hours until it is completely dry before using it. If there are any stubborn grime or stains, you can use a slightly dampened cloth to gently rub them off.
And that’s it! Now you know how to safely clean leather with Murphy’s Oil Soap. Hopefully, this guide was useful and answered any questions you may have had about using Murphy’s Oil Soap on leather. One thing to keep in mind is that you should never apply a soap & water solution directly onto the leather item. Always use a damp cloth instead. [2] [3]
FAQ
What oils are OK for leather?
Leather is a natural material that requires specific oils to ensure it lasts for years to come. The most recommended oils for leather are mineral oil, neatsfoot oil, and mink oil. Mineral oil is the most common type of leather oil and is great for use on leather products such as furniture, shoes, clothing, and bags. Neatsfoot oil has been used in leather care throughout history and helps condition, soften, and restore dry or cracked leather while mink oil provides additional waterproofing properties.
What soap is safe for leather?
Leather is a delicate material that requires special cleaning and care. It can easily be damaged by harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, so you need to exercise caution when choosing a leather cleaner. Murphy’s Oil Soap is one of the most popular products for cleaning wood furniture, and surprisingly, it’s also a great option for cleaning leather.
Murphy’s Oil Soap is a natural, biodegradable cleaner that contains plant-based ingredients such as vegetable oil and coconut oil. Its mild detergent formula helps to loosen dirt and grime from surfaces without causing irritation, making it ideal for caring for delicate fabrics like leather. Murphy’s Oil Soap can be used on all types of finished or unfinished leather to clean, condition, and restore the material to its original luster and softness.
Saddle soap is another great option for cleaning leather. It’s specifically formulated to clean, condition, and waterproof leather while preserving its natural oils. Saddle soap contains glycerin, lanolin, and mild detergents which help to gently remove dirt and debris without stripping the leather of its protective layer.
What should you not use Murphy’s Oil Soap on?
Murphy’s Oil Soap is generally not advised to be used on wood despite being marketed as a wood cleaner. It may strip away the polish and cause discoloration, especially on lighter woods like pine. When it penetrates into the wood, Murphy’s Oil Soap can darken the wood.
Murphy’s Oil Soap is also not suitable for softer leathers, like those used in upholstery or clothing. The soap may be too harsh and can leave a residue that can damage the material with repeated use. Additionally, using Murphy’s Oil Soap on suede will darken and harden it irreversibly.
What not to use on leather?
Leather is a delicate material that requires special care. In order to keep it looking its best, you should avoid using any harsh or abrasive cleaning products on your leather items. Harsh chemicals and strong detergents can strip away the natural oils in the leather, cause discoloration, and lead to premature wear.
We suggest you use a specialized leather cleaner, like saddle soap or mink oil. It’s also important to use a gentle cloth and let the cleaner work into the leather instead of scrubbing it too hard.
And don’t forget to condition your leather after cleaning. A quality conditioner will help keep the leather hydrated and looking its best!
Can you use wood cleaner on leather?
The answer to this question depends on the type of wood cleaner and the kind of leather. Generally speaking, it is not recommended to use any type of wood cleaner on leather because it may contain harmful ingredients that can damage the material. However, there are some cleaners specifically designed for leather that contain natural oils or waxes that are safe to use on certain types of leather.
Murphy’s Oil Soap is a popular wood cleaner but its effectiveness on leather depends on what kind of leather it is. Still, you should generally have no problems using Murphy’s Oil Soap on leather that is fully finished, protected with a sealant, or has already been treated with an oil-based product. When applying this cleaner to the leather, use a soft cloth and be sure to wipe off any excess residue after cleaning.
Useful Video: Clean with Me | Murphy Oil Soap | Cleaning Motivation
Conclusion
When it comes to cleaning your leather items, it is important to know what product you can use safely. Murphy’s Oil Soap may be safe for some leather items, but not all. Before using Murphy’s Oil Soap on your leather item, make sure to test a small area of the leather to ensure that it will not damage or discolor it. If you do decide to use this product on your leather item, remember to condition the piece after cleaning in order to keep the leather soft and supple.
However, generally, you shouldn’t have any issues with using Murphy’s Oil Soap on leather if you follow the instructions carefully. Murphy’s soap is an effective cleaner and can be used to clean many different types of leather. In addition to that, it’s a great leather conditioner and can be used to make the leather softer and more pliable while protecting it against dirt and debris.
In this section, we have answered the question “can you use Murphy’s Oil Soap on leather?” by providing you with insight into what this product can and cannot do for various types of leather. We also have highlighted all the benefits of the product, including its ability to clean and condition the leather, along with some important tips for using it safely.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for a cleaner and conditioner that can handle all kinds of leather items in your home, Murphy’s Oil Soap is an excellent choice. It is affordable, easy to use, and safe when used as directed. With these tips at your disposal, you now know how to keep your leather items looking new and lasting longer.
Enjoyed this article? Check out our other guides on caring for leather products! From cleaning to restoring and protecting, we have everything you need to help ensure your beloved leather goods stay beautiful for years!
References:
- https://www.murphyoilsoap.com/murphy-home-care/murphy-oil-soap-uses
- https://favoredleather.com/can-you-clean-leather-with-murphys-oil-soap/
- https://www.hunker.com/12001681/how-to-clean-leather-with-murphy-oil-soap