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6 Uses for Murphy’s Oil Soap You Hadn’t Thought About

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When it comes to cleaning leather tack, one name that has been used for generations is Murphy’s Oil Soap. Its efficacy and efficiency in cleaning is not questionable and is evident in its popularity for more than a century.

Many people also use Murphy’s Oil Soap to clean surfaces like kitchen sinks, tiles, etc. Chances are high that your grandparents have used it and recommended it to others.

Here is a list of 6 uses of Murphy’s Oil Soap that your grandparents did not tell you (or anyone else) because they simply did not know them.

1. Keep Your Garden Plants Healthy

Murphy’s Oil Soap is the magic formula that makes a safe insecticide with lemon juice and water.

Mix a couple of drops of Murphy’s Oil Soap in a spray bottle and fill with hot water. Add lemon juice for a nice smell if you like and spray it on your plants to keep them free from pesky insects.

Who knew that this wonder formula will render your garden healthy. With this multi-purpose stable staple, you can enjoy the views of a beautiful garden along with a squeaky clean leather tack.

2. Make Your Dried Paint-Brushes New Again

Colorful paint brushes

An artist’s worst nightmare is leaving the paint brushes soaked in oil paints. Once the paint dries in the brush, the bristles become stiff and rough.

It is very difficult to clean a paint brush that is dried with oil paint in its bristles, but not if you have Murphy’s Oil Soap.

All you have to do is to keep the brushes dipped in it for up to 2 days, and that’s all. It will dissolve the dried paint from between the bristles and leave the brushes as good as new.

3. Clean Your Grooming Brushes

Adding just a few tablespoons of Murphy’s Oil Soap to a bucket of warm water can be a great quick cleaning option for your horse brushes.

Just dip the brushes in, swirl them around and then work the soapy water into the bristles with your fingers. Rinse them off, set them to dry and your brushes will be clean as new.

Just remember, this doesn’t disinfect them, so check out my other article for more information on cleaning and disinfecting your horse brushes.

4. Remove Stubborn Marks of Permanent Marker

We all have occasions where we use a permanent marker on a white board. This is more common in households with children.

A great way to remove those stubborn marks of permanent markers without damaging the surface or shine of the white-board is to use Murphy’s Oil Soap.

A little rubbing is all that takes to get rid of those marks. Try it to believe it.

5. Restore Shine on Clear Wood Furniture

Curved and carved wooden furniture tends to accumulate dirt and grime over time. It takes a lot of effort to restore the clean shine on these surfaces, but not if you have Murphy’s Oil Soap at hand.

Mix it with an equal volume of paint thinner and rub on the wooden furniture that needs a clean-up. You will be surprised with the results.

6. Murphy’s Oil Soap Daily Tack Spray Recipe

leather western trail saddles

While Murphy’s Oil Soap is a great deep cleaner for your leather goods, you can also use it as a daily tack spray by simply diluting it with a little bit of water.

1/3 Murphy’s Oil Soap and 2/3 Water should do the trick. Shake well before using, spray it on your tack and wipe down with a soft cloth. (Old socks work great for this!)

A quick wipe down after each ride will help your tack stay moist and healthy in between cleanings.

Where to Get It?

My favorite place is Amazon.com but you can get it at any local grocery store or hardware store!

Murphy Oil Soap Wood Cleaner
  • Safely cleans woods
  • Contains 98% naturally derived ingredients (98% Natural Wood Cleaner. Specially formulated with: water, coconut & plant-derived cleaning ingredients, natural fragrance, and 2% synthetic ingredients.)
  • Trusted for over 100 years

Final Thoughts

Murphy’s Oil Soap is a magical formula that can be used for many purposes. I wouldn’t be surprised if there are still more uses that can be added to this list. If you try these out, I would be happy to read about your experience and add to this list. Let’s spread the goodness!