Murphy Oil Soap

🚫 What is Murphy Oil Soap?

Murphy Oil Soap is a wood and multi-surface cleaner made with vegetable oils, surfactants, citrus solvents, and added fragrances. Although marketed as “natural,” it includes ingredients that may contribute to irritation or sensitivity for certain individuals.

🤔 Why Might I Have a Sensitivity to Murphy Oil Soap?

A sensitivity to Murphy Oil Soap might occur due to several possible factors related to its ingredients and your personal tolerance levels:

• Citrus solvents – These may create strong scents or fumes that trigger respiratory or skin sensitivity.

• Synthetic fragrances – These often contain multiple compounds that some people react to.

• Surfactants – These cleaning agents may contribute to dryness or irritation in certain individuals.

• Differences in detox pathways – Some people process environmental chemicals more slowly, which may lead to heightened reactivity.

• Prior exposures – Repeated or past exposure to similar ingredients may influence sensitivity over time.

🛠️ What Might I Do About It?

🌱 Choose fragrance-free or plant-based cleaners with simple ingredient lists
🌬️ Increase air circulation by opening windows or using fans during and after cleaning
🧤 Wear gloves to reduce direct skin contact
🧽 Rinse surfaces well to minimize lingering residues
💧 Support overall wellness with hydration and nutrient-dense foods
🍋 Use mild essential oils (if tolerated) in DIY cleaners as an alternative to synthetic fragrance blends

💊 Supportive General Supplements

• Vitamin C – Provides antioxidant support and helps with general wellness.

• Milk thistle – Supports natural liver processes related to detoxification.

• N-acetylcysteine (NAC) – Supports glutathione production and overall detox pathways.

• Probiotics – Support gut balance, which plays a role in general immune resilience.

• Magnesium – Supports relaxation and overall stress response.

🌟 Why Might I Have a Sensitivity to Murphy Oil Soap but Not Other Cleaners?

A Murphy Oil Soap sensitivity might occur even if other cleaners seem tolerable due to:

• Ingredient-specific sensitivity – Murphy Oil Soap includes citrus oils, vegetable oils, and fragrance compounds that differ from other products.

• Pre-existing fragrance or citrus intolerance – Even mild sensitivities may become more noticeable with certain formulas.

• Detox pathway variations – Your system might process certain solvents or oils differently than those found in other cleaners.

• Environmental layering – Exposure to similar ingredients in multiple products (air fresheners, detergents, candles) may increase total sensitivity.

• Genetic variability – Differences in how individuals metabolize environmental compounds may influence reaction patterns.

💡 Common Exposure Sources

• Wood furniture cleaning and polishing

• Hardwood floor maintenance

• Cleaning of wood cabinets

• Wiping baseboards, trim, and other wood household surfaces

✅ Alternatives (if tolerated)

• Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap – Mild, plant-based, versatile cleaner

• Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner – Designed for wood surfaces with minimal additives

• Ecos Wood Floor Cleaner – Non-toxic, plant-based cleaner

• Weiman Wood Cleaner & Polish – Gentle wood-specific cleaning formula

• Method Wood For Good – Biodegradable option for furniture and floors