Murphy's oil soap and painting

I have wooden furniture that is from a home with lots of heavy smokers. I want to paint these, but first I feel they must be cleaned. Would murphy's oil soap leave a residue that would interfere with the painting??
  4 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Jun 15, 2016
    I am not a fan of Murphys oil soap. It does leave a film. My opinion. I would use the good old vinegar and water mixture in a spray bottle,wipe clean and allow to dry.
  • William William on Jun 15, 2016
    Janet is correct. I use Murphys OIl Soap for cleaning wood surfaces. It does leave a film that acts as a wood protectant. Go with the vinegar and water. The vinegar will cut thru the grime, nicotine, and odor.
  • Linda Santo Linda Santo on Jun 15, 2016
    I think clear ammonia works better but ventilate well
  • CK CK on Jun 17, 2016
    Yes! It will leave an oily residue that's really hard to remove. I like everyone else's idea of vinegar and water too. However you might even try Dawn dishsoap on warm water. Rinse, wipe dry and allow to completely dry before any refinishing or painting. The thing is unless the wood furniture is unsealed (that is no varnish or other finish) you are not cleaning the wood but rather the finish itself. It's safe to clean with water just don't let it sit on surfaces a long time. If the smoke odor lingers you may have to set the furniture outside (out of direct sunshine) for several days. It's amazing how that can rid things of stinky odors :-)