8 Ways This Lesser-Known Ingredient Can Affordably Clean Your Home

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There are a lot of hacks that tout natural ingredients you can use to clean your home. We've all tried them, alone or in varying combinations: lemon, baking soda, vinegar, even Epsom salt. But did you know there is a natural ingredient that is not only effective at cleaning, but costs around 50 cents per ounce? Glycerin is a natural additive with cleaning properties. And considering that you can target multiple surfaces by adding just a small amount to warm water, you are sure to get the most bang for your buck. 

Glycerin (also known as glycerol) is a by-product of the soap-making process, derived from vegetable or animal fats. It is also known as a sugar alcohol that is clear, odorless, and sweet tasting (though you shouldn't eat it). Glycerin can boost the effectiveness of other home cleaning solutions, create dust-repellant surfaces, and can clean and remove even the toughest laundry stains. It is also a mild solvent that would be a non-toxic alternative to traditional cleansers. You can safely use the product on many surfaces in your home. And as a bonus, it is a common ingredient in cosmetics to help retain moisture in the skin, so it won't dry out your hands.

Adding two or three drops of a product like this Now Foods Solutions Vegetable Glycerin to warm water can be an effective way to clean windows, letting in more light and reducing the number of times you have to clean them. The glycerin provides a smooth finish to the surface that repels dirt and dust. Not only will you save money cleaning your windows with this solution, but you'll also save time. If you accidentally use too much, go over the surface again with a microfiber cloth to remove the excess glycerin.

Looking for a toxin-free, all-natural way to get your floors shiny and clean? You guessed it — glycerin is the answer. One teaspoon added to a gallon of warm water will not only lift stubborn dirt, but it will also leave your floors shiny without a waxy buildup. You can also combine it with vinegar and a small amount of mild dish soap in your bucket for even more cleaning power and shine.

Glycerin has been shown to be an excellent stain remover in fabric and carpet due to its solvent properties, especially if you're dealing with a dried stain. It works best for things like mustard, coffee, berries, and even tar. You would simply dab some glycerin directly onto the stain, rub, and allow it to sit for an hour. If you are removing stains from clothes, wash the garments after treatment as you normally would. If you are using it on carpet, blot the area then use a wet cloth to finish the stain removal process.

Removing stickers from glass or plastic can be a challenge, but there is an easy solution. Because glycerin is a byproduct of vegetable fat, it works well to remove adhesive or sticker residue. Simply pour some on the area, allow it to sit for about an hour, and then scrape or wipe it away. After you've removed the sticky residue, wash the item or clean it with a damp cloth.

The secret of using glycerin to clean and moisturize leather is actually well-known in the equine world. Saddle soap is popular for cleaning and restoring leather saddles. Not surprisingly, its main ingredient is glycerin, which means it is perfectly suited for use on any leather items. You would just use a few drops on a cloth and rub it into the leather, be it a sofa or your favorite jacket. It will remove dirt and keep the leather clean and supple. It's a great option to restore leather without using expensive cleaners.

Because glycerin works so well on dried stains, it makes sense that it would be effective with stuck-on food. Have you ever had a spill or old particles in your refrigerator or freezer that just won't come clean? Not to worry — Glycerin is a natural product that'll de-grime your fridge in an instant. Just add a few drops to the mess, let it sit for about 15 minutes, then rinse it clean. It's perfect for the kitchen because it's non-toxic and won't harm you or your family.

Just as when you use glycerin to clean your windows or mirrors, this all-natural additive can create a protective barrier for silverware. Using it on a microfiber cloth to clean and polish your silver will keep it cleaner longer and will save you time and money. Simply mix one part glycerin with two parts water and wet a microfiber cloth with the mixture. Then polish your silverware, rinse with warm water, and dry with a separate cloth.

Keeping your patio furniture clean is a lot easier when you use a glycerin solution. Once again, its dirt repellent properties can save the day. You would simply mix one part glycerin with five parts warm water and wipe down your patio furniture with a cloth or sponge. This will repel dust, dirt, and grime and will keep your furniture looking nice year-round. To ensure there is no residue left behind, you may want to wipe the furniture with a damp cloth after cleaning.