Easily Melt Dirt And Grime Off Patio Furniture With A Forgotten Pantry Liquid

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Patio furniture gets put through the wringer. Rain, dirt, dust, sun, snow, and a myriad of other unpleasant weather conditions and substances can have a major impact on how your stylish outdoor patio space looks and feels. Unless you're incredibly loyal to your cleaning schedule, it's common to notice that things start to look a bit dingy after just a few weeks (or even days) of exposure to the elements. If your plastic, wood, or metal patio set is starting to become an eyesore in your space, don't panic — you don't need to start researching how much you should expect to spend on new patio furniture. There's an unexpected item that you might already have on hand that can leave your set sparkling, and it might even help to keep it from looking dirty as quickly: glycerin.

Glycerin is a sugar alcohol that's commonly found in food products, medicines, soaps, and skincare products. It keeps things moist, which is very important for certain foods and personal care items. If you've experimented with some more advanced cooking or baking, you might already even have some on hand — it's frequently used to prevent cracked icing and preserve baked goods. Even if you don't, however, buying a bottle won't break the bank. You can snag a gallon-sized bottle of US+ Pure Vegetable Glycerin for less than $30 on Amazon, a major savings compared to the cost of many store-bought cleaners.

Glycerin is great for breaking down stubborn layers of dirt and grime, and because it's a gentle ingredient that helps trap water, you don't have to worry about it drying out or stripping your items. After creating a simple mixture with some water and wiping down your furniture, you'll reveal a clean, shining surface — no toxic chemicals necessary.

The process of cleaning with glycerin is very simple. All you'll need is a bucket, some water, a soft cloth, and, of course, glycerin. Make a mix of five parts water to one part glycerin, then wet your cloth and use it to wipe down any wood, metal, or plastic surfaces. Because it's a mild solvent, you should notice that dirt and grime lift more easily than if you were to just clean with plain water. If you have glass surfaces outdoors, you can also use this mixture as a DIY glass cleaner. After you're done, all you have to do is let the item dry; no rinsing necessary. In fact, leaving a small amount of glycerin residue on the item can be beneficial — it will create a thin film that prevents dust from sticking to your furniture, helping to extend the amount of time you can go between cleanings.

One of the main pros of cleaning with glycerin is how safe it is. It's classified as non-toxic, non-irritating, and non-carcinogenic, doesn't include any fragrances, and won't strip your items of moisture, so it's a great alternative to harsher store-bought cleaners, especially if you're cleaning items that are delicate or made of wood. It's also readily biodegradable, so if you find yourself splashing it around while you're cleaning outdoors, there's no reason to worry about potential negative environmental impacts. While you're at it, consider the other ways this lesser-known ingredient can be used to affordably clean your home — it's great for plenty of uses, from shining up dirty floors to removing annoying adhesive residue.