All the Smart Ways to Use Glycerin in Your Home
When it comes to putting together your arsenal of standard household products, you probably already have things like white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and nail polish remover somewhere in your closet or under your sink. But what about glycerin?
That’s right: it’s more than a skincare ingredient and the name of Bush’s 1994 hit (although it’s spelled “glycerine” in British). In fact, glycerin has many beneficial uses in the home. Here are a few.
What is glycerin?
Glycerin, also known as glycerol , is a clear, viscous, slightly sweet-tasting, water-soluble liquid that belongs to the alcohol family of organic compounds. It is used as a solvent for flavors and food colorings, and as a sweetener, plasticizer, emollient, and bulking agent in low-fat foods.
But glycerin is probably best known as an ingredient in personal care products such as soaps, toothpaste, mouthwashes, skin care products, hair care products, lubricants, and cosmetics. This is because it acts as a humectant – meaning it can attract and bind moisture.
The use of glycerin in everyday life
Plant-based glycerin is available for purchase at most pharmacies and major grocery stores. A six-ounce bottle of store-bought glycerin will set you back about $4. Here are some ways to use it in your home:
In the refrigerator and freezer
Are there a few dried and stuck foods on the bottom of your refrigerator and freezer that can’t be removed and that you thought were now part of the appliance? After trying to scrape off as much of the stubborn food as you can, apply some glycerine, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe off any mess.
In the laundry room
Glycerin helps in removing various stains, especially greasy stains such as tar or oil. Pre-treat the stain with glycerine, then wash the garment or piece of fabric as usual. You can also make your own stain remover using glycerin, liquid castile soap, water, and additional essential oil.
In the garage
Because glycerin is a common ingredient in commercial antifreezes as well as lubricants, it can serve many purposes in a garage. For example, it can be applied to hydraulic jacks to lubricate and prevent freezing.