9 things you can clean with glycerin – this cheap and natural cleaner is perfect for indoor and outdoor use

Often found in cough medicines and sweet treats, glycerin is a common pantry good you may not know has major cleaning power. It works to break down even the most stubborn stains by loosening where they adhere to your stuff, and as a naturally hydrating solvent, your items won't become dried out and prone to cracking in the process.

To find out what you can use this non-toxic cleaning essential to spruce up, we consulted cleaning experts. You'll be surprised by just how versatile glycerin is for cleaning both inside and outside of your home.

Things you can clean with glycerin outdoors

Glycerin is a great choice for cleaning a variety of outdoor furniture and brickwork as it's gentle and chemical-free. You don't have to worry about the cleaning product leaving behind a pungent smell or residue, or stripping any paint or wood.

Here are six things you can clean with glycerin outdoors according to Muffetta Krueger, professional cleaner and owner of Muffetta's Housekeeping, and Karina Toner, professional cleaner and operations manager at Spekless.

1. Most patio furniture

If you have outdoor furniture made from wood, metal or plastic, it can be safely cleaned using glycerin. Using glycerin won't only make them look better, but will also naturally work to repel dust from sticking to the surface.

To clean your patio furniture using glycerin, Muffetta says, 'Mix one part of glycerin with five parts of water, and use a cloth to wipe down your patio furniture pieces.' The MR.SIGA Microfiber Cleaning Cloths from Walmart are a good pick as they're soft and link-free.

It's important to dilute the glycerin significantly to ensure it leaves no residue behind. If you're feeling unsure about this, we recommend investing in some measuring cups like the Faberware Professional 10 Piece Plastic Nesting Measuring Cup and Spoon Set from Walmart, and wiping over your patio furniture again after cleaning using a damp cloth saturated only with water.

2. Paving slabs and garden stones

Your paving ideas and stone features can gain a new lease of life if they're given a once-over with some glycerin. The glycerin will work to gently dissolve dirt, debris and moss that has accumulated on these surfaces, and once rinsed, nothing will be left behind.

'To clean paving slabs and rock landscaping stones, mix equal parts glycerin with warm water, scrub it into your surfaces with a brush, and rinse everything off for cleaner pathways.'

It's best to use a brush that isn't too abrasive or too soft, like the Scrub Brush - Everspring™ available at Walmart for average stone pavers. The bristles on this brush are stiff enough to scrub stone properly but not so hard that it will get scratched.

3. Outdoor lights and fixtures

This is a neat little hack: if you wipe down your outdoor light covers using diluted glycerin, they will repel dust and stay clearer for longer!

'Doing this also helps to prevent your light covers from fogging, ensuring better illumination from your lighting ideas,' adds Muffetta.

To do this, simply wipe your light covers using a microfiber cloth, such as durable Mr. SIGA cloths from Walmart, saturated with equal parts glycerin and water. Make sure to dry the light covers thoroughly afterward to prevent water stains from developing or electrocution risks.

4. Outdoor grills and firepits

Tired of working with a messy grill and tediously trying to remove soot from your fire pit? Glycerin may be just what you're looking for.

'Grease and soot are some of the toughest stains to remove from outdoor cooking and heating areas,' says Karina. 'Glycerin cuts through grease and helps break down soot, ash, and buildup without damaging surfaces.'

To remove grime and clean a charcoal grill simply combine equal parts glycerin and an unscented dish soap like the Dapple Baby Bottle and Dish Soap available at Walmart, and scrub the mixture into the grill using a scrubbing brush. Then, rinse.

'If you're tackling really stubborn grease, let this mixture sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing so the glycerin has extra time to work at breaking the grime down,' says Karina.

Do the exact same with your fire pit or outdoor fireplace, but change the water to glycerin ratio to 1/2 a cup of glycerin per gallon of warm water.

5. Poolside tile and decking

As better weather approaches, you may refocus on pool maintenance by cleaning up around the pool and decking. Since cleaning with glycerin is hydrating, it's a great solution to use when cleaning water-prone areas, as it won't harshly strip your surfaces of their usual moisture.

'Cleaning the likes of outdoor tile and decking with glycerin is also a great idea because after cleaning, it leaves behind a thin protective layer that preserves decking and helps to slow down the growth of mold and mildew,' adds Karina.

To clean your poolside tile and decking using glycerin, mix equal parts glycerin and white vinegar (the Great Value Distilled White Vinegar, 64 fl oz from Walmart is highly affordable). Then, use a mop or stiff brush like the SUGARDAY Heavy Duty Scrub Brush from Walmart to scrub.

'Pay special attention to any grout lines and slippery areas that could use extra care when cleaning,' says Karina. Once the solution is applied, leave it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing it thoroughly away using a hose.

When working with non-toxic cleaning supplies, such as glycerin, you may have to leave them on for longer or repeat the process for particularly dirty areas.

It's recommended to only do this in warm weather so the sun can naturally dry your tile and decking, preventing the development of mold or rot.

Things you can clean with glycerin indoors

Glycerin is also amazing at tackling indoor cleaning jobs, helping to maintain the shine of surfaces without stripping moisture or causing damage.

Here are four things you can clean with glycerin indoors, according to Muffetta and Reuven Noiman, owner of On Time Steam Cleaning.

6. Windows

If you've dreamt of crystal-clear windows, using a few drops of glycerin to make a homemade window cleaner will do just the trick.

'Due to glycerin's hygroscopic properties, it makes it effective at attracting and retaining moisture which then helps prevent dust from settling on surfaces like your windows,' says Reuven.

To clean your windows (indoors or outdoors), simply add a few drops of glycerin into a liter of water and wipe your windows down with a clean microfiber cloth or a squeegee, such as the ITTAHO Swivel Window Cleaning Squeegee from Walmart. Don't forget to thoroughly dry the windows afterward to prevent streaks, water spots and frame rot.

Using distilled water, available in bulk from Amazon, will help prevent any streaks from mineral deposits in your tap water, even if the window is left to air dry.

7. Mirrors

For the same reasoning as windows, glycerin is a perfect solution for keeping mirrors fog-free and superbly clean.

'Glycerin prevents mirror condensation and streaks, repels dust, and minimizes fog buildup on glass surfaces, making it an excellent cleaner for windows, mirrors, and even eyeglasses,' says Muffetta.

According to Muffetta, the best way to clean your home's mirrors using glycerin is to dilute it down with 10 parts water and apply it using a spray bottle. Then, wipe the mirror dry with a microfiber cloth. Any spray bottle will do, such as the 17 fl oz Garden Spray Bottle - Room Essentials™ from Target, but since you won't be using a lot of the spray on your mirrors, the bottle doesn't need to be too large.

'Pro tip,' adds Muffetta. 'To prevent fogging on mirrors and eyeglasses, apply a thin layer of pure glycerin, then buff it in with a dry cloth.'

8. Leather goods

Since glycerin is a hydrating solution, it's ideal for cleaning items made from leather as it won't sap the material's naturally-occurring moisture. So whether you're seeking to clean couch cushions without damaging them or shine up your leather purse, glycerin is a great option to consider.

'Leather can dry out and crack over time, but glycerin acts as a natural conditioner by keeping it supple and preventing moisture loss,' says Muffetta.

In the same way as a leather conditioner, a few drops of glycerin on a soft cloth can be buffed into the material, enhancing shine and removing surface dirt. A microfiber cloth is ideal, but if you're concerned for your items consider investing in a premium variety like the MR.SIGA Premium Microfiber Cloths from Walmart. These are softer than usual microfiber cloths and designed for buffing.

Microfiber cloths wash really well and will help you clean your home sustainably, as they reduce the need for one-use paper towels. When washing microfiber clothes in the washer, skip fabric softener to help the material retain its water-absorbing properties.

9. Silverware

Lastly, if your silverware has seen better days, cleaning with glycerin will return them to their former glory in no time. Muffetta taught me that it works in much the same way as buffing leather goods, creating a protective barrier on your cutlery while simultaneously cleaning.

When cleaning flatware, mix one part glycerin with two parts water and gently rub the solution into the silverware using a microfiber cloth. Once this is done, rinse everything off using warm water and dry everything using a separate microfiber cloth. This cloth can also be used for polishing silverware.

'Pro tip,' says Muffetta. 'Store your silverware wrapped up in a glycerin-treated cloth to slow down tarnishing.'

Meet the experts

Reuven Noiman

Reuven Noiman is the proud owner of On Time Steam Cleaning, which has been operating for 23 years and helps around 8,000 per year with their cleaning needs. With a diverse background spanning various industries, Reuven has cultivated a unique blend of skills and expertise that he believes have been instrumental in shaping his success in premier cleaning services.

Karina Toner

Karina has been a professional cleaner and operations manager at Spekless Cleaning, one of the top-rated cleaning companies in D.C, since 2019. With a strong commitment to quality, Spekless proudly serves over 10,000 customers each year across Washington, D.C., Virginia and parts of Maryland, setting the standard for excellence in the cleaning industry. Karina is a particular fan of natural cleaning solutions, using them at home and in clients' properties to deliver the best clean possible while reducing the impact of that work on the planet.

Muffetta Krueger

Muffetta Krueger is a professional cleaner and the founder of Thorough Cleaning and Concierge (still thriving under new ownership) and the Muffetta Brand, which encompasses both a line of natural cleaning products and a renowned housekeeping service (Muffetta’s Housekeeping). She has been working in the domestic service business for over 15 years.

If you're looking to delve deeper into the world of non-toxic cleaning supplies, there's lots of insightful ideas to explore. But first, hear from this professional cleaner firsthand why you don't need harsh chemicals in your cleaning kit to do the job well.