I'm usually diligent with removing stains, quickly tackling marks and pre-soaking. But there were a few items in the back of my closet that I'd written off, until I tried a liquid glycerin stain removal hack from the '60s and was blown away by the results.
Yes, that stuff you usually use for a dry cough can help lift even the oldest of stains from your fabric. I was skeptical, but I gave it a go on two different types of stains and it lifted both with ease. It's why I've now added liquid glycerin to my stain station.
How liquid glycerin works to remove stains
Glycerin is a natural solvent that ‘lubricates’ and breaks down stains in fibers by bonding with the particles and loosening them, making them easier to wash away. Because glycerin is hydrating, it attracts water and retains moisture, helping to soften and loosen dried-on stains. It is so effective that even the Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute uses it.
Better yet, glycerin is non-toxic, meaning it now holds a firm spot on my list of non-toxic home essentials I swear by, helping to cut down on toxic laundry room items that could be harming your home.
Glycerin is affordable and versatile, making it the perfect stain remedy if you are looking to save money at home or be more sustainable at home.
What you will need
- Vegetable glycerin, readily available at Amazon
- Warm water
- An old, clean toothbrush, or a soft fine-bristled scrubbing brush, is available at Walmart
How to use glycerin to remove stains
We also had a cloth to hand in case of sticky spills.
For each of the stains, the method remained the same.
- Coat the stain in glycerin – I poured a little bit onto the stain and then spread it out with the back of the toothbrush I was using. When I tested the method out with my mom, she used her finger, which works just as well, but it is very sticky!
- Let the glycerin sit – The hardest part about this golden rule for stain removal is the waiting. I let each stain sit for around 15 minutes.
- Scrub with the damp toothbrush – Usually, when getting a stain out of a white shirt (or any fabric for that matter), the last thing you want to do is scrub. Given that these are old stains that are unlikely to spread, however, scrubbing is the perfect remedy. With the toothbrush thoroughly soaked in warm water, I set to work, scrubbing until I saw the stain lightening.
- Rinse with water and wash – As you’ll see in the results to follow, at this stage the stains were either gone or nearly gone (if there was some lingering, I would repeat steps one through three again). The fabric was really sticky at this point, so I rinsed it under the faucet with warm water before throwing the item in my best washing machine, doing laundry as normal. Lo and behold – no more staining.
Ecover has become a staple for many of my family members. I use it to keep eczema and acne under control, my mom uses it to help psoriasis, and my grandmother uses it to avoid setting off my grandad's respiratory condition. It's also perfect for delicate fabrics.
While glycerin is now my go-to for hard-set stains, cleaning with oxygen-bleach is still a great quick stain treatment for fresh stains I need to treat quickly before a laundry cycle.
Using white vinegar in laundry is another great stain-fighting hack, doubling up as a deodorizer and a DIY washing machine cleaner, too. It'll help remove detergent build up on towels, bedding and clothing too
The results
The first stain I tried this on was some old sweat and deodorant on a dress my mom had bought second-hand. These stains had thoroughly yellowed the cream fabric and hadn't come out successfully in the wash.
The liquid glycerin worked perfectly, although one side needed two passes of the method (drying in between with a hair dryer) to remove everything. After a wash cycle, the dress is now as good as new and ready for my mom's upcoming vacation.
The second stain I used glycerin on was a blood stain. These were stubborn marks that had been through the wash a fair few times, so they were thoroughly stuck in the fibers of my pajama shirt.
Again, this needed a few attempts with the glycerin to lift completely, although, as with the dress, the marks significantly lifted after the first attempt. This is certainly not a cleaning shortcut to save time, but with some care and patience, it is a cleaning tip that will prolong the life of your clothes and linens.
I can't wait to try it to remove discoloration from bedding, I just need to set aside some time to really scrub at such a big area.
If you're looking to de-toxify your laundry routine, cut out dryer sheets in favor of wool dryer balls. They help laundry dry faster without coating them in chemicals.
Free from fragrances and dyes, this laundry detergent is made with your health and the planet in mind.
If you do still want to use fabric softener for the occasional scratchy garment, Ecover is a good bet. It is made with plant-based ingredients and is dermatologically tested for use against sensitive skin.
This old-school laundry tip is certainly now a staple for both me and my mom, and it’s not the only nostalgic cleaning tip that actually works, either – there are plenty more you might enjoy to help you break bad cleaning habits for a neater home.
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