First of all, some of you may be wondering what glycerin is, in the first place.

Typically, when discussing natural soaps, we tend to use vegetable glycerin, instead of glycerin which comes from animals.
One of the first uses for glycerin was to make nitroglycerin, which is used to make dynamite. Of course, to use glycerin in this way additional processing and chemical reactions need to take place and the glycerin you buy for home use is not explosive, and is safe to use in your home.
Glycerin, in its pure form, is called "glycerol," meaning it is a type of alcohol. It is a colorless thick liquid, which is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air.
As a type of alcohol it is a very good solvent, because many things dissolve into it easier than they do into either water or even rubbing alcohol.
But you may still be wondering, "what is glycerin used for?" now that you know what it is.
One of the answers to the question, "what is glycerin used for?", is that it is used for stain removal.
Glycerin's quality as a solvent, along with it being hygroscopic, make it good for cleaning and stain removal. These qualities allow gylcerin to soften hardened and set stains, so that even old stains can be more easily removed.
Here are some examples of instructions on this site which have suggested using glycerin for stain removal:
Glycerin is not only useful for removing stains, but also as part of certain homemade cleaning products.
For example, glycerin is used in several homemade laundry detergent recipes.
These homemade soaps, known as melt and pour soaps, can be quite beautiful and also very moisturizing for your skin.
In fact, one of the most common uses for glycerin in commercial products is in lotions and other beatuty products because glycerin helps moisturize and soften your skin.
I recently began reading the book Soapmaking the Natural Way, which provides 45 melt and pour recipes using natural ingredients, including herbs, flowers and essential oils.
This is a great introduction to using vegetable based glycerin for making soaps. The pictures are exquisite, and it has inspired me to try a couple recipes to make as gifts for my friends and family.
Glycerin is available in many stores, including health food stores and craft stores, which sell it for soap making.
It is also available on the Internet, such as on Amazon.com.
I have provided several answers to the question, "what is glycerin used for?" However, I am sure there are even more ways to use glycerin for cleaning, stain removal, soap making and in other homemade cleaning solutions.
So, if you have a recipe for a homemade cleaner using glycerin, or had success removing a certain stain with glycerin, or any other use, please share your uses of glycerin here.

I update this site all the time with tips, tutorials, cleaning recipes, reviews of products from readers like you, and tests I've done on various cleaners, stain removers and laundry supplies.
I'd love for you to keep in touch with me, and I've created a couple of free resources for you when you do!
If you subscribe by email to get my newsletter and email updates you will get a free laundry stain removal chart!
In addition, if you "like" the site on Facebook you'll receive a free 40 page housekeeping checklist e-book.
I hope you enjoy these gifts, and stop by again soon!
CAUTION: This website is provided for informational purposes only, and Stain-Removal-101.com provides it as is, without warranties or guarantees. Some stains just won't come out, and are permanent. Further, some stain removal methods can harm your item, so if the stained item is sentimental or expensive call a professional. See disclaimer of liability for more information.
Get Free Email Updates
(and get a FREE printable)
Earth Friendly Cleaning Products
Share Your House Cleaning Tips With Me
Tell Me Your Homemade Cleaners Recipes
Ask Me For House Cleaning Help
Share Your Uses Of Glycerin In Your Home
Share Your Comments, Tips & Ideas