It is primarily used as a solvent (a liquid that can dissolve other substances) in the printing, rubber, and leather industries. Along with other solvents, xylene is also widely used as a cleaning agent, a thinner for paint, and in varnishes. Xylene’s powerful solvent properties are used in printing, rubber and leather processing. Xylene is used in some glue. Xylene is also used as a cleaner. Additional uses of xylene include its addition to pesticides and disinfectants.