As we all know, every item has a certain shelf life. Food becomes inedible once it expires, but let’s not rush to throw it away. Maybe it can be useful in other ways. Today, let’s discuss the uses of expired beer.
1. Preserving fresh flowers: Beer can help preserve fresh flowers because it contains ethanol, sugar, and other nutrients. Adding a small amount of beer to the vase can extend the lifespan of flowers.
2. Cleaning silk fabrics: Washing silk clothes with beer can make them smooth, vibrant, and restore their original appearance. Silk fabrics often become discolored due to frequent washing or improper cleaning. To clean silk clothes, pour beer into cold water, soak the clothes for about fifteen minutes, then rinse and dry. This process will restore their original color and appearance.
3. Removing odors and cleaning the refrigerator: Wiping the refrigerator with a cloth soaked in beer can sanitize it, sterilize it, and eliminate odors. After wringing the beer-soaked cloth dry, use it to wipe the surface of the refrigerator. This will give the refrigerator a clean, refreshing, and shiny look while also disinfecting it.
4. Plant cultivation and protection: Beer is slightly acidic, which can help regulate soil pH and promote the growth of acid-loving plants. Mix one-third beer with two-thirds water and gently rub the leaves of the plants with a soft cloth dipped in the mixture. This not only removes dust but also provides fertilization to the foliage. For example, the leaves of Clivia become shiny after being cleaned, adding ornamental value. Pouring the remaining beer directly into the flowerpot acts as an excellent fertilizer, as the enzymes in the beer promote lush growth and enhance the vibrancy of the plants.
5. Shampoo and hair care: Beer contains barley and hops. Using beer as a shampoo can make hair supple, shiny, and help control dandruff. After washing your hair with regular shampoo, add expired beer to the water and use it to rinse or soak your hair. The barley and hops in the beer provide nutrients to the hair, leaving it shiny and healthy.
6. Cleaning glass surfaces: Beer is a colloidal solution. Wiping glass with a cloth dipped in beer will make it exceptionally clear and won’t leave any fibers behind. If window glass is dirty, you can dip a towel in beer, wring it out, and wipe the glass. Then, use a clean rag to wipe away any residue. The glass will become sparkling clear after this process because the alcohol in the beer evaporates, leaving the glass crystal clear.
7. Restoring color to clothes: Soaking dark-colored clothes in beer-infused water can soften them and restore their original color. New clothes are less likely to fade after soaking in beer. When doing laundry, add some beer, soak the clothes for 15 minutes, then wash them as usual. This will not only make the clothes softer but also restore the original color of dark cotton clothes that tend to fade.
Generally, commercially available beer has a shelf life of 12 months, while bulk beer only lasts a few days, especially in summer when its shelf life is even shorter. Beer that exceeds its shelf life contains various acids that can oxidize and react with protein, causing the beer to become cloudy. Additionally, poor water quality during filling or microbial contamination can cause the beer to become sticky and rancid, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea when consumed.
