Don’t Throw Away Expired Fresh Milk — Keep It for These 4 Amazing Uses

Expired fresh milk doesn’t have to be poured down the drain. You can keep it and use it for many practical purposes around the house.

Fresh milk is highly nutritious and offers many health benefits, especially for children’s growth. Many households buy milk in bulk, but since milk has a short shelf life, unused cartons are often discarded once they expire. This is very wasteful. Instead of throwing expired milk away, you can repurpose it in several useful ways.

1. Watering Plants

Milk contains calcium and other nutrients that support plant growth. You can use expired milk to water plants, but do not pour it directly onto the soil. Dilute it with clean water at a 1:1 ratio, pour it into a spray bottle, and spray around the base of the plant. You can also lightly spray the leaves.

Only use this method occasionally. Overuse may cause bacterial growth, and decomposing milk fat can create unpleasant odors.

2. Skincare

Expired milk should not be consumed, but it can still be used externally for skincare. If the milk hasn’t changed color, smell, or developed mold, it can still help moisturize the skin thanks to its fat content.

If the milk has fermented, the lactic acid can gently exfoliate dead skin cells, soften the skin, and improve moisture retention.

You can mix milk with other ingredients to create DIY skincare treatments. Choose unsweetened, low-fat milk to avoid clogged pores. Apply the mixture to the skin for about 15 minutes, then rinse with clean water.

• Milk + oatmeal: cleanses and exfoliates, leaving skin smoother

• Milk + avocado: deeply moisturizes and softens skin

• Milk + honey: antibacterial, brightens and hydrates skin

3. Softening and Polishing Leather Shoes

Use a brush to remove dirt from leather shoes. Then dip a cloth into fermented expired milk and apply it evenly to the shoe surface. Let it dry, then wipe again with a clean cloth. This helps clean, soften, and restore shine to leather shoes.

4. Cleaning Household Items

Metal items such as spoons, knives, scissors, or silverware can become dull over time. Simply soak them in expired milk mixed with a little vinegar or lemon juice. Then scrub gently with a soft brush and rinse with clean water to restore their shine.

You can also soak a soft cloth in milk and use it to wipe wooden or marble surfaces. Milk helps remove stains from furniture and leaves surfaces clean and glossy