Uses for Milk

Milk is also useful all over the house. If you’re defrosting fish, try putting it in milk instead of just defrosting it – it’ll make the fish tender and taste fresher. You can also make corn taste sweeter and fresher by adding 1/4 cup of powdered milk to the boiling water before you put in the corn.

Milk splash by tambako

Outside the kitchen, milk can be used to repair cracked china. Before you chuck it out, try putting china with hairline cracks into a pot or pan covered with milk and bring to a boil. As soon as it boils, reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes. You’d be surprised how many small cracks just disappear! Milk can also clean patent leather – just dab it on, let it dry, and buff it off. Ink stains on clothes can also be removed (if you’re patient) by soaking overnight in a milk bath. After the long soak, just wash the item as usual, and most ink stains will disappear.

And, if you have powdered milk on hand, you can use it to help soothe sunburn and bug bites. Mix two parts water with one part powdered milk and add a pinch of salt to create a milky paste that can be applied to the skin (also works as a great facial). Powdered milk can also be used as a homemade makeup remover – 3 tablespoons of the powder with 1/3 cup of warm water mixed well will help remove stubborn makeup without chemicals and will rinse off clean. Or, for a full-body effect, add a half a cup of powdered milk to bath water while it’s filling and enjoy a spa-like experience at-home.

Even if it’s gone sour you can use milk around the house. Pour sour milk down the toilet to help clean your septic tank, or add it to your compost to boost nutrients. Or use it to clean tarnished silverware. Just place the silverware in sour milk for 30 minutes, wash in warm, soapy water, and buff with a soft cloth for a brand-spankin’-new shine.