How to Use Leftover Beer for Cleaning, Shampoo and More Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again. × Search search POPULAR SEARCHES SUGGESTED LINKS Join AARP for just $9 per year when you sign up for a 5-year term. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Leaving AARP.org Website You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.

6 Unexpected Uses for Beer — Besides Drinking It

Try these ideas to get the most out of your favorite brew

From home projects to marinades, beer can be used in several surprising ways. Jack Andersen/Getty Images . Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. 2. Use Your Brew as a Stain Remover You’re probably used to guests spilling beer on your carpet (and elsewhere), but did you know you can use it to remove stains from your rug? To get out those tough coffee and tea spots, pour flat beer over them and rub it in. If the stain is stubborn, repeat until the discoloration disappears; then blot the area with a clean dry cloth. To get deep into the stain, put your foot over the cloth and twist it back and forth into the carpet, pulling the stain and the beer into the cloth. 3. Bring Your Wood Surfaces Back to Life Contrary to the common belief that beer will ruin wooden surfaces, this type of alcohol can be used to restore dull wood that has seen better days. Indeed, beer will restore color and add a new luster to your furniture. Pour some stale suds onto a clean cloth and rub the piece with it. Take another dry cloth and wipe the surface again. 4. Remove Rust From Metal OK, this may make you think twice about what beer can do to your insides, but it can loosen rust from hardware, bolts or metal surfaces. Just apply some brew to the item and wait a few minutes. The carbonation will begin to break down the rust so you can turn that bolt or wipe the rust away. 5. Marinade Your Barbecue Meat Studies are mounting about the dangers associated . Toxic chemicals can form on meat grilled over charcoal. Marinating your meat in beer before putting it over the coals can reduce the potential for harmful hydrocarbons to form during the cooking process. 6. Make Your Hair Shine Women have been using beer as a conditioner for years, leading to gorgeous locks. The reason: The vitamin B and sugars in beer can add shine and volume to flat hair. Simply saturate just-washed hair with beer and wait several minutes. Rinse the suds out thoroughly with cold water and as you desire. AARP NEWSLETTERS %{ newsLetterPromoText }% %{ description }% Subscribe AARP VALUE & MEMBER BENEFITS See more Health & Wellness offers > See more Flights & Vacation Packages offers > See more Finances offers > See more Health & Wellness offers > SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS