10 Things You Didn't Know You Could Do With Beer
That IPA is good for a lot more than drinking. Though, maybe you should use the leftover Hamm's for some of these.
Get Better Sleep
Hops can work as an herbal replacement for sleeping pills. If you find yourself having trouble getting to sleep, try washing your pillow cases with a few spoonfuls of a hoppy IPA mixed in with the water. The hoppy scent will help you drift off into dreamland better than counting sheep ever could.
Clean Copper and Cast Iron
Beer can clean everything from battered coins to your favorite pot. Soak your copper item in beer for 5 to 10 minutes and then use a soft cloth to buff the surface and remove stains. It really is that easy.
Relax Your Tired Feet
Try soaking your feet in beer after a long day at the office. The enzymes in beer can soften calluses on your tootsies. Fill a container with enough warm water to cover your ankles and then add half a bottle of beer to the mix. Kick back, relax, and let the brew perform its magic.
Polish Furniture
Find a can of half-empty beer you forgot to finish last night? It could make a decent furniture polish. Put a little flat beer on a soft cloth and then rub it into your wooden coffee table. Much like with a traditional polish, you'll end up with a shiner and more richly colored table.
RELATED: How to Make Beer (Cheaply and Simply): Our Step-by-Step Guide.
Season Food
By now you may have tried your hand at dishes like beer-battered chicken. But don't stop there. Your favorite brew can be used as a substitute for water in thousands of recipes. Next time you go to cook rice, consider replacing the water in the equation to get a whole new flavor from the basic food. Beer can also be used to steam seafood, in sauces and breads, and even to give your morning pancakes an extra kick.
Break Up Rust
Having trouble removing a rusty screw? The carbonation in your favorite beer can help break down rust. Pour a little bit over the screw, wait 15 seconds or so, and then give that unhelpful hardware another try.
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Remove Stains
Got a stain on the carpet? Beer can be a quick replacement for carpet cleaner in a pinch. Pour a little brew on the stain, let it soak in, and then blot the stain with a clean cloth. Once you've removed the stain, you'll need to use soap and water to remove the beer from your carpet.
Much like any other cleaner, be sure to give the beer a test drive on a hidden piece of carpet to make sure it works and doesn't leave behind any ugly marks before pouring it all over that spot in front of your TV.
Give Your Hair a Pick-Me-Up
If you're suffering from dull, dry hair, beer can give your locks a new lease on life. Create your own beer shampoo by first boiling a cup or two of your favorite ale on the stove. Keep the brew cooking on medium until only about 25 percent of it is left (at this point you've cooked off all the alcohol). Allow it to cool, and then mix your reduced beer with shampoo until you get as much liquid as you started with. Together their forces will rejuvenate your hair and have you geared up for happy hour.
If DIY isn't quite your thing, you can also buy a variety of beer shampoos for the same experience.
Trap Unwanted Pests
It turns out cheese isn't the only snack mice can't resist. Create your own mouse trap by pouring a little beer in a tall bucket. Build a ramp on the side so mice can get in. They will be attracted to the suds and will come in and drink but won't be able to get back out.
Protect Your Lawn
Beer can also be used to remove slugs from your garden. Pour a few inches in a plastic Tupperware container and put it out at night where you typically see the slimy pests. They'll climb in overnight for a drink and get stuck inside.
