Sour milk is something that most people throw away without a second thought, but did you know there are plenty of ways to put it to good use? Whether it’s in the kitchen or around the house, sour milk has various benefits that might surprise you. Here are eight steps to make the most out of your sour milk.

1. Baking: Sour milk can be an excellent substitute for buttermilk in recipes such as pancakes, waffles, and muffins. Its acidity reacts well with ingredients like baking soda to create fluffy and delicious baked goods.

2. Marinating Meat: Many people use yogurt or buttermilk to marinate their meats, so why not use sour milk? Its acidity helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with an added depth of flavor.

3. Making Cheese: With a few simple steps and some patience, you can turn your sour milk into a delicious homemade cheese. Lemon juice or vinegar can also be added for extra acidity before straining the mixture through cheesecloth.

4. Garden Fertilizer: Instead of using store-bought chemicals, consider pouring sour milk directly onto your plants’ soil. Rich in essential nutrients such as calcium and magnesium, it can help promote healthier and stronger plants.

5. Polish Silverware: To remove tarnish from your silverware, soak them in a mixture of equal parts water and sour milk for about 30 minutes. Rinse and then polish with a soft cloth for sparkling results.

6. Facial Cleanser: Lactic acid in sour milk works wonders as a natural exfoliant on your skin. Using a cotton ball, apply some sour milk onto your face and let sit for several minutes before rinsing off—this method will help reveal brighter and smoother skin.

7. All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix equal parts of water and sour milk in a spray bottle for an effective and eco-friendly cleaning solution. Use it to clean countertops, glass surfaces, and even as a floor cleaner.

8. Pet Food Supplement: A little bit of sour milk can be a nutritious addition to your pet’s diet—just make sure not to serve them too much since dairy can sometimes cause digestive issues for animals. Use it sparingly and always monitor for adverse reactions.

Don’t toss that sour milk out just yet. Follow these steps to use your sour milk in various ways around the house and kitchen, reducing waste and getting more bang for your buck with this often-overlooked kitchen staple.