So what is milk used for beyond completing our favorite recipes?

You may be surprised at the many things you might do with it around your home.

More specifically, milk and white vinegar.

milk

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Mixtwo parts milk and one part vinegar, then apply the solution to theink stain.

Let the garment soak overnight, then launder as usual.

Add a generous squeeze of honey for even more skin benefits and a delicate, sweet fragrance.

Southwestern Grilled Corn on the Cob

Southwestern Grilled Corn on the Cob.Credit:Jasmina007/E+/Getty Images

Polishing Silver

When wondering, “What is milk used for?”

you probably wouldn’t have guessed it can give your silverware a new life.

Letfrozen fish thaw in a bowl of milkfor a fresher taste.

shaving legs

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If you don’t have fresh milk on hand, 1/4 cup of powdered milk will do.

Instead of reaching for water, which spreads the burn-inducing oil, opt for a glass of milk.

The casein protein in milk helps dissolve capsaicin and quickly soothes your mouth.

Southern Living Mamas Fried Chicken adding the buttermilk to the chicken

Credit:Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel

The same science is what makes milk an excellentcure for stinging jalapeno hands.

For a natural spot treatment, combine one part powdered milk with two parts water.

Dab the paste on your bites and let the milk enzymes get to work neutralizing the itch.

Getty Images / Moyo Studio

Shaving Your Face Or Legs

Noshaving cream?

Because milk naturally softens skin, it can be used for shaving in a pinch.

Cleaning Patent Leather

Here’s another surprising answer to “What is milk used for?”

Similar to its reparative properties for broken china, milk can mend worn-out patent leather.

Dab fresh milk on purses, shoes, belts, and other patent leather items that need a refresh.

Removing Makeup

Many skincare products are milk-based, makeup removers included.

When hand soap isn’t powerful enough, make a paste using oatmeal and milk.

The homemade scrub will remove dirt and stains, leaving your hands soft, soothed, and mess-free.

All you need is milk, olive oil, coconut oil, palm oil, and lye.

The dairy product is great for nourishing gardens.

Calcium helps plants grow, and its anti-fungal properties can treatpowdery mildew, a common plant disease.

Soothing Stressed Skin

From sunburn to eczema, milk is incredible at soothing stressed-out skin.

Softening Calluses

Now when someone asks, “What is milk used for?”

you might tell them all about the nourishing ways to use it on the skinincluding softening calluses.

Soak a cotton ball or round with fresh milk and press it to your callus.