Don't Toss Flat Beer — How To Reuse It To Give Wooden Furniture A Shiny Refresh

One of America's favorite beverages is more versatile than you thought — yes, even if it has lost its fizz. That last inch of beer sitting flat on the counter can feel like a waste to pour down the drain. But before you do, know that the liquid makes a surprisingly effective way to refresh furniture. Juliet England from Royal Stonecare told Irish Star, "Flat beer can make a surprisingly effective wood polisher."

You can use it to quickly polish wood furniture like your dull tabletop, dresser, or chair with a clean cloth, and the surface will become shiny once again. But before you start dabbing your nightstand with the dregs of last night's six-pack, it helps to know which beers work best. It's also important that you avoid certain wood finishes that it isn't safe to use on.

England explains the process, saying, "Just dab a little onto a soft, non-abrasive cloth and rub in to your wood. You should get a shiny, rejuvenated surface — just don't go overboard with this stuff. Too much of it could make your surface a bit sticky or smelly." The goal is to dampen the rag, not soak it entirely (since excess moisture can lead to water-damaged wood furniture). Now, wipe the damp cloth over a wooden surface, working it across the piece. Once you have treated the surface, take another microfiber cloth (this should be dry) and thoroughly wipe it down. 

Try using darker beers such as stouts and porters since they're best-suited for this purpose. This is because they're sugar-rich and malt-heavy, substances that interact with the surface of the wood furniture to revive it. Keep in mind that this hack won't work on all of your furniture. It shouldn't be used on pieces with varnish or lacquer coatings or those that have been painted. Darker woods like mahogany, teak, and walnut respond better than other types. And as you would with any new hack, try it on a small portion or the bottom of a table first before going all out.