There Are Plenty of Ways to Use Expired Spices!
It might hurt to hear this, but that spice rack you’ve been proudly collecting for years? A lot of those jars are probably too old to use in cooking. Spices lose their flavor much faster than most of us realize. But don’t toss them out just yet—there are some surprisingly useful (and fun) ways to give them a second life!
1. Freshen up your space
Old spices may lose their taste, but many still smell wonderful. Fill small sachets with herbs like thyme, oregano, or sage and tuck them into closets, drawers, or shoes to keep things smelling fresh. You can also simmer spices such as cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, or ginger in water for a quick DIY potpourri that makes your whole home smell cozy.
2. Get crafty
Expired spices are perfect for DIY projects. You can:
Make scented candles – melt soy wax, add coconut oil, and mix in warm spices like ginger, clove, vanilla, or cinnamon. Pour into a jar, and you’ve got a homemade candle.
Create exfoliating soaps – spices not only add fragrance but also provide a natural scrub when added to soap bars.
Dye fabrics naturally – turmeric, saffron, and paprika make fantastic natural dyes. Just boil them in water (each in its own pot), let the mixture sit, add white vinegar, then soak your fabric for 30 minutes before drying.
3. Keep bugs away
Another bonus: certain spices act as natural insect repellents. Fill sachets with basil, lavender, rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, dill, or garlic, then place them in spots where you see unwanted bugs. The smell will send them packing—without chemicals.