How to Utilize Expired Olive Oil

Expired olive oil is not recommended for continued consumption, but can be used for non edible purposes such as skincare and furniture maintenance. Olive oil may become rancid and pose health risks after expiration, but its stable chemical properties make it versatile for reuse in daily life. After expiration, the acidity of olive oil increases, which may cause gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions. It should never be used for consumption scenarios such as cold dishes or frying. However, unopened and well preserved expired olive oil can still be used for short-term skin care. Its vitamin E and monounsaturated fatty acids can moisturize dry skin, replace makeup remover oil to clean makeup, or mix sugar to make body scrub. When maintaining wooden furniture, using a soft cloth dipped in a small amount of expired olive oil to wipe can repair minor scratches and form a protective layer. Metal utensils can also be treated with rust prevention by thin coating with olive oil to isolate air, especially suitable for maintaining kitchen scissors, cast iron pots, etc. If olive oil has a noticeable rancid taste, cloudy color, or sediment, it indicates severe deterioration, and such oils may irritate the skin even if used topically. It is recommended to prioritize using expired olive oil that has been sealed and stored in the dark for no more than six months for reuse, and conduct a small area test before use. When maintaining leather products, it is important to control the amount used, as excessive oil may attract insect infestations. After heating mixed beeswax, it can be made into simple wood wax, but it is necessary to ensure that the container is clean and avoid bacterial contamination.

Proper handling of expired olive oil requires graded utilization based on the degree of deterioration. Slightly expired and stable oils can be attempted for external use, but should be discarded if there is an odor or viscosity change. It is recommended to label the opening date of olive oil for daily storage and store it in a cool place to avoid oxidation. For olive oil that is uncertain whether it has spoiled, it is better to handle it with caution than to take risks. Health and safety are always the primary considerations. If there is redness, swelling, and itching after skin contact with spoiled oil, it should be stopped immediately and treated with medical attention.