Oil is one of the most used products in the kitchen and at the same time one of the most polluting, due to its high content of organic matter.
The impact that oil can generate if it is disposed of incorrectly through the sink can have very negative consequences for the environment. That is why today we bring you some very interesting ideas to recycle used cooking oil. Take note! Every little gesture counts;)
Why is it important to recycle oil?
Discharging the oil down the sink can lead to clogged pipes, problems at recycling plants and even an increase in urban pests, as it can serve as food for cockroaches and other insects that move through the pipes.
Also, not recycling the oil brings serious environmental problems. If this residue reaches the waters of the rivers, it can seriously harm living beings. To give you an idea: 1 liter of oil can contaminate up to 1000 liters of water and has 5,000 times more pollutant load than residual water.
How to recycle used cooking oil
If you want to dispose of the oil that you have used in your kitchen, you must take it to the clean point of your locality or throw it in a specific container for this waste. However, if you want to avoid these trips, here we propose other alternatives to recycle the oil and collaborate with the care of the environment.
Make soap
One of the best ideas for recycling vegetable cooking oil is to make soap. You will first need to filter it to remove any particles using a funnel. In addition, you will need other ingredients such as caustic soda, water and essential oils that give it a pleasant smell. Here we explain more in detail how to make soap with used oil.
It is important that to carry out this process you choose a ventilated space and protect yourself well with gloves and protective glasses, since caustic soda expels toxic vapors. When you're done, you'll need to let the soap dry in its container for about 3-4 weeks before you can use it.
By the way! Head over to our article with the best soap-scented perfumes and discover the freshest and most pleasant scents for your skin.
Wood protector
Use used cooking oil to protect the wood in your indoor and outdoor furniture. Spread the oil on the surface with a brush or brush and it will cover each pore of the wood giving a special shine. If you decide to use it for your garden furniture, we recommend that from time to time you add another layer of oil because external agents such as wind or sun spoil the wood more quickly.
Grease hinges
To prevent a worn and rusty hinge from squeaking or a lock from sticking, you can choose to add a few drops of filtered cooking oil to solve the problem. However, if the problem persists, we recommend that you do not abuse this product because according to experts, using it excessively on the hardware can lead to a malfunction of the piece.
Make scented candles
If you like to decorate your home with candles and create a cozy atmosphere, pay attention. You can use vegetable cooking oil to make scented candles.
Take vegetable-based wax that you must have previously bought in a specialized store and put it to heat together with the oil and aromatic essences that you like the most. Pour the mixture into a container and add a wick that you can make yourself with a cotton cord. Let it cool until it solidifies and you will have your homemade candle.
An advice: We recommend that before making your candle you add some cloves to the filtered oil so that they remove the remains that may remain of the smell of fried.
Scrubs and skin creams
Thanks to its beneficial properties for the skin, another alternative to recycle used oil is to use it to make an exfoliant. Mix ground coffee beans with the previously filtered oil and you will obtain a semi-solid paste that you can apply on your face or body to remove dead skin. Then wash the area with soap and water and apply a moisturizer for a perfect finish.
In the same way, you can also make a cream by mixing the oil with beeswax that will be melted in a water bath.
Now that you know what to do with used cooking oil, wait no more and start spending your free time putting these ideas that we have given you into practice. Make the most of it and help take care of the environment!