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 have if disposed of incorrectly down the sink can have very negative consequences for the environment. That's 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?
Disposing of oil down the sink can cause it to clog pipes, that there are problems in the recycling plants and even cause a increase in pests urban areas, as it can serve as food for cockroaches and other insects that move through the pipes.
Likewise, not recycling oil brings with it serious environmental problems. If this waste reaches river waters, it can seriously harm living beings. To give you an idea: 1 liter of oil can pollute up to pollute up to 1000 liters of water and it has 5,000 times more polluting load than wastewater.
How to recycle used cooking oil
If you want to dispose of the oil you have used in your kitchen, you should take it to the recycling center in your area 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 help care for the environment.
Make soap
One of the best ideas to recycle used cooking oil is to make soap. First, you should filter it to remove any particles using a funnel. Also, you will need other ingredients such as caustic soda, water, and essential oilsthat give it a pleasant smell. Here we explain it to you in more 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 goggles, since caustic soda releases toxic vapors. When you have finished, you should let the soap dry in its container for approximately 3-4 weeks before you can use it.
By the way! Check out 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 of your indoor and outdoor furniture. Spread the oil over the surface with a brush or paintbrush and it will cover every pore of the wood providing a shine special. If you decide to use it for your garden furniture, we recommend that you occasionally apply another coat of oil because external agents like wind or sun damage the wood more quickly.
Lubricate hinges
To prevent a worn hinge and rusty squeaks or that a lock jams, 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 overuse this product because according to experts, using it excessively on hardware can lead to malfunction of the piece.
Making 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 should have previously bought at a specialized store and heat it 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.
A tip: we recommend that before making your candle you add some cloves to remove any remaining fried smell.
Exfoliants and creams for the skin
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 get a semi-solid paste that you can apply to your face or body to remove dead skin. Then wash the area with water and soap and apply a moisturizing cream for a perfect finish.
Similarly, you can also make a cream by mixing the oil with beeswax that will be melted in a double boiler.
Now that you know what to do with used cooking oil, don't wait any longer and start dedicating your free time to putting these ideas we've given you into practice. Make the most of it and help take care of the environment!
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