Stop Pouring Oil Down the Drain: The Simple Foil Trick That Keeps Your Pipes Clear
Oil is a kitchen staple—olive oil, vegetable oil, and even coconut oil—and many of us use oil every day for cooking. But what should you do with the leftover oil after cooking? Pouring it down the drain is tempting, yet it can clog pipes and harm the environment. A home hacks video demonstrates a clever solution: wrap scraps of aluminium foil around a plastic cup to create a cup-shaped foil wrapper. When you remove the cup, the foil stays shaped like a cup. You place that foil cup in the sink drain, pour in the oil, and the oil stays inside the foil rather than seeping into your pipes. Seal the top and throw the foil-wrapped cup in the bin. If the foil won’t stand upright, mold it around a cup or mug so the cup holds the foil in place as you pour.
In This Article:
How the Cup-and-Foil Trick Works
In the video, scraps of aluminium foil are wrapped around a plastic cup to create a cup-shaped foil with no gaps. The cup is removed, leaving behind a hollow cup of foil that sits in the sink drain. When oil is poured, it collects inside the foil and never reaches the plumbing. The foil is sealed at the top and tossed into the bin. If you can't keep the foil upright, shape it around a cup so the cup holds it steady while you pour.
Public Reaction and Additional Tips
Viewers expressed gratitude for the clever tip. Some suggested letting the fat cool before tipping it into the bin. Others recommended using an empty bottle to gradually fill and discard later. The post notes the importance of following local disposal guidelines when disposing of oil.
Five Simple Steps for Safe Oil Disposal
1) Let the oil cool completely after use. 2) Pour into a sturdy, sealable container, such as the original bottle, a milk jug, or an empty can. 3) Dispose of the oil properly by following local guidelines, as rules may vary between councils. 4) Never pour oil down your drain or toilet, as this can cause blockages and environmental damage. 5) If the oil is still clean, you may strain it and reuse it for future cooking.
Takeaway: Small Habits, Big Impact
The foil trick isn’t magic; it’s a reminder to treat used oil with care. By cooling, sealing, and disposing of oil according to local guidelines, you protect drains and the environment. If possible, reuse clean oil for future cooking. A single kitchen habit shift can prevent blockages and reduce waste.
