There are many ways in which everyone can contribute to cleaning up the economy. As we move towards a greener earth, we need to recycle more and waste less. As a businessperson, or in your home, recycling means saving some money by reusing items. One product that anyone can recycle is cooking oil. Did you know you can recycle cooking oil instead of throwing it out?

There are several ways you can recycle used cooking oil:

1. Make Soap

After filtering and cleansing the oil from solids, you can make soap, which you can use around the home. You can make special soaps for your loved ones as gifts. Recycling used oil is a great way to reduce environmental waste and save some money at the same time. For instructions on how to make soap, check online or buys specific instruction books.

1. Lubricant

Used cooking oil works well as a lubricant that you can use for various purposes in the house. You can effectively use it for rusty locks and creaking hinges. Used cooking oil helps to reduce or prevent metal surfaces and tools from rusting.

1. Lamp Oil

People who regularly use lamps around the house, or regularly go camping can use used cooking oil to fuel the lamp.

1. Furniture conditioner and Polish

If your wood furniture is full of scratches and appears dull, make use of used cooking oil to polish. The oil restores the wood and gives it a shine. Use an equal part of cooking oil mixed with vinegar, and use it as a polish.

1. Paint Removal

Paint is not easy to remove from your hands. Used cooking oil works well in removing paint. Apply some used cooking oil on your hands and allow it to sit for at least five minutes then wash it off.

1. Moisturizing Hair

You can moisturize and condition your hair by applying used cooking oil. Heat half a cup of oil to room temperature, apply on your hair, and massage it in. Shampoo your hair to remove the oil.

1. Pots and Pans Protector

To protect your pots and pans, rub them with some used cooking oil. When the pots and pans are new, wash them first, and then apply some used oil before use.

1. Preserve Leather

Leather is prone to cracking if left to dry out. Applying some used cooking oil softens and preserves the leather. This works well for leather furniture and keeps the leather supple.

1. Car Care

Used cooking oil is ideal for removing dirt and stubborn debris from a car’s exterior and brakes. Pour a bit of used cooking oil on a piece of cloth and wipe off the dirt or debris. The used oil easily removes pollen, grime, dirt, and bugs

1. Wicker and Rattan Furniture Protecting

Wicker and rattan furniture is prone to cracking. Using some used oil on the surface of the furniture using a soft rag helps protect it and traps in moisture.

1. Compost Heaps

Used cooking oil recycling, specifically vegetable oil, is ideal for compost heaps. Pouring a small amount of used vegetable oil helps to keep the worms that aid in the composting process. Animal-based oils attract animal pests and cause pathogen formation, so make sure you use vegetable oils.

1. Bio-diesel Fuel

Bio-diesel is produced using recycled oil once processed. If you want to convert used cooking oil, you can buy a kit that can help you in the conversion. However, this process is best left to professionals

1. Animal Feed

Animal feed using used cooking oil is possible in several ways. Drizzle the used oil on a cat or dog food. This greatly improves the taste and helps to keep the animal’s coats healthy and shiny. The oil is also mixed with bird seed and poured into the bird feeder.

There are varied uses for recycled oil. Pouring the oil down the drainage is not advisable because it clogs the drain. There are many uses for recycled oil, be it animal or vegetable based. Whether you use oil commercially or domestically, it is beneficial to save it for recycling and it saves you money in the long run.