Cooking oil is a staple in every kitchen. The use cases are endless from frying to sautéing and baking. But did you know that uses of cooking oil can be extended to creative ways beyond the kitchen as well? There are a plethora of alternative uses of cooking oil that can be both practical and sustainable. So let’s get out of the kitchen with cooking oil to find some of the alternative uses of cooking oil.
Key Highlights
- Cooking oil has multiple non-conventional uses outside your kitchen.
- Beauty, pharmaceutical, sustainable products and cleansing agents are some of the industries where cooking oil has important applications.
- Globally, the market size of vegetable oils in the beauty and personal care industry is projected to reach $5.8 billion by 2027.
- Used cooking oil for biodiesel is getting prominent.
Unconventional Uses of Cooking Oil
As stated earlier, cooking oil indeed got some utility beyond the kitchen. Here are some of the best use of cooking oil for non-cooking purposes:
- Beauty and Personal Care
Cooking oil can be an excellent addition to your beauty and personal care routine. Many cooking oils are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This can nourish and moisturise your hair and skin. Here are some creative uses of cooking oil in the beauty and personal care realm:
- Moisturiser: You can use cooking oil as a natural moisturiser for your skin. Simply apply a small amount of oil to your face, body, or hands, and massage it gently. Cooking oils like coconut oil, olive oil etc. are known for their moisturising properties and can leave your skin soft, smooth, and hydrated.
- Makeup Remover: Facing difficulty in removing your makeup? Now, you don’t have to look outside. Cooking oil can effectively remove your makeup, including waterproof mascara and long-lasting lipsticks. You just need to apply a small amount of oil to a cotton pad and gently wipe off your makeup. The oil will dissolve the makeup, making it easy to remove without harsh chemicals. In case you have sensitive skin or eyes, then you should avoid using cooking oil around the eyes.
- Hair Treatment: Oil is widely used for hair nourishment and maintenance. Cooking oil can be used as a natural hair treatment product. Being organic, it is better than chemically made hair products. You can warm up some oil and apply it to your hair, focusing on the ends. Leave it on for 15-30 minutes. Then shampoo and condition it as usual. Your hair will feel soft, smooth, and hydrated.
- Health and Wellness
Cooking oil can also be used for various health and wellness purposes. Some cooking oils are known for their potential health benefits. Incorporating them into your daily routine can be a creative way to enhance your well-being. Here are some examples:
- Oil Pulling: It is an ancient Ayurvedic remedy for better oral health. It involves swishing oil in your mouth to improve your oral health. You can use cooking oils like coconut oil or sesame oil for oil pulling. Swish a tablespoon of oil in your mouth for 10-20 minutes, then spit it out. Oil pulling is believed to help remove toxins from the mouth, freshen breath, and promote healthy gums and teeth. Further, it is claimed to reduce the risk of cavities and gum inflammation.
- Massage Oil: Cooking oil can be used as a natural massage oil to soothe sore muscles and get relaxed. Warm up some oil and apply it to your skin. Gently massage the oil into your muscles using circular motions. You will have a calming and rejuvenating experience.
- Homemade Salves and Balms: You can make your own salves and balms using cooking oil as a base. Simply melt some beeswax and mix it with your preferred cooking oil like olive oil or coconut oil. This will create a healing and moisturising balm. You can add essential oils for additional benefits and customise them to suit your needs. You can make lip balm, a cuticle balm or a sore muscle balm by using cooking oil.
- Household Uses
Cooking oil can also be used for various household purposes. From cleaning to lubricating and polishing, cooking oil can be a versatile and eco-friendly alternative to conventional household products. Here are some creative household uses of cooking oil:
- Cleaning Agent: Cooking oil can be used to clean and polish a variety of household items. For instance, you can use cooking oil to remove sticky residue from labels or stickers on various surfaces like glass, plastic or metal surfaces. Simply apply a small amount of oil to the residue and wait for a few minutes. Then wipe it away with a cloth. Cooking oil can also be used to polish stainless steel appliances, wooden furniture and leather items. This can give them a natural shine.
- Lubricant: Cooking oil can serve as a natural lubricant for household items that tend to squeak or get stuck. For instance, you can use cooking oil as lubricant for door hinges, locks and even drawer slides. Simply apply a small amount of oil to the hinges or slides and work them back and forth to distribute the oil evenly. Cooking oil can also be used to lubricate gardening tools as well to maintain them in good condition.
- Rust Prevention: Cooking oil can help prevent rust on metal items around the house. Apply a thin layer of cooking oil to metal surfaces that are prone to rust. This can include gardening tools, outdoor furniture or grilling equipment. The oil will create a protective barrier that helps prevent moisture from contacting the metal and reducing the risk of rust formation.
- Candle Wax Remover: If you accidentally spill candle wax on a surface, such as a tablecloth or a carpet – don’t worry! You can use cooking oil to remove it. Simply heat the cooking oil and pour it over the wax. Allow the oil to penetrate the wax and then gently scrape off the wax with a plastic scraper or a plastic card. The oil will help dissolve the wax and make it easier to clean up the residue.
- Gardening and Outdoor Uses
Believe it or not, alternative use cooking oil can also be extended for garden and various outdoor purposes. From pest control to plant care, cooking oil can be a natural and eco-friendly solution for your gardening needs. Here are some creative uses of cooking oil in the garden and outdoor areas:
- Pest Control: Cooking oil can be used as a natural pest control method for your garden. You can mix cooking oil with water and a few drops of dish soap to create a homemade natural insecticide. You can spray this mixture on plant leaves to control pests such as aphids, mites and whiteflies. The oil will suffocate the pests by coating their bodies and disrupting their breathing.
- Plant Care: Cooking oil can also be used to care for your plants and keep them healthy. It can be used as a foliar spray to nourish and moisturise your plant leaves. This especially benefits your plant in dry or hot weather. Simply mix a small amount of cooking oil with water and spray it on the leaves of your plants. The oil will help retain moisture on the plant leaves. This will prevent dehydration and promote healthy plant growth.
- Garden Tool Maintenance: Cooking oil can be used to maintain and clean your garden tools. After using your gardening tools, you can wipe them down with a cloth soaked in cooking oil to remove dirt and debris. The oil will also help prevent rust formation and keep your tools in good condition for longer.
- Bird Feeder Lubricant: If you have a bird feeder in your garden, you can use cooking oil to lubricate the moving parts, such as perches or hinges. You can apply a small amount of oil to these parts to keep them functioning smoothly and prevent them from getting stuck.
- Sustainable Solutions
Alternative uses of cooking oil beyond the kitchen can also contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. By repurposing cooking oil, you can reduce waste and minimise your adverse environmental impact. Here are some sustainable solutions that involve creative uses of cooking oil:
- Biofuel: This is one of the growing uses of cooking oil, especially used cooking oil. Cooking oil can be used to produce biodiesel. It acts as a renewable source of energy that can be used as a substitute for conventional diesel fuel. The biodiesel can be used in diesel engines without any modifications or blended with diesel fuel. It can significantly reduce the carbon emissions as compared to the normal fuel.
- Composting: Cooking oil can be used for composting. But it is advised to do it with caution. Too much oil can create a greasy layer. This can impede the composting process. Small amounts of cooking oil can be added to your compost bin to help break down organic matter and promote decomposition. Mix small amounts of cooking oil with other compostable materials, such as food scraps, yard waste and shredded paper. This can create nutrient-rich compost for your garden.
- Animal Feed: Some animal farms and shelters accept used cooking oil as a supplement in animal feed. Cooking oil can be a good source of energy and healthy fats for animals such as pigs, chickens and even pets like dogs and cats. However, before using cooking oil as animal feed, you should check the specific regulations and guidelines of your local area and the specific needs of the animals.
- Donation: If you have excess cooking oil that you won’t be able to use or repurpose, you can donate it to local organisations or charities. Some food banks, soup kitchens, and community organisations accept donations of cooking oil for cooking meals for those in need. It’s a great way to reduce waste and support those who are less fortunate.
In a Nutshell
Cooking oil uses can be extended to a variety of creative, sustainable and unconventional ways beyond the kitchen. By repurposing cooking oil, you can reduce waste, minimise your environmental impact, and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. So, before you dispose of that used cooking oil, consider the creative uses and sustainable solutions that it can offer.
By producing cooking oil at home, people have benefited a lot from unconventional uses of cooking oil. They not only get nutrition-rich oil for cooking but are also able to produce oil for other non-kitchen purposes. A single type of oil cannot be used for all purposes. With Imperium Oil Machines, you can produce any type of oil you desire for any of the purposes. Further, you can even start your own oil manufacturing business with these machines. How are you using your cooking oil?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the other uses of cooking oil?
A: Cooking oil has applications in multiple industries apart from food. These include pharmaceutical, beauty care, health and wellness etc.
Q: What products can be made from cooking oil?
A: Cooking oil is used for producing multiple products. These include soaps, insecticides, moisturisers, biodiesel etc.
Q: Can we reuse cooking oil?
A: Yes. You can reuse cooking oil but only up to a certain extent. Beyond this, reusing cooking oil can have ill effects on your health.