New Delhi . As the rainy season approaches, the trend of making puris, pakodas, samosas and other fried items increases in homes. In such a situation, it is normal for some cooking oil to remain in the pan. Most people do not consider this oil suitable for cooking again and often throw it away. Although experts advise that consuming oil that has been heated several times can be harmful to health, it does not mean that the remaining oil becomes completely useless. With proper care it can be used for many useful household purposes. It can also be useful for home during the rainy season.
After removing stickers from glass bottles, plastic containers or new utensils kept in the house, sticky glue is often left behind. In such a situation, leftover cooking oil can become an easy solution to this problem. Apply a small amount of oil on the affected area and leave it for a few minutes. After this, by cleaning gently with a soft cloth or sponge, the glue can be removed relatively easily and the surface also appears clean.
Used oil can also be useful in limited quantities for light care of wooden furniture. If the shine of a table, chair, cupboard or wooden door has faded, a very small amount of oil can be applied to a soft cloth and gently wiped over the surface. After this, the excess oil should be cleaned thoroughly with a dry cloth. This can make the surface of the wood appear cleaner and more organized.
Due to rust on old screws, bolts or nuts, it sometimes becomes difficult to open them. In such a situation, a little remaining oil can act as a lubricant. Pouring oil on the rusted area and leaving it for a while can loosen the metal’s grip a bit, making it easier to unscrew the screw or bolt. This method may prove useful to many people for small home repair tasks.
If there are leather shoes, belts or bags in the house and their surface has started appearing dry or dull, then a very small amount of remaining oil can be wiped off gently by dabbing it on a soft cloth. This may help restore a slight shine to the surface of the leather. However on any valuable or expensive leather product it is considered better to test it on a small part first.
Experts also recommend that oil that has a strong burning smell, has become excessively dark in color or has been reheated multiple times should not be reused for cooking under any circumstances. Such oil can be harmful to health. If the oil has become completely unusable, it is considered a more responsible option to dispose of it through proper local waste management methods rather than flushing it down the sink or drain. Leftover cooking oil, if used properly and only for non-edible household purposes, can simplify many household tasks while saving resources.
