Using used oil... to make soap.

[ludia397]

I fried some chicken with sunflower seed oil the other day. And tried to find the environmental friendly way to discard it. I found that some people use the oil for making soap and use it only for washing clothes or floor... I was a bit suspicious about it and searched more. Then others say it's worse for the environment and also not good for washing dishes and clothes...

So here's my question.
1. Is it safe to use soap made out of used oil?
2. Then where should I use the soap, washing clothes?
3. If it's not safe, any suggestions to throw out the used oil?

I really, really, do appreciate any comments!! Thx!!

 

[Lilahblossom]

Women used to save their drippings then wash it for soap. Boil in large quantity of water and when it cools, the cleaned fats will be on top. The washing removes impurities.

 

[ToniD]

Yes, it is safe to use soap made from used oils, so long as you know what oil you are using. You need to use a lye calculator to figure out the amount of lye you use compared to the amount and type of oil. It is a bit harder to figure out if it is a reasonable solution for used oils. That is probably a question that each person needs to answer for themselves, but some things to think about:

You can clean the oil somewhat by boiling it with water and then a lot of the impurities will sink out. I think it would work better for a solid oil than one that is liquid at room temps, it will be easier to separate after. The oil will probably not get completely clean.

With that method you also have to consider the impact that your energy use has.

Also, sunflower oil alone will not make good soap. It will be very soft and prone to going rancid.

I personally do not like soap for washing dishes. The bubbles don't last as well and it feels a bit slippery and harder to rinse to me as well. I do use it mixed with borax and washing soda for most of my laundry.

Hope that helps a bit.

 

[VanessaP]

My greatgrandmother made soap from bacon grease, according to my mother. Now my mother said she hated the soap and that it was harsh, but she doesn't remember what Fifi did to it since my mom refused to be around when Fifi made it But she did say that all their friends raved about the soap.

 

[judymoody]

Can't you strain the oil through cheesecloth or something, put it in the refrigerator and then use it the next time you want to fry chicken?

You could use it to make soap but the end result wouldn't be very appealing.

 

[Fragola]

Can't you strain the oil through cheesecloth or something, put it in the refrigerator and then use it the next time you want to fry chicken?

You could use it to make soap but the end result wouldn't be very appealing.

Neither would be the chicken (swimming in reused oils).

Sunflower also isn't the healthiest choice for frying, except if it's high oleic.

 

[judymoody]

Can't you strain the oil through cheesecloth or something, put it in the refrigerator and then use it the next time you want to fry chicken?

You could use it to make soap but the end result wouldn't be very appealing.

Neither would be the chicken (swimming in reused oils).

True, it's not ideal.

However, in commercial food service, the oil in the deep fryer doesn't get changed out all that often. If heated and strained, I think the oil would be viable. My mom saved bacon grease to use for cooking when we were growing up and while that has its own set of health drawbacks, it wasn't inherently unhygienic.

 

[carebear]

Can't you strain the oil through cheesecloth or something, put it in the refrigerator and then use it the next time you want to fry chicken?

You could use it to make soap but the end result wouldn't be very appealing.

Neither would be the chicken (swimming in reused oils).

that's untrue if the oil isn't overheated, is strained immediately and stored properly. wrong. again.

 

[Fragola]

Personally, I notice a difference in taste ... Could be the flavors absorbed by the oil during the first use, could be something else.

 

[Stinkydancer]

Can't you strain the oil through cheesecloth or something, put it in the refrigerator and then use it the next time you want to fry chicken?

You could use it to make soap but the end result wouldn't be very appealing.

I think I would be completely grossed out by soap oils used in food. It doesn't seem right to me.
I think Judy had it right- fry something in it. Though I don't save frying oil either many people do though.