How to Easily and Safely Get Rid of Bacon Grease

Bacon is simply irresistible, right? The crispy, savory perfection makes breakfast (and lunch… and dinner) better. Cleaning up the grease afterward? Not so much.

Dealing with leftover bacon grease can feel like a sticky, messy hassle, but it doesn’t have to be! I came up with a super easy hack that makes getting rid of bacon grease safe and simple.

With this method, you can safely dispose of bacon grease without harming your pipes or making a mess. Here’s exactly how to do it!  

Why You Should Never Pour Bacon Grease Down the Sink

Before we get into this easy hack, let’s talk about why it’s crucial to dispose of bacon grease properly. Pouring grease down the sink might seem like an easy solution, but it’s a big no-no. 

As grease cools, it hardens, which can clog your pipes and lead to costly plumbing repairs. Over time, it can even contribute to fatbergs (gross clumps of grease and debris) in public sewer systems.

Related: A Real Estate Pro’s Secrets: How To Avoid Common Plumbing Issues

What You Need to Safely Dispose of Bacon Grease

Here’s what you’ll need for this simple and effective method:

• Aluminum foil: A kitchen staple for this easy hack.
• A sturdy mug: This will hold the foil in place while you pour.

That’s it! Simple, right?

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Dispose of Bacon Grease the Easy Way

Step 1: Create Your Aluminum Foil Bowl

Tear off a sheet of aluminum foil, about 12 inches long, and gently mold it into a bowl shape. Make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the grease and doesn’t have any holes or tears. 

Pro tip: Keep the foil clean and dry, water and hot grease don’t mix and could cause splattering.

Once you’ve shaped the foil, place it into a sturdy mug or heat-safe container. This keeps your foil bowl stable and makes pouring the grease safer.

Step 2: Carefully Pour the Bacon Grease

After cooking your bacon, let the grease cool slightly for a minute or two, it should still be liquid but not scalding hot. Slowly and carefully pour the grease into the foil-lined mug. Take your time to avoid splashing or spilling, and use a steady hand.

Hot grease can cause burns or make a mess, so be cautious. If you’re nervous, wearing oven mitts or gloves can give you more control.

Step 3: Let the Grease Cool and Solidify

Set the mug with the foil bowl aside and let the grease cool completely. As it sits, the grease will solidify into a waxy texture, making it much easier to handle. This step is crucial, never attempt to dispose of hot liquid grease.

Step 4: Dispose of the Solidified Grease

Once the grease has cooled and hardened, remove the foil bowl from the mug. Seal the foil by folding it over the grease to create a tidy little package. Then, toss it into your trash can. Just like that, a mess-free disposal! 

Important Tips for Safely Disposing of Bacon Grease

To make sure you’re handling bacon grease safely and effectively, keep these essential tips in mind:

Never Pour Grease Down the Sink 

This is a big no-no. Bacon grease hardens as it cools, which can clog your pipes and lead to expensive plumbing repairs. Always dispose of grease properly to avoid this messy problem.

Related: Avoid Clogs: 20 Things That Will Ruin Your Kitchen Sink

Use Clean and Dry Aluminum Foil 

Before shaping your foil into a bowl, double-check that it’s clean and completely dry. Any moisture on the foil can react with hot grease and cause splattering, which can be dangerous.

Let the Grease Cool Slightly 

Pouring grease while it’s still piping hot can lead to spills, splashes, or even burns. Allow the grease to cool for a minute or two, it should still be liquid but not scalding hot.

Pour Slowly and Carefully 

When transferring the grease to your foil-lined mug, take your time. Pouring too quickly can cause splashes, and hot grease is not something you want on your skin.

Keep Kids and Pets Away 

Hot grease can cause serious injuries, so make sure your kitchen is a no-go zone for children and pets during cleanup.

Dispose of Grease in the Trash 

Once the grease has cooled and solidified, wrap the foil securely and toss it in your trash can. This prevents leaks and keeps everything tidy.

Bonus Tip: Save the Grease for Cooking 

If you’re a fan of Southern cooking or just love adding flavor to your dishes, consider saving your bacon grease instead of tossing it. After pouring it into the foil-lined mug, transfer the cooled grease to a clean, airtight container. 

Store it in the fridge and use it to sauté veggies, fry eggs, or add extra flavor to soups and gravies.

Why This Hack is the Best Way to Dispose of Bacon Grease

This method is simple, safe, and effective for several reasons:

1. Prevents Plumbing Problems: By avoiding the sink entirely, you eliminate the risk of grease hardening in your pipes and causing costly clogs.
2. Mess-Free Cleanup: The aluminum foil bowl keeps all the grease contained, making disposal as easy as tossing it in the trash. No scrubbing pans or dealing with grease spills!
3. Eco-Friendly Option: Using foil that you already have at home reduces the need for single-use grease disposal products. Plus, you can reuse clean grease for cooking, minimizing waste.
4. Safe for Handling: Cooling the grease before disposal ensures you avoid burns, and the stable setup with a mug minimizes the chance of accidents.

Keep Your Kitchen Clean the Easy Way

Dealing with bacon grease doesn’t have to be a hassle. With this simple aluminum foil hack, you can safely dispose of grease, protect your plumbing, and enjoy your bacon without the mess. 

Give it a try next time you’re frying up breakfast, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t do this sooner!

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