How to Create Drain-Friendly Meals
Monday 7th October, 2024Unblocktober is all about making small changes to your lifestyle and daily habits to avoid causing drain blockages, and helping to save our sewers and seas. Naturally, the focus of this will be on proper waste disposal - but it may surprise you to realise that the way we prepare meals can also make a big difference.
Cooking without oils and fats, or finding safe ways to dispose of them, can make a massive difference in keeping your drains healthy. If you’ve never considered how to keep your kitchen activity drain-friendly, it might be difficult to know where to start - which is why we’ve put together some handy resources to help you get cooking the Unblocktober way!
How to reduce the impact of cooking on your drains
Cooking can have a surprisingly large impact on your drains, particularly when it comes to fats, oils and grease (FOG). When these substances enter your drains they solidify and stick to the insides of your pipes, gradually forming a blockage. Over time, this can lead to reduced water flow, bad smells, and eventually, a complete blockage that requires professional attention.
Beyond your home, fats and oils that enter the drainage system can also lead to environmental problems like fatbergs, large masses of congealed fat that clog sewer systems and can lead to significant flooding and pollution risks.
By adopting some simple habits in the kitchen, you can reduce the likelihood of drain blockages and help protect your home and the environment. Here are some simple tips to follow:
Minimise the use of oil and fat in cooking
One of the best ways to protect your drains is to limit the amount of oil and fat used in your cooking in the first place. There are plenty of delicious, drain-friendly alternatives that allow you to reduce or eliminate the need for oils and fats. Steaming, baking or grilling your food instead of frying can cut down on fat usage, while still delivering great-tasting meals. If a recipe does call for oil, consider using as little as possible and always dispose of it properly afterwards.
Clear all food waste from plates and cookware
Before rinsing or washing up, remove every bit of food from your plates, bowls, pots and pans. Small bits of food, if washed down the drain, can get trapped and start forming blockages over time.
Scrape leftovers into your bin or compost before anything comes into contact with your sink or dishwasher. It might seem like a small step, but it can make a big difference to the health of your pipes.
Wipe away excess grease before washing up
Even when food waste is cleared, oils and fats can cling to your plates, trays and pans. Using kitchen roll to wipe off any remaining grease or oil before washing ensures that less of it will end up in your drains. The grease will stick to the paper towel, which can then be disposed of in your bin, reducing the amount that could harden in your pipes later on. This simple habit prevents the gradual build-up of fats in your plumbing system.
Let oils and fats cool and solidify
After cooking with oil or fat, resist the urge to pour it down the sink while it’s still hot and liquid. Instead, collect the fat or oil in a container and allow it to cool and congeal. Once it’s solidified, it’s much easier to dispose of safely by scraping it into your bin. Never pour liquid grease, oil or fat into the drain as it will harden further down in the pipes, leading to blockages.
Give cookware an extra wipe before washing
Even after scraping and wiping plates and pans, an additional wipe with kitchen roll can help ensure that no residual grease goes into the sink or dishwasher. This step is especially useful when dealing with greasy pans or baking trays. It may seem like an extra task, but it significantly reduces the amount of fat that ends up in your plumbing, protecting your home from potential drainage issues.
Remember what must never go down the drain
Certain fats and oils are especially harmful to your drains, as they can congeal quickly and form blockages. Be mindful of the following ingredients and ensure they are never rinsed down the sink:
- Butter
- Cooking oil
- Grease from cooking
- Lard
- Margarine
- Sauces that contain any of the above ingredients
These substances are notorious for clogging pipes, and even small amounts can contribute to blockages over time.
By following these simple steps, you’re not only protecting your home but also helping reduce the strain on local wastewater systems. It’s a small change that can have a big impact on your drains, your community, and the environment.
You can download our top tips here!
Try our drain-friendly recipes!
If you’re struggling for ideas of how to put this advice into action, we’ve prepared some easy drain-free recipes for you to try. These recipes are designed to be less impactful on your drains, helping you prevent the build-up of fats, oils and greases that lead to blockages - while also tasting great!
Spaghetti Bolognese
Recipe:
- Step 1 - Place a large saucepan on medium heat, add olive oil, then add the onion, carrots and mushrooms and cook for 7 minutes
- Step 2 - Add beef mince to the saucepan with the vegetables and cook until mince is brown
- Step 3 - Add the chopped tomatoes, dried oregano, beef stock cubes, salt, black pepper and garlic granules. Stir well and bring to a boil. Then put the lid on the saucepan, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 25 minutes.
- Step 4 - Take the lid off the saucepan, change the heat to medium/high, and cook for 5 minutes to thicken the sauce. Then, serve with spaghetti.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp of olive oil
- 500g 5% beef mince
- 1 large onion (finely chopped)
- 2 carrots (chopped)
- 300g white mushrooms (sliced)
- 2 x 400g tins of chopped tomatoes
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 2 x beef stock cubes (crumbled)
- 2 tsp garlic granules
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
Download and print out this recipe card below for ease of use in the kitchen!
Vegetable Stir Fry
Recipe:
- Step 1 - In a non-stick pan, add a splash of water. Once heated, sauté the garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add the onions, bell pepper, carrot, courgette, and broccoli. Stir frequently, adding small amounts of water as needed to prevent sticking, but without creating too much liquid. Cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Step 2 - Mix the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornflour mixed with water in a bowl. Pour this over the tofu and vegetables.
- Step 3 - Allow the mixture to simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2–3 minutes.
- Step 4 - Serve over cooked rice or noodles if desired!
Ingredients:
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 carrot, thinly sliced
- 1 courgette, sliced
- 100g broccoli florets
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp water (for steaming veggies)
- 1 tsp cornflour mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
- Rice/noodles (optional)
Download and print out this recipe card below for ease of use in the kitchen!
Try our Unblocktober Meal Planner!
If these recipes have got your creative juices flowing, you might be keen to start whipping up some drain-friendly recipes of your own. If so, we’ve got you covered with our Weekly Meal Planner!
By downloading the Planner, you can plan out your meal schedule for each week of Unblocktober and beyond, coming up with your own recipes and organising your ingredient shopping in one handy place. Download the Planner below and get cooking!
Share your creations!
By adopting these principles in your cooking, you’re not only helping your drains but also supporting cleaner, healthier waterways.
Whether you’re trying one of our suggested recipes or coming up with your own, we want to know about it! Share your creations with us on social media, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #Unblocktober.
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