Groceries are NOT cheap! If you are like me, trying to stretch every dollar and still try to eat well, then you know how painful it is to get rid a lot of oil after one or 2 uses when it still has life. In the past, I would normally let my oil sit; strain then reuse or just use a spoon and scrape the bottom to get of the gunk but I found a more efficient way to clean my oil, that works.
I was skeptical at first however, because why would I mix my oil with cornstarch AND water. I have tried it, it works and now I am sharing it with you. This isn’t one of the hacks that kinda works, it really works and it’s simple, affordable and satisfying to see from start to finish.
Let me show you how I cleaned 6 ¾ cups of used oil with cornstarch and water. I got it looking brand new-ish lol and usable.
What I Used
Ingredients:
- 6 ¾ cups (about 1.6L) of used cooking oil
- 60g of cornstarch
- 800ml of water (room temperature)
NOTE: Commonly Used Slurry Ratio
The most popular ratio people I see people use is:
1 tablespoon (8g) cornstarch to ½ cup (120ml) water per 1 cup of oil.
For bigger batches like mine, I scaled it up based on how much oil I had to clean. Adjust the ratios depending on how much oil you are working to clean.
How To Clean Used Oil:
1: Make the Slurry
- In a bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water (your ratios) until it’s fully dissolved. Ensure there are no lumps, think a smooth runny pancake batter.
2: Add the Slurry to Warmed Oil
- Warm your oil on low heat just enough to loosen it. You are not cooking, so the oil does not need to be HOT. Just warmed slightly so when the slurry is added it can move through easily.
- While stirring the oil gently, pour slurry into oil. It will look weird, and sometimes clumpy but trust the process.
3: Stir & Let the Magic Happen
- Keep stirring the mixture on low heat for about 10–12 minutes. You’ll start to notice the oil changing, getting clearer, separating from the gunk. In my case the oil and cornstarch looked like it blended in together, I promise you I was ready to cry. Just keep stirring.
- Once you’re done stirring, turn off the heat, remove pot from flame and let it rest. I left mine for several hours (overnight) to rest.
NOTE: During that time, all the impurities sink to the bottom with the cornstarch sludge, and the clean oil floats to the top like a golden crown.
4: Cool Down, Then Strain
This part is key. Set it and forget it, please don’t rush it.
I did try to strain it after turning off the stove BUT this does not work. TRUST ME let it cool overnight.
- Once the oil is completely cooled, you will see a layer of oil at the top and a white murky bottom (will be solid). Slowly pour the top layer into a mason jar (use a cheese cloth or fine strainer if you want). Stop before reaching the gunk, you will see it trying to blend into the oil, you don’t want that.
Results: Clean, Clear, & Reusable
The first time I tried this hack; I was a bit confused, I had zero idea of what to expect or how usable my oil was going to be. My oil was not crystal clear, and it had a hint of cloudiness to it. In doing this multiple times, I’ve learned the oil is still good, once you heat the oil for cooking the cloudiness will disappear. There was no weird smell or taste, the oil was as good as new.
Why I’m Sharing This
I have been learning how to live on a budget and not struggle, without shame, panic or guilt. Yes, this is a kitchen hack but it’s also a way to save money. Listen, the oil I would have previously discarded, I am now able to reuse after cleaning and get extended use.
Cleaning oil like this won’t change the world, but it does stretch your groceries, your coins, lower your waste, and give you one small win that feels kind of magical. Look at you becoming frugal without even trying.
Watch Me Do It
If you’re more of a visual learner like I am, I filmed the whole thing. It’s short, sweet, a step by step real-time look of how I achieved this!
Reusing oil doesn’t have to be gross or time consuming. With a little cornstarch, water, some patience, and a jar, you can save your coins and your dinner plans.
Soft Pastels Life 
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