# Using Bread to Manage Cooking Grease Waste A simple, effective method to absorb excess cooking oil using stale bread slices. - **Source:** [CNET](https://brifing.si/source/ce507de7-7f24-4ff4-ab6d-7635abcc095a) - **Published:** 2026-10-16 - **Topic:** [Operations](https://brifing.si/c/operations) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/22349ae6-5a0a-4300-b8e8-a66a42598a42 ## The Problem with Grease Pouring cooking grease down the sink is a common mistake that causes significant plumbing issues. Even when paired with hot water, the oil eventually cools and solidifies inside pipes. This buildup catches debris, creating partial clogs that narrow the pipe circumference and lead to expensive, complex maintenance requirements over time. ## Limitations of Plumbing Snakes Jacylyn Basilone, chief operating officer of Brooks Plumbing, notes that standard sewer machines or snakes cannot effectively clear grease-based stoppages. Because the grease solidifies, the claw head of a snake fails to capture it. Remediation typically requires a hydrojetter, which is significantly more expensive than traditional drain-cleaning services for homeowners. ## Bread as a Solution Bread acts as a highly effective sponge for liquid oil, transforming it into a manageable solid form. By dragging a slice across a pan, you can mop up significant amounts of grease. This technique is particularly useful for bacon drippings or other oily residues left behind after cooking various proteins. ## Utilizing Stale Food Waste This method provides a practical second life for bread that is otherwise destined for the trash. Stale slices, crusts, or loaves showing early mold spores are perfect for this task. Instead of discarding them immediately, you repurpose the waste to solve a functional kitchen problem, reducing overall household food waste. ## Efficiency in Practice A single slice of bread can absorb four to six ounces of liquid grease effectively. By moving the bread around the pan like a mop, you ensure all oil is captured. This process is clean and prevents the need for using glass jars or other containers that complicate the recycling process. ## Versatility in Kitchen Tasks The bread technique extends beyond simple pan cleaning. You can place bread in the space between an air fryer drawer and basket to soak up grease during the cooking process. Additionally, pressing bread onto oily proteins like pork shoulder before serving helps remove excess fat, improving the final meal quality. ## Composting and Disposal Once the bread is saturated with oil, it becomes easier to handle for disposal. You can place the soaked bread into a countertop composter or bin without risking spills. While large amounts of oil can slow decomposition, small quantities like a few tablespoons are generally safe for standard composting systems. ## Sustainable Kitchen Habits Adopting this simple habit protects your home plumbing from long-term damage while reducing environmental impact. By avoiding the sink for grease disposal, you eliminate the risk of severe clogs. This approach turns a common kitchen nuisance into a manageable, sustainable routine that utilizes existing food waste for better home maintenance. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/the-unusual-item-i-use-to-degrease-a-pan-before-washing-it/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._