Toilets and trash cans are two different things, and each one of them is to be used correctly; otherwise, the world blows a fuse. Flushing a bite now and then won’t cause much damage, but making it a habit to flush food down the toilet is more destructive than you can imagine.
Not only does flushing food down the toilet cause potential clogs, but it also consumes a lot of water. Depending on your toilet’s model and brand, one can use up to three gallons of water on a single flush.
And because the economy is on the rise, you will want to avoid flushing trash down the toilet to save on water bills, as well as plumbing and home improvement costs.
That said, can you flush noodles down the toilet? Let’s find out:
Is It Ok to Flush Noodles Down the Toilet?
Pasta and rice often go down the toilet, but they don’t retain their texture and size. Noodles expand once they take on water, making it a bad idea to flush them down the toilet. Similarly, noodles will slip down the toilet and bloat with water, clogging your drainage pipes.
That said, how do you retrieve something you accidentally flushed down the toilet? Simply put a plunger in the bottom of the toilet and carefully push until there’s no air left in it. Then, quickly pull out the plunger to remove the object. This causes the vacuum to draw the water back into the toilet, where you can hold the object out.
Can Noodles Be Composted?
Yes, noodles can safely go into the compost; however, they may result in pest infestation. If you have a lockable compost bin, then you won’t have such problems, but if it’s open, you’ll want to keep noodles out of it. Eggshells and bread can also go into the compost pile.
You will also want to keep food scraps out of your compost bin, especially those with eggs and dairy or fats and oil components. Such can be attractive to rodents, raccoons, opossums, among other scavengers. You may still use eggshells in an open compost pile as long as you wash them adequately before composting.
Can I Put Noodles in Compost?
Yes, you can add noodles to your compost pile, but make sure to bury them deep to keep rodents or pests at bay. Pasta, among other starches, can also be added to the compost pile. Not only does composting help us utilize vegetable waste, but it also makes excellent food for plants.
With over three million tons of food waste going into the compost pile every year, composting is the way to go when it comes to recycling kitchen scraps. Keep in mind that not everything goes into the compost pile or bin. A good rule of thumb is to compost what you can eat—anything else you should be disposed of in the trash can.
Can Noodles Be Frozen?
Yes, you can freeze homemade noodles for up to 8 months. But first, you need to let it dry for about an hour before you can toss them in a freezer-safe container or bag. The best part is that you can cook it directly from the freezer—you don’t have to wait any longer for it to defrost. Just make sure to add one or two extra minutes to the initial cooking time.
How to Freeze Pasta?
Like any other food, freezing pasta is pretty simple. You can freeze nearly any cooked pasta, but how you cook can significantly impact the thawing process. There’s no point in freezing uncooked pasta because it has an indefinite shelf life. It can keep well in the pantry for up to two years without developing molds or bacteria.
Freezing Cooked Noodles
If you’re expecting plenty of leftovers as you’re cooking the noodles, please separate the portions you want to freeze and don’t add the sauce. Freeze the noodles and sauce individually and incorporate all the ingredients after reheating.
A rule of thumb is to lay the noodles flat during freezing to prevent ice from forming in the middle of them. This also ensures that the edges don’t overcook during reheating.
To freeze cooked noodles, start by immersing them in olive oil so they won’t clump up. Then, toss the noodles in an airtight plastic container, making sure to leave some space. Once that is done, close the lid, label the storage date then stick it in the freezer.
A resealable plastic bag can also get the job done. Simply divide the noodles into single servings and freeze them indefinitely. Again, use a spoon to portion the noodles into separate bags, seal, label the storage date and freeze for later use.
Freezing Uncooked Noodles
Freeze uncooked noodles in an airtight container or resealable plastic container for complete effectiveness. And because the noodles aren’t cooked, they will last longer than their cooked equivalent. If you have a vacuum sealer, use it to vacuum seal the bags before the final seal, then toss in the freezer.
Freezing Leftovers
Again, use an airtight plastic container to freeze noodle leftovers. Transfer the leftovers into the plastic container, seal then write the storage date. Once you’re done, stick in the freezer for busy weeknights or lazy days when you don’t feel like cooking.
How Do I Thaw and Use Pasta?
Defrost your frozen noodles overnight in the refrigerator or a few hours before reheating. Once your noodles have fully thawed, put them in boiling water or toss them in the microwave to reheat.
Alternatively, you can incorporate the noodles into a brothy soup or a slow cooker dish when it’s almost cooked. Meanwhile, you’ll want to ensure the pasta is heated through but not soggy—this should take you a few minutes.
Reheating Using an Oven
If you love your noodles al dente (without the sauce), spread the noodles on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then put them in the oven—Bake at 350° Fahrenheit or 176° Celsius for 20 minutes or until heated through.
Reheating Using a Microwave
Finally, you can use the microwave to reheat your thawed pasta. Again, spread the noodles on a microwavable plate and toss them in the microwave. Oh, and don’t forget to put a cup of water in the microwave before reheating your noodles, as this prevents them from drying out. Microwave on high power at intervals of 20 seconds until heated through.
Do Noodles Freeze Well?
Yes, nearly all kinds of noodles freeze well—from pasta noodles to egg noodles. This is especially true for uncooked noodles, as there’s little to no change in texture or flavor after thawing.
The story is, however, different with cooked noodles, mainly leftovers.
When noodles are frozen and reheated, the chances are that they will become mushy. You can prevent these textural changes by cooking your noodles al dente before freezing. It’s also worth noting that noodles drenched in sauces have a short shelf life. That’s because sauces are more vulnerable to spoilage than noodles.
If you’re skeptical about this, set the temperature at 0 degrees as this is the ideal temperature for freezing foods. Cooked noodles will last up to a week in the refrigerator and up to 8 weeks in the freezer. Just make sure to maintain steady freezing temperatures for complete effectiveness.
Do Cooked Egg Noodles Freeze Well?
Cooked egg noodles freeze well, but they are best kept uncooked since they don’t last indefinitely. Also, you shouldn’t expect your frozen cooked noodles to disintegrate and become shorter in size after thawing.
And because cooked noodles are frozen individually, they tend to clump together. Even worse, they might turn soggy during reheating. So, if you’re freezing noodles, they should be kept raw or frozen as a side dish. As for cooked noodles, make sure to freeze separately for the best results.
How to Freeze Raw Egg Noodles?
There are plenty of ways you can freeze raw egg noodles. However, depending on a few factors, such as manufacturing and storage, each method may vary. So without much ado, let’s get deeper into these factors and how you should handle each of them.
Like mentioned earlier, homemade noodles shouldn’t go straight to the freezer. They need to sit a little bit for efficiency. That said, below is a breakdown of the steps involved in freezing homemade egg noodles:
- The first step is to air dry your noodles until they are scorched. Do this for about an hour and test for dryness by breaking. Keeping them dry is essential for enhanced shelf life.
- The next step is to put the egg noodles into an airtight container or a plastic freezer bag. Be sure to leave some space as frozen noodles tend to expand.
- Using a marker, write the storage date, then stick it in the freezer. Be sure to put them in an isolated area where they won’t smash or shatter. Freeze your homemade egg noodles for up to 12 months.
Can Noodles Be Reheated?
Yes, you can reheat noodles in the oven, microwave, or even on a stovetop. Plain leftover noodles can be microwaved or reheated on a stovetop. And because a sauce or other component does not coat it, plain noodles won’t reheat well in the oven. Furthermore, it can cause the noodles to dry out.
- To reheat on a stovetop, bring some salty water to a boil, then add your leftover noodles.
- Let the noodles boil for about 30 to 60 seconds. Check at intervals of 15 seconds until heated through.
- Drain your heated pasta and serve plain or with a sauce.
Reheating Pasta Using a Microwave
- Use a microwavable plate or a baking dish to reheat leftover noodles. Then, cover it loosely with a plastic lid to allow steam escape.
- Reheat on medium power for about two minutes until heated through. If your microwave has a turntable, the better. If it doesn’t, stop it halfway and turn the dish.
- Once the reheating time is over, check to see if the noodles are heated thoroughly. If not, put it back in the microwave and reheat at intervals of 15 seconds, checking after each to see if it has warmed adequately.
- Once heated through, take it out and gently remove the plastic lid to prevent scalds from escaping steam.
What Can You Flush Down the Toilet to Clean Pipes?
The best thing you can ever do for your plumbing system is to clean the drains every week. Baking soda and apple cider can come in handy to get the job done quickly. All you need to do is pour the substances down the drain and allow them to foam up before flushing the toilet. This will help eliminate potential clogs forming in your drainage.
1. Drain Cleaners
Drain cleaners are available both in liquid and powder forms and have been proven effective by many homeowners. They contain lye—a powerful chemical that can be harsh to the skin. You should therefore handle it with care to prevent unnecessary accidents.
A good rule of thumb is to read the manufacturer’s instructions and put on protective gloves before handling the product. You should also avoid inhaling the drainage cleaner as you pour it down the drain, as this could lead to respiratory problems.
Also, if the product doesn’t work as expected, please call a professional to help you unclog your toilet and make sure to warn the plumber that you had already used the drain cleaner; otherwise,, he might suffer caustic skin burn.
2. Enzyme-Based Cleaners
Enzyme-based drain cleaners are another alternative but more effective at preventing clogs than removing them. So, if you don’t have any plumbing issues at the moment and you’re trying to maintain your toilet’s health, enzyme-based drain cleaners are the best bet, as they are less toxic to you and the environment.
3. Natural Drain Cleaners
If you’re an environmental purist, natural drain cleaners are the way to go. They are an excellent and healthy way to eliminate any smells of any leftover chemicals that may have accumulated in your drain lines. That said, natural drain cleaners are an excellent option for households with pets and little kids.