Experts have issued a stark warning to people with Baileys leftover from Christmas.
One of the most common Christmas leftovers has to be Baileys.
The Irish cream liqueur is a holiday staple, whether you like it solo, or combine it with Kahlua or Tia Maria to make a ‘baby Guinness’.
But now, an expert has issued a warning to those who have leftovers of the festive beverage…
Many of us approach the new year with a whole new attitude towards our health and wellness.
This can often lead to resolutions like hitting the gym, cutting down on snacks, and even opting for a ‘dry January’.
If this is the case for you, you’ve probably moved your bottle of Baileys straight to the back of the cupboard, ready to be brought out again next December.
Or perhaps you just want it out of your house for good.
Experts have warned that getting rid of Baileys comes with a big risk…
There’s one major issue faced by those with a surplus of the cream liqueur.
It’s also surprisingly difficult to dispose of!
A tradesman at MyBuilder.com explained to the Irish Mirror: “Cream liqueur drinks, such as the popular Christmas favourite, Baileys, can be a problem for your plumbing at Christmas. While it may be delicious to drink, it doesn’t keep for long and often ends up down the sink.
“However, this sort of beverage should never be disposed of in this way.
“Cream liqueurs have a large fat content and as such fall into the category of FOG (Fats, Oils, and Greases). FOG should never go down the sink, as it sticks to pipes and can cause blockages. It’s also responsible for ‘fatbergs’ in our sewers.”
Alex Saunders, head of Southern Water’s wastewater network, confirmed to Derbyshire Live: “Something like Baileys, which has a cream content, could add to problems. No one likes a nasty surprise over the festive season and a blocked drain is no different.”
While Kevin Began, Director Blockbuster Drainage, explains Baileys ‘will collate in the ‘U’ bend under the sink due to its thick consistency and prevent liquid from passing through to the external drainage’.
Essentially, putting Baileys down your sink can be as dangerous as pouring out your leftover turkey grease.
The fats and oils in Baileys can harden into a solid mass as they make their way through your sink’s pipes, and this process can be accelerated by colder temperatures.
A solid blockage in your sink’s drain isn’t just an annoyance, either – it can end up costing you a hefty bill from your local plumber.
Instead, if you do want to dispose of your leftover Baileys (without drinking it), it’s recommended you seal it in an airtight container, then just put it into your regular waste disposal bin.