I was reading a magazine not long ago and found some interesting uses for potatoes. Since we have shared uses for Vinegar and other common household products I thought it might be fun to share some uses for something we all probably have in our kitchen most of the time…Potatoes!
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| Photo was borrowed from Google Images and is not our own work. |
1.) Ensure a floral bouquet holds up perfectly-Cut the potato in half crosswise, then set the flat side of one half in the bottom of a vase. Now poke several holes in the potato and tuck a flower stem into each hole. Not only does the potato hold the stems in place, but the potato will provide nutrients that can keep the flowers thriving for up to 5 days longer!
2.) Eliminate under-eye puffiness- Cut two slices of a raw potato and apply over your closed eyes for 10 minutes. Potatoes contain antioxidants that will seep into your skin and neutralize the histamines responsible for under-eye puffiness, instantly reducing swelling!
3.) Safely remove a broken lightbulb- Cut a raw potato in half and press the fleshy side into the broken bulk (make sure the lamp is unplugged), then turn the spud counterclockwise. The sharp pieces of glass will sink into the potato, so the bulb can twist easily and safely out of the socket.
4.) Soothe tense, achy muscles instantly- Pierce a large raw potato several times with a fork, then microwave for 2 to 3 minutes or until hot. Wrap the spud in a clean hand towel and apply to the achy areas. The vegetables absorbent starchy compounds will retain heat for up to 45 minutes to relieve tension and loosen tight muscles.
5.) Lift muddy footprints from carpets- Let the stains dry, then brush away as much dirt as you can. Rub the cut side of half of a raw potato on the marks. Let dry and brush off the dirt again, then blot the area with a clean wet cloth. Natural acids in the potato will seep into the material and break up the stain, making removal so easy!
6.) Make unsightly warts disappear- Cut a raw potato into several small pieces, then rub one piece on the blemish until it’s completely covered in potato juice. (You can store the other pieces in a resealable bag in the fridge for later use.) Let air-dry. Repeat daily for one week or until the wart disappears. Compounds in the potato, such as iron, potassium and natural acids, clear skin by dehydrating the spot and killing the wart-causing virus.
7.) Quickly erase food stains from skin- Rub the flesh of the potato on the discolored areas for one minute or until the stain disappears, then rinse with cool water. Potatoes contain a lightening enzyme that gently breaks down the color pigments.
8.) Fog proof your windshield- Cut a clean raw potato in half and rub the fleshy side over the entire inside surface of your windshield before going to bed. The potato will coat the glass with a starchy, clear film that will repel condensation for 2-5 days!
9.) Polish tarnished silverware- Cut a potato into chunks and boil for 10 minutes. Remove the potato and let the water cool, then place your silverware in the pot and let sit for 30 minutes. Rinse the utensils with cool water and buff with a soft dry cloth. The potato infuses the water with natural acids that break down tarnish.
10.) Cure your dog’s upset stomach- Feed your dog plain boiled potatoes (which contain stool-solidifying starches) instead of his regular food.
Do you have any other uses for potatoes, other than in your kitchen as a side to your favorite meals?
Please share them with us!
(Disclaimer: The above tips are not tips we came up with on our own. I read about this in a magazine and thought you all would be interested. Please note that while I reworded the post from the article, these are not all my own words.)
I have to say, I’ve not heard of any of these uses for potatoes! I don’t have any to add, but I now want to try using it for tarnished silverware with the holidays coming up!!