Surprising uses for potatoes you never knew about


We eat them mashed, fried, and roasted, but did you know that potatoes can actually be pretty handy for other reasons? You don’t have to cook or eat them to use them. Potatoes can unleash your crafty side and even help around the house! These are some of the most unique ways to make use of potatoes, without eating them.

Stamp happy

This one is a little out there, but hear us out. All you need to do is cut a shape into the end of your potato. Hearts, stars, circles, and squares are the easiest, but if you’re particularly artistically inclined, then you can try something more intricate. Once you have your shape cut out, dip it in some paint, and you have a stamp!

Surprising uses for potatoes you never knew about

Healing injuries

Potatoes can be miracle workers by microwaving or freezing one and wrapping it in a cloth. This creates a quick and easy hot or cold compress to use on strains and injuries. Some people also say that potato juice can help to heal cuts, bruises, and insect bites, while others swear that rubbing raw potato on your temples relieves headaches. We can’t say whether or not those two actually work, but it’s worth a try if you don’t mind smelling like potato.

Save your food

Potatoes can even help your other recipes! If you have over-salted your food – we’ve all shaken the salt pot a little too vigorously – then peel some raw potato, cut it into chunks, and whack it in your food. After 15 minutes, remove your potato chunks, and your food should be perfect. As an added bonus, you’ve then got some salted potato to save and cook for another meal.

Flawless flowers

If you don’t have any of that fancy florist foam that you poke your flowers into, then we’ve got an alternative for you – yep, you guessed it – potato. Cut a potato in half lengthways and place the flat side down into your pot. Simply push your flower stems into the potato, and they’ll stay perfectly balanced and upright.

Who needs cucumber?

We all know that cucumber slices on your eyes are the ultimate must-have for a relaxation day, but potato could be the new cucumber. Cut thin slices of raw potato and place them on your eyes. After between 10 and 15 minutes, they should have reduced the puffiness and left you feeling revitalized.

Surprising uses for potatoes you never knew about

Cleaning up

Cut a potato in half and rub it on rust and stains to remove them. Potatoes contain acid which dissolves rust and stains, making it the perfect cleaning tool. Adding salt to the end of the potato can help remove more stubborn parts, too. This trick is ideal for cleaning old pots, spillages on the carpet, or even dye from beets or berries from your hands.
Make use of excess potatoes by giving some of these tricks a go. Even if you don’t like the taste of potato – although we’re sure that everyone like fries – grabbing a bag of potatoes could be hugely beneficial to you. They can make some jobs quick and easy while being much cheaper than many alternatives.

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