
Forget toxic chemicals and endless scrubbing – a simple potato and some salt can help you clean tough stains and rust in seconds! This old-fashioned yet mind-blowingly effective cleaning hack is conquering the internet because it’s natural, cheap, and works like magic.
Why Potato & Salt Work So Well
✅ Potato’s Natural Oxalic Acid – Breaks down rust, mineral deposits, and stubborn grime.
✅ Salt’s Gentle Abrasive Power – Scrubs away dirt and rust without scratching surfaces.
Together, they’re a powerful, eco-friendly cleaning duo that can make metal, glass, and even some ceramic surfaces sparkle.
How to Use the Potato & Salt Cleaning Trick
What You’ll Need:
- 1 raw potato (cut in half)
- Coarse salt (sea salt or kosher salt work best)
- Dirty or rusty item: knives, pans, sink fixtures, or metal tools
Instructions:
1️⃣ Sprinkle a generous amount of salt onto the cut side of the potato.
2️⃣ Press the salted potato directly onto the stained or rusty area.
3️⃣ Rub firmly in circular motions, letting the potato’s moisture and oxalic acid dissolve the rust or grime.
4️⃣ If the potato face gets too smooth or dirty, slice off a thin layer and reapply salt.
5️⃣ Wipe clean with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly.
Where to Use This Trick:
✅ Rusty kitchen knives or gardening tools
✅ Stubborn mineral stains on stainless steel sinks or faucets
✅ Discolored pots, pans, and baking sheets
✅ Glass cooktops (but test on a small area first)
Bonus Tip:
Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the salt and potato for extra cleaning power and a fresh scent!
Important Reminder:
Always rinse cleaned items well after using this trick, and dry them to prevent future rust.
Say goodbye to pricey cleaners and harsh chemicals – press a potato in salt and discover this surprisingly powerful, eco-friendly way to restore your kitchen tools and metal surfaces to like-new shine!




