Potatoes are a girl’s best friend and can solve all of your problems? Potatoes are wise. They are smart. They send you telepathic menu-generating ideas.
Did you know that?
It has to be true, because my grandma always said, ”When I can’t think of anything to make for dinner, I start peeling potatoes. By the time I’m done, I know what to make!”
No one can dispute the comforting deliciousness of a baked potato, fresh from the oven. Not only are potatoes a versatile accompaniment to many different meals, they are extremely budget-friendly. One 5-lb bag only costs a few dollars, but can feed a family for multiple meals.
But potatoes aren’t only my go-to when I need something to go with my steak. They are also a great helper around the house! No, they won’t scrub your bathroom floor for you, but they will make a number of jobs much quicker. Here are three unique uses for raw potatoes that just might make your life a little easier.
Removing Ink Stains
Anyone with kids in middle school knows that pens can make a huge mess! They must make a fun toy during class because I can’t tell you how many times my kids have come home with ink stains all over their clothing. But as long as you have a potato handy, it’s no longer a problem. To remove an ink stain from cotton, rub the spot with a raw potato cut in half. Then sponge the stain with water.
Greasing the Pancake Pan
If your household is anything like mine, the pancake pan or griddle does overtime when making breakfast. I don’t just make a few of them, but an enormous stack because my family wants them to keep on coming! This wouldn’t be a problem, except when you try to grease the pan again between batches, it can get very smoky and cause burning. Potatoes to the rescue! Grease the pan or griddle as usual before cooking the first ones, but use a piece of raw potato after that instead of greasing. The pancakes will brown beautifully, but there won’t be any nasty smoke.
Getting Rid of Odors on Hands
I use garlic and onions a lot in my kitchen, as do many of other cooks. As delicious as they make almost any meal, the smell can linger on your hands for days. No matter how many times you wash them with soap, the odor is nearly impossible to get rid of. Luckily, if you have an extra potato, you hold the cure. Rub a sliced potato over your hands and then wash with cold water and soap. Presto! No more stinky fingers.
