Why Are People Cleaning Their Glasses With Potatoes?

When you think you’ve seen it all, a new cleaning hack emerges, each seeming more bonkers than the next. Here’s another to add to your list: Cleaning with raw potatoes. As ridiculous as it sounds, this science-backed cleaning method is no gimmick. Potatoes contain the same chemical found in certain household cleaners and can work wonders around the house as a non-toxic, kid- and pet-friendly way to defog glass, remove rust, scrub away limescale, and more. 

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How to Clean Eyeglasses With Potatoes

Whether from humidity, wearing a mask, or cooking over a hot oven, foggy glasses are downright disruptive. But it’s easy to remedy the fog with a russet potato. Wash and dry the spud and cut it in half. Gently rub all over the surface of the glass. This creates a thin, starchy film on the lenses. If there is a lot of residue or you notice streaks forming, wipe the lenses with a microfiber cloth, then let the glasses dry thoroughly to avoid smudging. After they’re dry, you’ll see less fogging when you wear them because the starch layer forms a barrier between the heat and the glass without obscuring your vision. 

Try This Next

Potatoes work on glass and similar materials to defog and clean. Try using a potato on these items next:

• Windows: After wiping the potato around in a circular motion, spritz with water to remove residue and streaks, then wipe with a lint-free towel.
• Car windshields: Not only can a potato clean a windshield, but the starch forms a protective layer, acting as a water repellent and reducing the severity of fog and ice.
• Mirrors: Wipe down bathroom mirrors with a potato to reduce fogging from hot showers.
• Ski and swim goggles: You can clean goggles with potatoes like you can clean eyeglasses. This is great for goggles that fog up easily. 

However, glass isn’t the only thing potatoes can clean. 

Potatoes Can Remove Rust

Potatoes contain high levels of oxalic acid, an organic compound produced by plants, animals, and even humans. This chemical is also found in many household cleaners, including rust and stain removers and bleaching agents. When rust is exposed to oxalic acid, iron oxalate is formed. This water-soluble compound can be dissolved and washed away. 

One of the most common kitchen rust culprits is the cast-iron skillet. If yours needs a refresh, sprinkle it with coarse salt, cut a potato in half, and rub it over the rusty areas, slicing off the dirty parts of the potato when necessary. Rust, grime, and burnt bits will slowly come off, allowing you to easily wipe it clean.

To clean rust off other items, such as knives, baking sheets, or household tools, cut a potato in half and dip it in a mixture of baking soda and salt. The dual action of the baking soda and salt provides extra grit while the oxalic acid breaks down rust. Wash away the grime, and it will look as good as new.

Use Potatoes to Scrub Showers and Bathtubs

Thanks to potatoes’ oxalic acid and starchy texture, they make an excellent cleaner for shower doors and bathtubs, breaking down lime buildup and mildew stains. Cut a potato in half and scrub firmly in circular motions. The acidity and abrasiveness of the potato will lift grime, soap scum, water stains, and lime buildup. You can also dip the end of the potato in salt before scrubbing to increase the abrasiveness. Rinse all scrubbed areas thoroughly with warm water when you’re done to remove any residue.

Shine Silver With a Potato

Unlike the other methods in this article, this hack doesn’t use a raw potato but rather the water you boiled it in. After cooking, set the potatoes aside to use in a recipe, and keep the water in the pot removed from the heat. Fully submerge your tarnished silver into the pot and allow the items to soak for at least an hour or overnight for best results. Wipe them with a silver-safe cloth such as microfiber, lint-free flannel, or silver polishing cloths. The stains and grime should lift with ease.