Cleaning Expert Reveals Unusual Uses for Food Waste in Household Cleaning

In an effort to reduce the UK's annual 9.5 million tonnes of food waste, Matthew Harrison, a cleaning expert at PriceYourJob, has highlighted alternative cleaning uses for commonly discarded food items.

Cleaning Hacks Using Food Waste

  1. Polishing Silverware with Potato Water

    • Method: Soak tarnished silverware in the starchy water left over from boiling potatoes for at least an hour, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
    • Effectiveness: The starch acts as a mild abrasive, gently lifting stains without scratching the silver.

  2. Removing Blood Stains with Milk

    • Method: Pour cold milk directly onto a blood stain, rub it in, then rinse with cold water and launder as usual. Repeat if necessary.
    • Effectiveness: The cold milk prevents the blood from setting into the fabric.

  3. Spot Cleaning with Potato Peels

    • Method: Cut a slice from a raw potato and dab it over minor stains on clothing before washing as normal.
    • Effectiveness: The mild acidity and enzymes in potatoes help break down and lift stain particles.

  4. Cleaning Glass with Potatoes

    • Method: Rub a halved potato over glass surfaces in circular motions, then spray with lukewarm water and wipe with a microfiber cloth.
    • Effectiveness: The natural enzymes and acids in potatoes dissolve oils, dirt, and smudges, leaving the glass streak-free.

By utilizing these methods, Brits can repurpose food waste into effective household cleaning solutions.