How to Remove Rust From Pots and Pans With a Potato

You don't need abrasive or dangerous products to clean up those rusty pots and pans. Just get out a potato!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Potatoes
• Salt
• Salt
• Baking Soda
• Toothpaste
• Baking Soda
• Toothpaste
• Paring Knives
• Salt
• Salt

1. Get one medium-sized potato.

2. 

   Cut the potato lengthwise for maximum coverage of the rusted area.

3. 

   Dip the exposed portion of the potato into a mild abrasive such as baking soda, toothpaste or salt.

4. Lightly wet the rusted area.

5. 

   Firmly rub the potato over the rusted area until the rust is removed.

6. Rinse.

7. Repeat steps if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• For hard to reach places such as around a handle, cut the potato into long strips.
• Do not use scouring powder - it is too abrasive.
• Do not use gel toothpaste.

[lorettaghen]

on 8/13/2009 OMG... this actually works. I really needed this article at that time. I had to cook real fast and discovered that I didn't have any more foil, and needed a quick solution for rusted pans. I researched online and discovered this article. I tried it and it actually worked. Me and my daughter was amazed at it... Thanks for this article. We had some lovely baked pork-chops that night.

[mercilessrage]

on 8/5/2008 OMG! that is just brilliant. i was so pissed of because my brother used the pan and when i got it back it was full of rust. and i had just bought it the night before. 35 bucks to go to waste over one night i don't think so.. well thank you so much have a great day

[Mathjets95]

on 12/12/2006 Heyy how come u haven't sent me an E-Mail yet? Please E-Mail me at
6:00 tonight. Thanks alot
[e-mail]

[Mathjets95]

on 12/12/2006 This experiment is pretty cool but, not exactly what I want to do. I still think that this page is cool how did you make it? Send me your answer at [e-mail]

on 2/2/2006 Less potato is wasted if you peel a strip of skin off of one side instead of cutting it in half. Also, since salt is so difficult to responsibly dispose one could possibly use sugar instead. For tougher jobs, sand works great.