Kitchen waste item makes windows 'sparkling clean'

An expert says some items of food waste can be turned into cleaning products

Many households likely find themselves throwing away the same food ingredients each week, before buying them again in the next food shop. Now, a study has revealed reveal the UK wastes around 9.5 million tonnes of food each year.

However, many probably don't know that their stale bread, gone-off potatoes and past-it bananas could be reused in a different way. While lemon, salt and white vinegar are all widely used in the cleaning industry, other foods could be getting overlooked.

Matthew Harrison, a cleaning expert at PriceYourJob, said there were weird and wonderful cleaning uses for some of the UK’s most wasted produce, highlighting alternative uses for food to minimise waste.

Cleaning uses for wasted food products

Use starchy water from boiling potatoes to polish silverware

Boiled potatoes ahead of your Sunday roast? Don’t throw out the leftover water, says Matthew. Instead, place your tarnished silverware in the starchy water and leave to soak for at least an hour.

He said: “Once you remove your silverware from the water, rinse thoroughly with water before drying with a clean cloth. If you’re dealing with stubborn rust, you can also directly rub a sliced potato over the area before soaking.

“This should restore its shine, and make it gleam. Just remember not to add salt to the water, as this could ruin the silver. Boiled potato water contains starch, which has mild abrasive properties. When silverware is soaked in this water, it helps to gently lift stains without creating minor scratches in the silverware. This method is considered gentle and non-abrasive compared to some commercial silver polishes, which can be harsh and potentially damaging to delicate silver surfaces.”

Use milk to remove blood stains from bed linen or clothing

If you’re struggling to find a quick solution for a blood stain, PriceYourJob encourages Brits to consider treating bed linens and clothing with milk.

Matthew said: “As with any stain, the most important part is acting quickly to prevent it from setting into the fabric. Pour cold milk directly onto the stain - the temperature of the milk will aid in preventing the blood from setting further. Gently rub the milk into the stain, then rinse the area with cold water to remove the residue. Launder the garment as normal with detergent. If the stain is still visible, repeat the milk treatment before drying outside in the sun.”

Use a potato peel to spot clean stains

Finding a small stain on your favourite shirt is always disappointing - even more so when you don’t have a stain remover to hand. However, PriceYourJob encourages Brits to use a halved white potato to help lift stains.

Matthew said: “While potatoes won’t tackle harsher stains such as red wine spills, it can definitely aid in the removal of more minor stains. Cut a slice of a raw potato, and dab the cut side over the stain to remove it. Once you’ve treated the stain, throw the shirt into the washing machine as normal. This should be enough to get your clothes spotless and stain-free

“Potatoes work as a stain remover due to their mild acidity. When you apply a potato slice to a stain and let it sit for a short while, the enzymes start to break down the stain particles, making them easier to remove during the washing machine.”

Smudged fingerprints on windows? Use a potato to buff them out

When removing fingerprints and marks from glass doors or mirrors, PriceYourJob recommends using potatoes as a glass-cleaning solution.

Matthew said: “Simply halve a potato and use it to rub the surface of the glass in circular motions. Allow it some time to work its magic. Then, spray lukewarm water onto the glass before wiping it down with a clean, microfiber cloth. This method should leave your glass sparkling clean and free of streaks.

“Potatoes contain enzymes and acids, such as oxalic acid, which have natural cleaning properties. When applied to glass surfaces, these compounds help to break down and dissolve oils, dirt, and smudges. The texture of the potato acts as a gentle abrasive, assisting in the removal of particularly stubborn marks.”