Food Waste Repurposed for Household Cleaning

In the UK, an estimated 9.5 million tonnes of food are discarded annually. However, common waste items such as stale bread, forgotten potatoes, and browning bananas can be repurposed for household cleaning, according to Matthew Harrison, a cleaning expert at PriceYourJob.

Alternative Cleaning Uses for Food Waste:

1. Potato Water for Polishing Silverware:
Starchy water from boiling potatoes can be used to clean tarnished silverware. Soaking the silverware in this water for at least an hour and then rinsing and drying it with a clean cloth can help restore its shine. Harrison advises against adding salt to the water to prevent damage.

2. Milk for Blood Stains:
Milk is suggested as a solution for removing blood stains from bed linens and clothing. Pouring cold milk directly on the stain, rubbing it gently, and then rinsing it with cold water before laundering it can effectively remove the stain. This process can be repeated if necessary.

3. Potatoes for Spot Cleaning:
A halved white potato can be used to lift minor stains from clothing. By dabbing the cut side over the stain and then washing the garment as usual, the mild acidity and enzymatic properties of the potato help break down the stain particles.

4. Potatoes for Cleaning Glass:
For cleaning fingerprints and marks on glass, rubbing a halved potato in circular motions over the surface, followed by spraying lukewarm water and wiping with a microfiber cloth, can leave the glass gleaming. The natural acids and enzymes in potatoes help break down and dissolve smudges and dirt.

These methods highlight innovative ways to reduce food waste while maintaining household cleanliness.