Rust on pots and pans can be frustrating, especially when it builds up on well-loved cookware, but you don’t need harsh chemicals to fix the problem. Using a simple, common vegetable you can grow at home works wonders for removing rust naturally. 

The trick? A  potato. A home expert at The Kitchn shared: "This potato trick is so handy (and non-toxic), and it isn’t limited to cast iron – you can use it to remove rust from baking pans, knives, and other household tools." We discussed two ways to use a potato to remove dirt and grime from pots and pans below. 

How to do it 

The expert at The Kitchn continued: "To clean rust with a potato, cut it in half lengthwise or crosswise, depending on how large a surface area you want. Dip the cut end in dish soap or baking soda and firmly rub it over the rusted area. If the end of the potato gets slick, slice it off and dip the newly cut end. Repeat until rust is removed and then rinse and dry the item."

Another way to do this method is to use salt. Begin by cutting a potato in half and dipping the cut side into salt until it’s well-coated. Rub the salted potato over the rusty areas of your item, applying firm pressure.

If the potato's surface becomes too slick, slice off the used end and reapply salt. Keep scrubbing until the rust is removed. Rinse off any remaining salt and dry the item thoroughly, reported FamilyHandyMan.

How does it work?

Potatoes contain oxalic acid, a natural compound that helps dissolve rust by breaking down iron deposits. When paired with salt as an abrasive, a cut potato can effectively scrub away rust from metal surfaces.

Potatoes contain a moderate amount of oxalic acid, but sweet potatoes have even higher levels, making them an equally useful alternative.

Other foods that can clean pots and pans 

A food expert from Allrecipes revealed that ketchup can lift even the most baked-on residue from pots and pans, making clean-up faster and easier.

Ketchup contains vinegar as one of its main ingredients; vinegar’s key component is acetic acid, which can help break down dirt, oils, residue, stains, and even some bacteria.

However, due to its thicker consistency, ketchup is better for cleaning the inside and outside of pots than watery vinegar.

The food expert at All Recipes went on to add: "When applied to the bottom of pots and pans that have seen better days, the acid in the ketchup attacks and helps loosen the layer of greasy grime that forms on the bottom of the pan, rendering the pan shiny and mess-free."

Another option is a can of Coca-Cola. Homeowners can use the drink to clean their cast iron skillets as the phosphoric acid in the fizzy drink helps break down and dissolve rust effectively.