Fun and practical new uses for potates

The Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) has partnered with Ivan Nanney, former member of the Big Idaho ® Potato Truck’s Tater Team and Cancun.com’s newest Cancun Experience Officer, to create a series of Idaho ® Potato Life Hack videos showcasing the many uses of Idaho ® potatoes beyond a recipe ingredient. These DIY (Do It Yourself) tater tricks use Idaho ® potatoes to increase efficiency, safety, and creativity in everyday life.

“Although Idaho ® potatoes are one of America’s favorite vegetables, a lot of people aren’t aware of just how multifunctional spuds can be,” says Frank Muir, President & CEO, IPC. “So whenever you’re in a pinch, there’s a good chance an Idaho ® potato can help. We like to call them ‘delicious and functional’.”

Here are six Idaho ® Potato Life Hacks that can make your life a little easier:

Reduce Puffy Eyes: Revitalize your beauty regimen with this natural remedy. Apply a raw, cold Idaho ® potato slice under each eye to reduce pain or swelling. Potatoes have an enzyme known as catecholase that helps reduce water retention under the eyes. They also contain starch, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Prevent Windshield Fog: Slice a potato and rub it on your windshield. Wipe away any residue with a soft cloth. The starch in the potato acts as a protective barrier keeping your windshield fog-free. Remove a Broken Light Bulb: Broken light bulbs can be hazardous. Make sure to turn the light switch off first. Then cut an Idaho ® potato in half and firmly push the cut side of the potato into the unplugged bulb and twist counter-clockwise. Stamping: DIY Idaho ® potato stamps are a great way to keep the family entertained with arts and crafts. Cut a potato in half and push a cookie cutter into the open side of the potato. Carefully use a knife to remove the potato around it. Remove Rust: There’s no need to deal with rust stains when you can use household ingredients to bring life back to your old cookware. Cut a potato in half, dip the cut end into salt, and exfoliate the rusty area. Rinse with water once finished. Peeling Without a Peeler: Lightly score a line around the middle of the outside of the potato. Boil until tender, transfer to cold water for 5-10 seconds, and then peel the skin off with your fingers.

Here are a few more ways Idaho ® potatoes can help!

Mask Gray Hair: Boiling potato skins creates a wonderful hair rinse that adds luster to your locks. The starch in the potatoes also acts as a natural dye and can mask gray hair. Wrinkle Reduction: Potato juice is a great way to keep wrinkles at bay. Use a cotton ball to apply potato juice to your face weekly to help your skin defy gravity. Skin Rash Relief: In the case of a skin rash, slice a potato and place it on the affected area for quick relief. Its anti-inflammatory effects help alleviate symptoms instantly. Non-Toxic Glass Cleaner: Clean your windows quickly and easily by rubbing a slice of potato on them and wiping off any residue with a clean piece of cloth. Shoe Polish: Slice a potato in half and use it to clean your leather shoes. It’s not messy and it’s scent-free. The flesh of the potato is minimally abrasive, preserving your shoes naturally. Plant Fertilizer: After you boil your potatoes in unsalted water, save the water and let it cool. Then use it to water your household plants. The starch in the potatoes stimulates the release of nutrients in the soil.

To watch all the Idaho ® Potato Life Hacks videos, visit:www.youtube.com/user/IdahoPotatoVideos/playlists. For more information about the Idaho Potato Commission, visit www.idahopotato.com.