How to Remove Potato Stains

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Things You'll Need

  • Spoon

  • Soft cloth

  • Cold water

  • Pre-wash stain remover

  • Wash machine

  • Bowl

  • 1 tbsp. liquid dish soap

  • Clean sponge

  • Terry cloth towel

Potatoes can leave greasy stains on surfaces.

Potatoes are a popular comfort food prepared mashed, baked, fried and many other ways. According to Potatoes Goodness Unearthed, potatoes are the leading vegetable crop in the United States. With so many potatoes consumed, stains are inevitable. Potatoes contain water and natural starches that cause stains on fabrics and upholstery. The oils used to fry potatoes can also leave unsightly stains. Promptly treat potato stains, as the longer they remain on surfaces, the more difficult they become to remove.

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Fabric

Step 1

Scrape off the remaining potato debris from the surface with a spoon.

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Step 2

Dampen a soft cloth with cold water. Blot the stain with the damp cloth.

Step 3

Apply a pre-wash stain remover directly to the stain. Gently rub the liquid into the fabric with your finger. Keep the stain remover product on the fabric for the amount of time recommended by the product manufacturer.

Step 4

Launder the fabric in a wash machine with warm water. Use cold water if recommended on the fabric's care tag. Follow the directions on the care tag.

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Step 5

Inspect the fabric for remaining stains. Repeat the process if stains persist. Allow the fabric to air-dry when stains are completely gone.

Carpet and Upholstery

Step 1

Scrape off the remaining potato debris from the surface with a spoon.

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Step 2

Fill a bowl with 2 cups of cold water. Add 1 tbsp. of liquid dish soap to the water. Thoroughly mix the solution.

Step 3

Dampen a soft cloth in the soapy water. Blot the stain with the damp cloth until removed. Frequently rinse the cloth with fresh water to prevent reapplying the stain to the carpet or upholstery.

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Step 4

Dampen a clean sponge in cold water. Blot the surface with the damp sponge to rinse off the soapy solution.

Step 5

Blot the carpet or upholstery with a terry cloth towel until completely dry.

Tip

Use the same cleaning process for removing sweet potato stains.

Warning

Do not use hot water on potato stains, as heat can cause them to become more difficult to remove.

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