Cleaning greasy baking trays can be a chore, but a social media cleaning expert has revealed a simple hack using a common vegetable. The trick involves using a potato, salt, and boiling water to shift stubborn grease and food stains without the need for harsh chemicals.
In a video posted on Instagram, the Honest Home account demonstrated the method. First, the baking tray is covered with boiling water and left to sit for a few minutes to loosen the grime. After draining, a halved potato is sprinkled with salt on the cut side and used to scrub the tray. The combination of potato and salt quickly lifts grease and dirt, leaving the tray sparkling.
The science behind the hack lies in oxalic acid, a compound found in potatoes. Oxalic acid is known for its rust-removing properties and reacts with rust to form iron oxalate, which rinses away easily. Sweet potatoes contain even more oxalic acid than white potatoes, but any potato will work.
This method not only cleans but also buffs the surface of baking trays, restoring their original shine. It offers an effective alternative to soap and dishwashers, which often fail to remove stubborn baked-on grease.
