Rust is a form of iron oxide that occurs when iron or steel is exposed to moisture and oxygen. It can damage the surface and quality of your cast iron skillet, making it less non-stick and more prone to corrosion. To prevent rust, you should always dry your skillet thoroughly after washing and season it regularly with oil.

SEE MORE: 15 Simple Cleaning Tips That Are Both Effective & Budget-friendly

However, if your skillet does get rusty, you can use a simple and natural method to remove the rust and restore the skillet. All you need are a potato, some coarse salt, and some oil. These ingredients will help you scrub off the rust, disinfect the skillet, and re-season it.

To clean your rusty cast iron skillet with a potato and salt, follow these steps:

1. Start by rinsing out your skillet with water, and then dry it with a paper towel to remove any large gunky bits. You can also use a stiff brush or a scraper to loosen any stubborn rust or food residue.

2. Then pour a bunch of coarse salt into the skillet (about 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup, depending on how dirty or rusty your skillet is). The salt will act as an abrasive agent that will help you scrape off the rust and dirt. You can also add some vinegar to the salt to create a more acidic solution that will dissolve the rust faster³⁴.

3. Cut the potato in half and place it cut side down into the skillet, on top of the salt. The potato will serve as a natural sponge that will absorb the moisture and rust from the skillet. It will also release some oxalic acid, which is a compound that can clean and polish metal¹².

4. Scrub the skillet in a circular motion

Use the potato to scrub the skillet in a circular motion, pressing firmly and covering the entire surface. You will see the potato and the salt turning brown as they pick up the rust and dirt. You may need to cut off the dirty part of the potato and add more salt as you go along. You can also use a toothbrush or a steel wool pad to reach the corners and edges of the skillet.

5. Once you have removed all the rust and dirt, rinse the skillet with water and dry it thoroughly with a paper towel or a cloth. You can also heat it over a stove or in an oven to make sure it is completely dry and to kill any bacteria.

6. The last step is to season your skillet with oil to protect it from rusting again and to make it more non-stick. You can use any kind of cooking oil, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or flaxseed oil. Rub a thin layer of oil over the entire surface of the skillet, inside and out, using a paper towel or a cloth. Then, heat the skillet over a stove or in an oven for about an hour, until it is hot and shiny. You may need to wipe off any excess oil with a paper towel during this process. Let the skillet cool down before storing it in a dry place.

Congratulations, you have successfully cleaned your rusty cast iron skillet with a potato and salt. You can now enjoy cooking with your skillet again, and remember to keep it dry and seasoned after each use.

Give it a try!

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Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Prepare the area.

Before you start, make sure that the wood furniture is clean and dry. Remove any dust, dirt, or debris from the surface with a soft cloth. If the water ring is on a table, you may want to cover the surrounding area with a towel or a newspaper to protect it from the heat of the hair dryer.

2. Apply the heat.

Plug in your hair dryer and set it to the highest heat setting. Hold it about 2 inches away from the water ring and move it back and forth over the mark. Do not keep the
hair dryer in one spot for too long, as this may damage the wood. You should see the water ring gradually disappear as the moisture evaporates from the wood. This may take a few minutes, depending on the size and severity of the water ring.

3. Polish the wood.

Once the water ring is gone, turn off the hair dryer and let the wood cool down. Then, apply some furniture polish or wax on a soft cloth and rub it over the area where the water ring was. This will restore the shine and protect the wood from future stains. Buff the wood with a clean cloth until it is smooth and glossy.

4. Enjoy your wood furniture.

You have successfully removed the water ring from your wood furniture with a hair dryer. Now you can enjoy your wood furniture without any unsightly marks. You can also use this method to remove water rings from other wood items, such as picture frames, bookshelves, or cabinets.

Tips and Warnings

1. If the water ring is very old or deep, you may need to repeat the process several times until it is completely gone.

2. If the water ring is black or dark, it means that the wood has been damaged beyond the finish. In this case, you may need to sand the area and refinish it with a matching stain and varnish.

3. Do not use a hair dryer on wood furniture that has a lacquer or shellac finish, as this may cause the finish to bubble or crack. You can test the finish by rubbing a drop of water on an
inconspicuous spot. If the water beads up, it means that the finish is lacquer or shellac. If the water sinks in, it means that the finish is oil or wax.

4. Do not use a hair dryer on wood furniture that has a painted or glazed surface, as this may cause the paint or glaze to peel or discolor.

5. Do not use a hair dryer on wood furniture that has metal or plastic parts, as this may melt or warp them.

6. Always be careful when using a hair dryer near wood furniture, as it may cause burns or fire hazards. Keep the hair dryer away from flammable materials, children, and pets. Unplug the hair dryer when not in use.

Happy Cleaning !!!

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1. Clean your jewelry.

Toothpaste can help you restore the shine and sparkle of your jewelry. Just apply a small amount of toothpaste on a soft cloth and gently rub it over your rings, earrings, necklaces, or bracelets. Rinse with water and dry with a soft cloth. You can also use a toothbrush to reach the crevices of your jewelry.

2. Remove stains from clothes.

Toothpaste can help you get rid of stubborn stains from your clothes, such as ink, lipstick, or coffee. Just dab some toothpaste on the stain and rub it with a damp cloth. Rinse with water and wash as usual. You can also use toothpaste to whiten your white clothes by adding a small amount to your laundry detergent.

3. Polish your shoes.

Toothpaste can help you make your shoes look new again. Just apply some toothpaste on a cloth and rub it over your leather, canvas, or rubber shoes. Wipe off the excess with a damp cloth and let them dry. You can also use toothpaste to remove scuff marks from your shoes by rubbing them with a toothbrush.

4. Clean your iron.

Toothpaste can help you remove the burnt residue from your iron. Just squeeze some toothpaste on a cloth and rub it over the iron plate. Wipe it off with a damp cloth and let it dry. You can also use toothpaste to clean the steam holes of your iron by using a cotton swab.

5. Remove scratches from CDs and DVDs.

Toothpaste can help you fix your scratched CDs and DVDs. Just apply some toothpaste on a cotton ball and rub it over the scratches in a circular motion. Wipe it off with a damp cloth and let it dry. You can also use toothpaste to clean the fingerprints and smudges from your discs by using a soft cloth.

6. Deodorize your hands.

Toothpaste can help you get rid of the unpleasant smells from your hands, such as garlic, onion, or fish. Just wash your hands with some toothpaste and rinse with water. You can also use toothpaste to moisturize your hands by applying some on your palms and massaging them.

7. Clean your nails.

Toothpaste can help you make your nails look clean and healthy. Just apply some toothpaste on a toothbrush and scrub your nails and cuticles. Rinse with water and dry with a towel. You can also use toothpaste to whiten your nails by leaving some on them for a few minutes and then rinsing.

8. Remove gum from hair.

Toothpaste can help you get rid of the sticky gum from your hair. Just apply some toothpaste on the gum and rub it with your fingers. Pull the gum out gently and wash your hair as usual. You can also use toothpaste to remove gum from your carpet or furniture by using the same method.

9. Clean your bathroom.

Toothpaste can help you make your bathroom look sparkling and fresh. Just apply some toothpaste on a sponge and scrub your sink, faucet, shower, tub, or toilet. Rinse with water and wipe with a dry cloth. You can also use toothpaste to remove soap scum, mildew, and hard water stains from your bathroom by using a toothbrush.

10. Remove crayon marks from walls.

Toothpaste can help you erase the crayon marks from your walls. Just apply some toothpaste on a cloth and rub it over the marks until they disappear. Wipe with a clean cloth.

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Here are 15 simple cleaning tips below that are both effective and budget-friendly

SEE MORE: 24 Simple Life Hacks You’re Easy To Do Everyday

1. Baking Soda and Vinegar

Use vinegar and baking soda to unclog a drain. Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar. Wait for 15 minutes, then flush with hot water.

2. Lemon and Salt

Use a mixture of lemon and salt to clean a cutting board. Sprinkle some salt on the board, then rub it with a cut lemon. Rinse with water and let it dry.

3. Toothpaste

Use toothpaste to remove crayon marks from walls. Apply some toothpaste on a damp cloth and gently rub the marks until they disappear. Wipe with a clean cloth.

4. Lint roller

Use a lint roller to clean lampshades, curtains, and upholstery. Roll it over the fabric to pick up dust, dirt, and pet hair.

5. Coffee filter

Use a coffee filter to clean your computer screen. It will not leave any lint or scratches, and it will also remove fingerprints and smudges.

6. Pillowcase

Use a pillowcase to clean ceiling fans. Slip the pillowcase over each blade and pull it back, trapping the dust inside. Shake it out or wash it later.

7. Tennis ball

Use a tennis ball to remove scuff marks from floors and walls. Rub the ball over the marks and watch them disappear.

8. Hair dryer

Use a hair dryer to remove water rings from wood furniture. Blow hot air over the ring until it fades, then apply some furniture polish.

9. Microfiber cloth and rubbing alcohol

Use a microfiber cloth and rubbing alcohol to clean stainless steel appliances. Wipe the surface with the cloth dipped in alcohol, then buff with a dry cloth.

10. Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide

Use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to clean your oven. Make a paste of baking soda and water, and spread it over the oven. Let it sit for a few hours, then spray some hydrogen peroxide over it. Wipe it off with a damp cloth.

11. Ketchup

Use ketchup to polish copper and brass. Apply some ketchup on a cloth and rub it over the metal. Rinse with water and dry with a soft cloth.

12. Cola

Use cola to clean your toilet. Pour a can of cola into the bowl and let it sit for an hour. Scrub with a brush and flush.

13. Grapefruit and salt

Use a grapefruit and salt to clean your bathtub. Cut a grapefruit in half and sprinkle some salt on it. Scrub the tub with the grapefruit, then rinse with water.

14. Potato

Use a potato to clean a rusty cast iron skillet. Cut a potato in half and dip it in some salt. Rub the potato over the rust, then rinse and season the skillet.

15. Banana peel

Use a banana peel to polish silver. Rub the inside of the peel over the silver, then buff with a soft cloth.

These are some of the cleaning tips that actually work. Try them out and see the difference for yourself. Happy cleaning!

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SEE MORE: 11 Simple Cleaning Tips For Removing The Toughest Stuff

1. Cleaning a shower curtain

Shower curtains are prone to mold and mildew, which can be hard to clean off. To simplify cleaning a shower curtain, wash them with baking soda and vinegar. This effectively removes mold and soap scum. For an extra eco-friendly touch, use a biodegradable laundry detergent and leave it to soak to help remove any musty odors and make a bathroom smell nice, too.

2. Cleaning behind toilets

When cleaning a bathroom, there are several spots we might not even think to tackle – including behind the toilet. You might not be able to see these nooks easily, but they are a common trap for dust and bacteria – and could be contributing to a musty smell. Use an angled toilet brush or a grout brush to reach those tight spots behind the toilet. Apply an eco-friendly disinfectant or a homemade vinegar-based cleaner to ensure thorough cleanliness.

3. Removing grime from oven racks

Oven racks can be a pain to clean, but there’s a simple solution. Fill your bathtub with hot water and add a cup of dish soap and a half-cup of baking soda. Place the oven racks in the tub and let them soak overnight. In the morning, use a scrub brush to remove any remaining grime.

4. Cleaning beneath furniture and appliances

Cleaning beneath furniture and appliances can be a challenge, but it’s important to keep these areas clean to prevent dust and dirt buildup. Use a vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool attachment to reach tight spaces. You can also use a microfiber cloth or a duster to remove dust and debris.

5. Dusting behind radiators

Radiators can be a magnet for dust and debris, but they’re often overlooked during cleaning. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dust and debris from behind radiators. You can also use a microfiber cloth or a duster to remove dust from the front of the radiator.

I hope these tips help you tackle the hardest household cleaning tasks with ease!

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1. Clean a burnt pan

Fill the pan with hot water, add a little dish soap and a couple of dryer sheets. Let it sit for an hour then wipe clean with a scrubbing pad and wash normally.

2. Remove permanent marker from a dry erase board

Simply draw over your permanent marker artwork with a dry erase marker, and then wipe the marks away with an eraser or dry cloth.

3. Remove tough stains from a coffee thermos

Dissolve one denture cleaning tablet per two cups of hot water. Pour it in the stained vessel and let it sit for several hours and then use a scrub brush to clean off the stains and all the loosened bits. Pour the solution out and rinse thoroughly.

4. Get gum out of carpet

Freeze the gum by placing a sandwich bag filled with ice cubes on top of it for about a half hour. When the gum is frozen, break it apart and pull it out of the carpet.

5. Remove stubborn Command Hooks

Warm up the adhesive with a hairdryer. 30 seconds or so seems to be about right. Next, use dental floss or fishing line to gently cut through the adhesive strip. Rub off any remaining adhesive residue, and the Command Hook is ready to reuse.

6. Scratch-free glasses

Put a drop of Brasso on a 100 percent cotton cloth, the softer the better. Apply the product to the lenses, let it dry completely, and then polish out the scratches.

7. Spilled paint

Pour some denatured alcohol onto a rag and scrub away the paint.

8. Cleaning a shower curtain

Wash them with baking soda and vinegar. This effectively removes mold and soap scum. For an extra eco-friendly touch, use a biodegradable laundry detergent and leave it to soak to help remove any musty odors and make a bathroom smell nice, too.

9. Cleaning behind toilets

Use an angled toilet brush or a grout brush to reach those tight spots behind the toilet. Apply an eco-friendly disinfectant or a homemade vinegar-based cleaner to ensure thorough cleanliness.

10. Removing grime from oven racks

Fill your bathtub with hot water and add a cup of dish soap and a half-cup of baking soda. Place the oven racks in the tub and let them soak overnight. In the morning, use a scrub brush to remove any remaining grime.

11. Removing pet hair from furniture

To remove pet hair from furniture or carpet, use duct tape or a paint roller cover wrapped with duct tape, sticky side out

I hope you find these tips helpful! If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to ask.

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If your home could use tidying, you’re in the right place. Here are the 10 best cleaning tips to keep your home fresh and tidy.

1. Vacuum your dryer vent

Once a year, pull your dryer away from the wall and disconnect the vent. Using the hose of your vacuum cleaner, reach into the vent as far as you possibly can and vacuum.

2. Deep-clean your mattress

Your bed needs a proper cleaning every few months to get rid of dust and dead skin cells, sweat and oils from your body. Remove and wash your sheets as usual. To clean your mattress, use a garment steamer and go over the top, sides and box spring thoroughly to kill any dust mites that may be hiding near the surface. Then use your vacuum’s upholstery tool and go over your mattress again. (This will remove the dust mites steaming has killed.) Remove any stains with a carpet and upholstery cleaner without over-wetting the mattress.

3. Update your gutters

It’s best to call in a professional when it’s time to clean your gutters, but you can avoid having to make that call too often by having gutter covers installed that allow water to flow into the gutters while keeping leaves and other large debris out.

4. Remove stains from car seats

It may be hard (or downright impossible if you have kids), but implementing a no-eating-in-the-car rule is the best way to keep car seats free of stains.

5. Clean your washing machine

To clean your washing machine, add 2 cups of white vinegar to the drum and run it through a complete cycle on the hottest setting. Then run another cycle with 2 cups of baking soda on the hottest setting.

6. Clean your dishwasher

To clean your dishwasher, remove any food debris from the bottom of the dishwasher and wipe down the interior with a damp cloth. Then place a cup of white vinegar on the top rack of the dishwasher and run it through a complete cycle on the hottest setting.

7. Clean your oven

To clean your oven, mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with enough water to make a paste. Spread this paste all over the inside of your oven (avoiding heating elements) and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. Then use a damp sponge or cloth to wipe away as much of the paste as possible before rinsing with water.

8. Clean your refrigerator

To clean your refrigerator, remove all food items and wipe down all surfaces with a damp cloth or sponge. Then mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with enough water to make a paste and use this paste to scrub away any stubborn stains or spills.

9. Clean your microwave

To clean your microwave, mix 1/2 cup of water with 1/2 cup of white vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 5 minutes, then let it sit for another 5 minutes before opening the door and wiping down all surfaces with a damp cloth or sponge.

10. Clean your garbage disposal

To clean your garbage disposal, mix ice cubes, salt, and lemon peels to sharpen the blades, remove odors, and sanitize the unit

These are some of the best cleaning tips for every room in your home. I hope they help you keep your house sparkling clean.

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