Lifestyle Desk – Potatoes are often boiled in homes for vegetables, chaat or parathas. After boiling potatoes, most people pour the remaining water into the drain without thinking. However, as simple as this water looks, it can be equally useful. While boiling potatoes, the starch and some nutrients present in it get mixed with water, due to which it can prove beneficial for many household tasks. If till now you too have been throwing away the remaining water after boiling potatoes, then before doing so next time, definitely know about some of its wonderful uses.
The water left after boiling potatoes can be poured into the plants after it cools down. The starch and some mineral elements present in it can help in the growth of plants. Keep in mind that there should not be too much salt mixed in the water, because salt can harm the plants. Use it on plants only after it cools completely.
Potato boiled water can also be useful in cleaning utensils with stubborn stains in the kitchen. The starch present in it helps in loosening the grease and dirt. You can get better results if you soak the utensils in this water for some time and then clean them.
If you want to keep the clothes slightly stiff and ready for pressing, then you can use potato water. It works like natural starch. Filter the water, cool it and spray it lightly on the clothes. After this, ironing makes the clothes look more organized and clean.
The water left after boiling potatoes can also be used for cooking. Adding it to soup, curry or gravy can increase the thickness as well as taste. The starch present in it acts as a natural thickener, which may reduce the need for separate cornflour or other thickeners.
Some people also use potato water for hair care. After washing hair with cold potato water, they can be rinsed with clean water. It is believed that the starch present in it can help in making hair soft and shiny. However, it is better to do a patch test before adopting any new home remedy.
Before using potato water, make sure that it does not contain too much salt or spices. Also, it is considered better to use water fresh rather than storing it for a long time.
