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Cleaning soil off potatoes

daylilierdaylilier Posts: 11
in Fruit & veg
This year, I grew Red Norlands.  I scrub the potatoes but there are bits of soil that just won't come off.  I've tried soaking them in hot water for a while and then scrubbing them with no luck.  Is there something I should add to the water to help get off the soil?
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  • Allotment BoyAllotment Boy Posts: 6,774
    Why are you trying to get all the soil off? If you are storing the potatoes it's accepted that they store best wil a little soil on them. If you are cleaning them to eat, say as jacket potatoes then use a slight scouring pad, or I think one company sells special gloves with abrasive pads on them. I would,  stick to cold water for cleaning. Remember the odd speck of dirt will not do any harm, if you are peeling the potatoes,  this will come away with the skin.
    AB Still learning

  • Blue OnionBlue Onion Posts: 2,995
    Could it be potato scab?  Or damage on the skin?
    Utah, USA.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Sounds more like that @Blue Onion.

    Any soil on the outer of potatoes would usually come off quite easily  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    I use a nail brush and tepid/lukewarm water to scrub potatoes just before cooking (hands don't like cold water), and cut off any scabby or damaged bits if I'm not peeling them.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • daylilierdaylilier Posts: 11
    edited October 2021
    I don't grow enough potatoes to store.  There are black soil spots on my spuds.  Maybe next year I'll try the straw method.  Thank you to everyone who responded.
    Lisa
    Maine, USA
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Ah - we've probably assumed you were in the UK @daylilier  :)
    If you want to post a photo, maybe someone can help with further advice, and put your mind at rest too. 
    The icon that looks like hills is the one for uploading. If you keep them at around 1MB or less, they load more easily  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • daylilierdaylilier Posts: 11
    I've attached photographs of my potatoes.  These have been cleaned under hot water with a stiff brush.  And there is still soil on them that I can't clean off.
  • WoodgreenWoodgreen Posts: 1,273
    I would have used cold water, and I would boil those and eat them, but if you are not comfortable with this, just peel them.
    Twenty minutes boiling must surely take care of anything that might be in that tiny bit of soil?
    But I eat fruit from the trees, and I know some people would want to wash it first.
    It's up to the individual really. Do what makes you comfortable 

  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    A pointed knife should pick it out and scrape it off under running water. 
    I don’t grow them but have bought them like that.
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I'd do the same - just dig the point of a knife in and remove those little bits  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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