This condiment has a lot of cleaning power.
annick vanderschelden photography / Getty Images
Ketchup is one of the most versatile condiments around.
Ketchup is also a key ingredient fortopping our meatloafand flavoring ourbaked beans.
Credit:annick vanderschelden photography / Getty Images
There’s something about that sweet, tangy mixture of tomato and vinegar that really amps up flavor.
We never knew how useful the sweet acidity of ketchup could be outside of the kitchen, though.
Over time, your favorite copper pots may develop a green or dark brown patina.
Once you’re happy with the results, wash and dry immediately.
Gently scrub the rust away with a toothbrush, rinse, and dry.
Loosening Burnt-On Food
Ketchup can remove burnt-on, sticky messes from your pans.
Gently scrub off with a scouring pad or sponge, then wash and dry.
One caveat: Acids can pit aluminum pans, so don’t use this method on your aluminum cookware.
Removing Hard-Water Stains
Ketchup can dissolve the minerals that causehard-water stainson your faucets and fixtures.
Simply apply ketchup, wait a few minutes, then wipe and buff your faucet.
The ketchup will help polish away all the water spots, too.
But drastic times call for drastic measures.
Gently scrub the rust away with a sponge or stiff nylon brush.
Now that the rust is removed, you might wash andreseason the pan.
Polishing Metals
Ketchup can be used to polish lightly tarnished silver, brass,and pewter.
Apply the ketchup, let it sit for 15 minutes, then buff it with a soft cloth.
Use a brush to apply a liberal coating of ketchup on the grates.
After 15 minutes, scrub the grate with your grill brush or aluminum foil.
Now you’re ready to heat up your grill and start cooking.
Loosening Bolts
Ketchup’s ability to break down rust can also help loosen bolts.
Apply around the seam, wait up to an hour, and then try loosening the bolt.
With severe rust, you may also need to apply a penetrating solution.
Soothing Insect Bites
This home remedy can help to cool and soothe insect bites.
Apply a dab of ketchup, then rinse away after about three minutes.
Detailing Cars
Ketchup can be used to polish chrome and clean foggy headlights.
Apply, let sit for 15 minutes, then use a clean cloth to wipe the ketchup away.
(If your headlights need more intervention,toothpaste is another popular household itemthat can be very effective.)
