How to Make Potatoes Last Longer – Quick Tip That Really Works!
Have you ever brought home a great deal on potatoes, only to have them start sprouting or going soft too quickly? Let me show you the simple method I’ve used for years to make our potatoes last for months — using just a cardboard box.
This process does depend on where you live. If you live in a high humidity area, potatoes don’t last quite as long as in a cooler environment but this is what works for me – and I hope it works for you!
This tip is one of the easiest ways to stretch your grocery budget. Let’s walk through exactly how to store potatoes so they last longer — no special tools needed.
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Why Potatoes Go Bad Quickly
Potatoes are sensitive to moisture and light. When they’re stored in plastic bags, moisture gets trapped, which leads to faster sprouting, soft spots, and even mold. That’s why the very first step in long-term potato storage is getting them out of those plastic bags.
Step-by-Step: How I Store My Potatoes
1. Remove from Plastic Bags
As soon as you get home from the store, take all your potatoes out of the plastic. This step alone will extend the life of your potatoes significantly.
2. Let Them Dry
Spread your potatoes out on the counter and let them dry completely. I usually leave them out for a couple of hours, flipping them over to make sure all sides are dry. If I have the time, I sometimes leave them overnight. This removes any surface moisture that can lead to rotting in storage.
3. Inspect and Sort
Check for any soft spots or damage. If you find any soft potatoes, set them aside and use them first. Only store firm, healthy potatoes — they’re the ones that will last.
4. Layer in a Cardboard Box
Once the potatoes are dry and sorted, start layering them in a cardboard box. I’ve also used a bushel basket, which works great too. Nothing fancy here — just gently layer them into the box.
5. Add Paper Between Layers
After the first layer of potatoes, I like to add a sheet of packing paper like this. This helps absorb any residual moisture and adds a bit of cushioning. This is an optional step but I find it helpful. Repeat layering potatoes and newspaper until the box is full.
6. Close the Box (Loosely)
When your box is full, close the flaps loosely. Don’t tape it shut— you still want some airflow. The goal is to block light while allowing the potatoes to breathe. I cross cross the flaps to keep it closed.
Where to Store Your Potatoes
Potatoes last longest in a cool, dark place. If you have a basement like we do up North, that’s the perfect storage spot. If not, consider these alternatives:
- A bottom cabinet or closet
- A pantry with minimal light
- Anywhere cool and dark you can find.
The key is darkness and stable, cooler temperatures. Avoid storing potatoes near heat sources, in the fridge, or anywhere they’ll be exposed to light.
Also, it is very important to store your potatoes AWAY from onions. Storing them close together, in my experience, makes potatoes go bad much more quickly.
How Long Do Potatoes Last?
Using this method, I’ve had potatoes last 3 to 4 months with no sprouting or softening. That’s why I always buy in bulk when there’s a great sale — because I know I can store them properly and avoid waste.
Sometimes, I get what I think is an older batch of potatoes and they don’t last quite as long before sprouting BUT I know they last longer this way then they ever did in bags.
Final Thoughts
This potato trick is simple, cheap, and it works. By doing just a little bit of prep — removing potatoes from plastic, letting them dry, and storing them in a box — you can make your potatoes last so much longer.
Again, your experience may differ but since this method is so easy to try…what have you got to loose? Grab a paper box and see what happens!
