Ahhhh, a good baked potato. Some potatoes have a blemish that doesn't wash off---don't fuss about it, just wash the potato under cool water with a vegetable brush. You do not have to "sterilized it". Bake the potato in a 400 degree oven for 50-60 minutes. When you take it out lay it in a folded dish towel , sprinkle a small amount of water on the skin and wrap the dish towel around it. (to cause a little steam and soften the skin). In 3-5 minutes gentle roll the potato ,still in the dishtowel, a bit. (this loosens the flesh of the potato, and makes it fluffy). When you cut the slit in the potato to open it, it should be light and fluffy. Love a good baked potato with juicy meatloaf---and they can be baked together in the oven at the same time. Learned this potato stuff in Idaho!