The Magic of Cream of Tartar: 9 Unexpected Cleaning Uses
Cream of tartar, typically known as a baking ingredient, is actually a versatile cleaning aid that can tackle a variety of household cleaning tasks with ease. This byproduct of winemaking, known scientifically as potassium hydrogen tartrate, can work wonders when paired with common household acids like lemon juice, vinegar, or water. From stainless steel pans to grout, clothing stains to coffee makers, cream of tartar has you covered. Let’s dive into the many surprising ways you can use cream of tartar to keep your home sparkling clean.
1. Stainless Steel Pans
Stainless steel pans are a staple in many kitchens, but they can easily accumulate grease and grime over time. To restore their shine, sprinkle cream of tartar on the stained surface and cover it with hot water. After letting it sit for ten minutes, scrub the pan with a sponge and watch the buildup disappear.
2. Kitchen Appliances
Don’t forget about your kitchen appliances! Mix a quarter cup of cream of tartar with a tablespoon of water to create a gentle cleaning paste. Use this mixture to remove grime, scuffs, and dings from the surfaces of your appliances, leaving them looking as good as new.
3. Grout
Grout can easily become stained and discolored over time, but cream of tartar can help revitalize it. Combine two parts cream of tartar with one part white vinegar to create a paste. Apply the paste to the dirty grout with an old toothbrush, let it sit for 10 minutes, and then wipe it away for fresh, clean grout.
4. Clothing
Say goodbye to tough stains on your clothes with cream of tartar. Mix it with lemon juice to remove ink stains or combine it with warm water for a pre-soak to whiten extra-soiled laundry. Cream of tartar can also be used as a bleach replacement or combined with glycerin to create a powerful stain remover.
5. Bathroom Surfaces
For a heavy-duty cleaning paste for your bathroom surfaces, mix equal parts cream of tartar with white vinegar. Apply this paste with a scrub brush or sponge, then wipe it away with a clean, damp cloth to leave your sink and tub sparkling clean.
6. Copper and Brass
Do you have copper or brass items that need a polish? Mix two parts cream of tartar with one part vinegar to create a paste. Use an old toothbrush to apply the paste to these surfaces, gently scrubbing to remove dirt and grime. Rinse away the mixture with warm water and dry your items thoroughly to prevent water marks.
7. Coffee Maker
Even your trusty coffee maker can benefit from a cream of tartar treatment. Fill the coffee maker with water and a few teaspoons of cream of tartar, then run it through a cycle and let it sit for 10 minutes. Scrub away any residue before running a few more cycles of clean water to ensure a fresh brew every time.
8. Fireplaces
Remove soot and ash stains from your fireplace with a cream of tartar paste. Mix it with water to create a cleaning paste, apply it to the stained areas, and let it sit for 10 minutes before wiping it away. Your fireplace will look good as new in no time.
9. Drains
Keep your sink drains clean and clear by using a mixture of cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Pour this mixture down the drain, followed by hot water, and let it sit for an hour before rinsing. Say goodbye to clogs and unpleasant odors with this simple drain cleaning solution.
With these nine creative uses for cream of tartar, you can tackle a wide range of cleaning tasks around your home with ease. Say goodbye to stubborn stains, grime, and dirt and hello to a sparkling clean home, all thanks to this versatile cleaning aid. Give cream of tartar a try and see the magic for yourself!
