Cream of Tartar Uses for Cleaning

July 28, 2015 Cream of Tartar Uses for Cleaning

Cream of tartar is something that many of us know as a component of baking powder, and as a cooking ingredient. However, it is also an often overlooked all-natural cleaning substance that will make a great addition to your cleaning supply closet.

So, perhaps you are wondering, what is cream of tartar, anyway? The chemical name is potassium bitartrate, and it is a natural byproduct of the wine-making process. When cream of tartar is mixed with an acidic liquid, such as lemon juice or vinegar, it makes a great stain remover. However, it can also be mixed with other liquids, such as hydrogen peroxide and just plain old water.

Here are some of our favorite cleaning uses for cream of tartar:

Removing Stains from Your Tub: To remove stains from your porcelain tub, mix together equal parts cream of tartar and baking soda. Then, mix in enough lemon juice to make a thick paste. Rub the paste into the stain with a sponge or cloth. Let sit for about an hour, and then rinse.
Cleaning Aluminum Cookware: Revive your dingy and stained aluminum cookware with cream of tartar. To clean the inside of a pot, mix together 1 quart of water, 1/2 cup of vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar in the pot. Boil the solution in the pot for about 15 minutes, then rinse clean. To clean the outsides of aluminum pots, just sprinkle some cream of tartar on a damp sponge, and scrub.
Removing Carpet Stains: For the most stubborn carpet stains, cream of tartar can work wonders. Just mix together cream of tartar and lemon juice into a loose paste, and gently spread it over the stain. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then blot it up with a damp rag. If it doesn’t completely remove the stain, try repeating the process.
Refreshing White or Light-Colored Dinnerware: Don’t even think about tossing your white dinnerware that has become scratched and stained over time. (Generally the scratches are from utensils.) Just mix together some cream tartar with water, spread it over the the grey-ish marks, let it sit for about 5 minutes, then rinse. Voila! Your bowls, plates and coffee cups will look like new again.

Buying Tip: You can find cream of tartar in the spice section of the supermarket, but it will come in a small spice-sized jar, and the jars tend to be expensive. A better and more cost-effective option is to find a grocery store that sells spices in bulk, where you can stock up on cream of tartar in larger quantities.