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A tub of Cream of Tartar is a common sight at any baker’s house. From making souffles look delectable to making your treats akin to professional bakers, it’s a godsend.
However, your Cream of Tartar has so much untapped potential you aren’t even aware of. Which is why we have compiled a list of hacks around the house that feature just one ingredient, Cream of Tartar.
So while your cookies are set to cool down, grab the remaining product and get some multitasking going on.
What is Cream of Tartar?
To address the most important question on our minds, what is Cream of Tartar?
Cream of Tartar is a white acidic substance, that comes through as a byproduct of winemaking. It is usually used in baking, like Cream of Tartar akin to a stabilizing agent for egg whites.
It is the magic maker that causes eggs to increase in size, making them fluffier and whitening baked goods for a polished look.
Is Cream Of Tartar Safe To Use?
Cream of Tartar is an acidic salt, which is why it is great at cleaning as the acid can dissolve many stains with its potency. Yet, on a pH scale, its acidity is markedly lower than most acids, which makes it an optimum cleaning choice if you are looking for a non-toxic natural cleaner.
It must be noted that ct is high in potassium, and should not be consumed in excess by anyone who is on a restricted diet. Other than that, if used with care, Cream of Tartar is one of the safest cleaning options available in the market. Its toxicity is almost negligible when compared to other cleaners.
13 Brilliant Household Uses Of Cream Of Tartar
1. Stain Remover
If you have some stubborn stains that will just not leave, put Cream of Tartar to the task. As a natural cleaner, it will protect the integrity of your fabric while sloughing away at the stain to give you more vibrant colors.
When mixed with a bit of glycerin and rubbed in, Cream of Tartar can remove the toughest of stains. It can even erase sweat stinks and collar greases in one wash.
Whites looking more like off whites lately? With Cream of Tartar, you can restore them to a white so pure it could rival snow.
2. Say Goodbye to Pests
Pests are the worst nightmare of any house owner, at least after the utility bill. To keep all creepy crawlies away from your residence, sprinkle some Cream of Tartar in their hang out spots.
Within days you’ll see the difference. You can also use Cream of Tartar as a preventive measure, by keeping small mountains of the powder in places most likely to be infested by pests.
3. All-Purpose Kitchen Cleaner
For a cleaner that gets the job done in the kitchen, look no further than your baking aisle. Cream of Tartar mixed with equal parts vinegar can clean almost any surface, from the pots to the kitchen aisle.
As an alternative to bleach, it can easily melt away stains and dried food from the hardest to clean areas. It is a much safer option, considering that bleach can slowly wear away at surfaces, leaving them more fragile and brittle over a period of time.
4. Remove Rust
Have an old antique that looks like it belonged to the witch trials? Give your rusted pieces a revamp with some Cream of Tartar mixed with water. Rub the paste in with a microfiber cloth in slow circles and it’ll erase the rust within seconds.
5. Get Clogged Drains Flowing Again
Drains have a special talent, where they get clogged at the most inconvenient of times. If you do not have a drain cleaner on hand or are just plain lazy to open up the abyss, Cream of Tartar is the perfect instant fix.
To clean drains, mix 1/4 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup salt, and 1 tbsp Cream of Tartar. Let the mixture flow down the drain and sit for an hour. Add a cup of water to activate the potion, and then rinse it all off by opening the taps. No more clogged drains.
6. DIY Bath Bombs
It’s been a long year already, and you deserve a self-care session. This is why we have found the perfect bath bomb recipe for a relaxing night in using the star ingredient of this list, Cream of Tartar.
Throw together 1 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup cream of tartar, 10 drops essential oil and 2 tablespoons oil. Mold them into desired shapes and let them sit for a while. Organic, handmade and cheap bath bombs, need we say more to get you pumped?
7. Restore Scratched Dishes
For your precious china, nothing but the best should be employed. For fixing up hairline scratches on your crockery, use some ct and a soft microfiber cloth. Rub in the Cream of Tartar wherever the lines are visible, and rinse it afterward.
8. Coffee Pot Cleaner
Nothing can beat the addictive aroma of morning coffee. From promising energy for a new day to its decadent flavor, the mere mention of it makes us drool. If your coffee has been coming out a bit drab lately, the coffee pot probably needs a good cleaning.
Pour some water into the pot and mix some Cream of Tartar into it. Keep the water to boil. After a few minutes, rinse out the ct with a second wash. If the shine isn’t promising, tomorrow’s cup will surely be.
9. Shine Stainless Steel
Give your stainless steel a boost with some Cream of Tartar and water. Simply scrub it on and let it work its mojo before washing it away with plain water.
10. No Stink Toilet Cleaner
Toilet cleaners are notoriously overpowering. The chemical scent is powerful enough to turn most of our noses into a scrunched up mess. They are also extremely hazardous and can cause a nasty reaction if into contact with any exposed skin.
Substitute your usual cleaner with some Cream of Tartar, and watch how it instantly kills all the stink and brightens up the bowl as well.
11. Clean Soot from Fireplaces
With winter coming to an end, it’s time to bid the fireplace goodbye. But before that, it’s important to clean out the soot on the brickwork. If left otherwise, this soot can build up over time and become impossible to clean. Instead of a black fireplace, just use some Cream of Tartar with water and scrub away the soot.
12. Repel Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew can cause a variety of diseases and are just plain ugly to look at. Save the aesthetic value of your house by eliminating these fungi with some Cream of Tartar and vinegar. The double-action will kill the mold from its root, leaving behind a clean, hygienic haven.
13. Remove Ink Stains
From college students to enthusiastic toddlers, there is no end to ink stains. They can pop up in the most random of places, and are extremely hard to get out. With some Cream of Tartar and lemon juice, you can create the perfect stain soak that will absorb the ink within an hour.
Where to avoid using Cream of Tartar?
Although Cream of Tartar is great at what it does, there are few surfaces it should be kept away from.
Wood, marble, and silver are some items you should avoid. Cream of Tartar can destroy their integrity, and cause them to weaken over time.
It can cause precious metals to stain quicker, as it encourages oxidation reactions if not cleaned thoroughly after. It should also not be used on anything that has deep grooves and cracks, as it can cause the powder to settle in the available spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What Is Cream of Tartar Made From?
Cream of Tartar is found from the barrels where fermentation has taken place. In its crude form, it is called beeswing. After a process of purification, the end product is known as Cream of Tartar. It is naturally found in many plants, like tartaric acid.
Why Is It Called Cream of Tartar?
Cream of Tartar is a fancy name for potassium bitartrate, a chemical compound that is formed in the process of grape fermentation.
What Can I substitute Cream of Tartar With?
Although it is easily available in most local grocery shops, it can be substituted with many other products with a similar composition.
White vinegar, lemon juice, baking powder are all top contenders. They are all excellent contenders and make top-notch natural cleaning substitutes.
These can also have individually many more uses than sticking to just one, so be sure to research it a bit. We even have a few lists with those products at the center show, so check them out for more inspiration.
With this list by your side and a tub of tartar, no germ can stand your arsenal. All that’s left is to get started!
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