10 Simple Yet Effective Uses for Cream of Tartar in Your Home

You probably know cream of tartar as the white powder you use for baking, such as making fluffy meringues or keeping whipped cream stable. It’s a kitchen must-have, helping your desserts turn out just right. But here’s the thing—cream of tartar isn’t just for baking.

This little powder could clean your pots, shine your silver, and even get rid of rust. In this article, we’re going to look at 10 super simple but amazing ways to use cream of tartar around your home that you’ve probably never thought of. These tricks will completely change how you see this simple ingredient and turn it into your new household hero. Get ready to be amazed!

Cleaning Stubborn Pots and Pans

Ever struggled with those burnt-on stains that just won’t budge? Cream of tartar to the rescue! This simple powder can work wonders on your toughest pots and pans.

Just mix a couple of tablespoons of cream of tartar with a small amount of water to make a paste. Apply it to the stained area, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub away. The stains will lift right off, leaving your cookware looking shiny and new. It’s like magic in a jar!

Polishing Stainless Steel

Even though it’s called stainless steel, it can still get spots and stains. Cream of tartar can help with this. It’s a mild abrasive that cleans away dirt and grime without scratching the surface.

To make a polishing paste, mix a tablespoon of cream of tartar with a few drops of water. Apply this paste to your stainless steel appliances or utensils with a soft cloth, rubbing it in a circular motion. After polishing, rinse with water, and buff with a dry cloth for a brilliant, mirror-like finish.

Removing Rust from Metal Surfaces

Dealing with rusty metal surfaces? Cream of tartar is great for this too. It works by combining with hydrogen peroxide to form a paste that targets rust.

Mix cream of tartar with a bit of hydrogen peroxide to create a thick paste. Apply it directly to the rusted areas, and let it sit for about an hour. After that, scrub the rust away with a brush or cloth. You’ll be amazed at how easily the rust lifts off, leaving your metal looking as good as new.

Deodorizing Your Trash Can

Have you ever noticed how your trash can can still smell bad, even after you’ve emptied it? Cream of tartar can help freshen things up. This powder acts as a natural deodorizer, neutralizing unpleasant odors.

Just sprinkle a generous amount of cream of tartar at the bottom of your trash can. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight. The cream of tartar absorbs and neutralizes odors, leaving your trash can smelling fresher.

Whitening Tile Grout

Does your tile grout look dingy and discolored? Cream of tartar can brighten it up and make it look brand new.

Mix cream of tartar with a little water to create a thick paste. Apply this paste to your grout lines and let it sit for about 15 minutes. The natural acid in cream of tartar helps break down stains and whiten the grout. After the paste has had time to work, scrub the grout with a brush or sponge. Rinse with water, and you’ll see your grout looking significantly whiter and cleaner.

Cleaning Your Coffee Maker

If your coffee maker is looking a bit grimy, cream of tartar can help give it a fresh start. It’s great for removing coffee stains and mineral deposits.

Simply mix a few tablespoons of cream of tartar with water and pour it into the water reservoir of your coffee maker. Run a brew cycle without coffee grounds, letting the cream of tartar solution clean the inner parts of your machine. The cream of tartar helps dissolve and lift away stains and buildup. After the cycle, run a couple of plain water cycles to rinse everything out, and your coffee maker will be sparkling clean and ready for your next brew.

Polishing Silverware

Is your silverware looking a bit dull? Cream of tartar can bring back its shine. Just mix a tablespoon of cream of tartar with a little lemon juice to make a paste.

Rub this paste onto your silverware using a soft cloth, and gently polish in a circular motion. The cream of tartar helps remove tarnish without scratching. After polishing, rinse your silverware with water and dry it with a clean cloth. Your silver will look bright and shiny again, ready to impress at your next meal!

Eliminating Stains from Fabric

Got a tough stain on your favorite shirt? Cream of tartar can help get it out. Mix cream of tartar with some lemon juice or vinegar to make a paste.

Apply this paste directly to the stain and let it sit for about 30 minutes. The cream of tartar works on breaking down the stain, making it easier to wash away. After it sits, wash your fabric as usual. You’ll be surprised how well it cleans up, leaving your clothes looking fresh and new.

Unclogging Drains

Got a slow-draining sink? Before you call a plumber, consider using cream of tartar for a quick fix.

Combine half a cup of cream of tartar with half a cup of baking soda, and pour it down the drain. Top it with a cup of vinegar. This combination creates a fizzing action that helps loosen and clear the clog. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then flush with hot water. You might just find that your drain is flowing smoothly again!

Refreshing Your Laundry

Want to brighten up your whites and keep your laundry looking its best? Cream of tartar can give your laundry a boost.

Add a couple of tablespoons of cream of tartar to your laundry detergent when washing white clothes. It helps make your whites look cleaner and brighter, and it can help remove any yellowing. It’s a simple way to keep your clothes looking fresh and new, with less effort on your part.