8 Surprising Uses for Cream of Tartar

You might not realize it, but you probably have one of the most versatile cleaning agents sitting on your spice rack. Cream of tartar, chemically known as potassium bitartrate, is typically used in baking. What would snickerdoodles be without it? But that’s not all cream of tartar is good for — not by a long shot! From zapping ink stains to making toys, read on for some of the most surprising uses for cream of tartar.

Cleaning.

1. Clean Aluminum Cookware. If your pots and pans are looking a little worse for the wear, try cleaning them with a paste of cream of tartar and water. Apply on the stains and wash as usual.

2. Clean Your Bathroom. Stained tub, sink or toilet? Don’t reach for harsh commercial cleaners. Instead, make a thick paste of cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide and apply it to the stain. Let the paste dry fully before wiping clean.

3. Clean Stainless Steel and Other Metal Appliances. Polish your stainless steel and small metal appliances with a paste of water and cream of tartar.

4. DIY Baking Powder. If you’ve run out of baking powder, combine 1 part baking soda with 2 parts cream of tartar — it’s pretty much the same thing as baking powder. This is an especially good trick for people on gluten-free diets; many commercial baking powders contain gluten.

5. DIY “Play-Dough.” Do the little ones in your life love sculpting with Play-dough? Make your own with this great no-cook recipe.

6. Remove Clothing Spots. Cream of tartar is a fantastic alternative to harmful bleach. Make a paste out of cream of tartar and lemon juice and apply to the stain. Let it soak for about 20 minutes and then throw it in the wash.

7. Rehab Scratched Dishes. Make your dishes good as new by rubbing a paste of water and cream of tartar onto the scratch marks. Rinse clean.

8. Repel Ants. A paste made of cream of tartar and vinegar works wonders for repelling ants around the house.

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