How to Clean With Cream of Tartar
Cream of tartar is potassium hydrogen tartrate, a powder that is a by-product of wine fermentation. Often used in cooking, it is also a powerful natural cleaner. It is a mild acid, and it can be mixed with other household staples to make cleaning solutions for a variety of uses: cleaning aluminum utensils and pots, removing mineral deposits and rust, and brightening porcelain. It can be found in the spice section of the supermarket, or in quantity online at sites such as www.wholespice.com. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Cream of tartar
- Vinegar
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Cleaning cloth or sponge
- Water
- Bucket
Instructions
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Mix equal parts of cream of tartar, three-percent hydrogen peroxide, and water to form a paste. This will remove rust from basins or other surfaces. Cover the rust spots with the paste. Leave it on for an hour, then rinse away, rubbing lightly.
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Discolored porcelain can be brightened by simply applying cream of tartar to the surface with a wet cloth.
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For discolored aluminum pots and pans, heat a solution of one tablespoon vinegar per of water or or two teaspoons cream of tartar per quart of water in each pan until the discoloration is gone. Utensils made from aluminum, brass, bronze or copper can be soaked in the heated solution as well to eliminate discoloration.
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For burned-on deposits on range burner pans or casserole dishes, use a solution of two teaspoons of vinegar and two teaspoons of cream of tartar. Double the recipe for larger items. Apply with a cleaning cloth and let stand for ten minutes. Then wash the item in hot, soapy water, scrubbing as necessary.
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Tips & Warnings
Try cream of tartar paste for cleaning mold and mildew stains, too.
Lemon juice can replace the vinegar when cleaning aluminum, brass or copper.
Cream of tartar is a milder acid than vinegar, but an item or fixture may not be acid resistant enough to withstand it. Patch test first.
