Savvy chefs no doubt have a box of powdery whitecream of tartarlying around their kitchen pantries . The constitutional acid ( also known as potassium bitartrate ) is a beloved basic for anyone who dabbles in make soufflés , meringue , jams , jelly , candy , and many sunbaked goodness . However , did you know that manycream of tartar useshave nothing to do with baking or cooking ?

Like many other larder regular ( ahem , baking soda and acetum ) , cream of tartar ’s skillset is anything but fix to making tasty treat . In this article , we ’ll explore a few of our favourite cream of tartar uses that wo n’t get you hungry !

An Ingredient That Transcends Baking Recipes

Cream of tartar in reality hap of course in many plants and is anatural byproductof the wine making process . Its most well - known skills are obviouslycooking - relatedsince cream of tartar is an adept stabilise agent . Indeed , it add texture , bulk , and once in a while creaminess to sure food products , but it is peculiarly known as an nut white stabilizer .

Although cream of tartar clearly excels in churning out downy scorched goods , the substance isalso used as an additiveto control the pH point ( basicity or acidity ) of product , forbid microorganisms like bacterium from growing , and keep grocery from getting all chunky thanks to excessive moisture .

1. Keeping Ants Away

People do n’t like ants inside the home , but they also do n’t wish rough insecticides where they eat , slumber and breathe . ointment of tartar is a glad elbow room to split the difference .

Simply drizzle a line of the white stuff in the sphere where you suspect the insects are benefit incoming . They’ll turn aroundautomatically to avoid it . Who have a go at it you could witness pest restraint options in the baking aisle ?

2. Making Bath Bombs

DIY bath bombsare all the furore and show no sign of the zodiac of slowing down . Although you may make bath bombs with a miscellanea of ingredients , include citric battery-acid , cornflour , baking pulverization , and more , pick of tartar is arguably the best at indurate them . It also ca-ca the bomb extra fizzing , agree tothis recipe .

3. Unclogging Drains

unite with bake soda , table salt and boiling water , cream of tartar is apowerful drain First State - clogger . The first two ingredients are pros at destroying materials that make clogs , and the cream of tartar clean up metal to an impressive shine . The simmering water , swarm on top of the mixture , serve them do their problem to the full .

4. Removing Stains

Out of spray stain remover ? Do n’t fray too much , because a footling turn of cream of tartar will go a long manner towardtackling that stain . Just spatter some onto the new , moist stain , then wash the garment as common . recur if necessary .

5. Whitening Laundry

Speaking of stains , sometimes even the most well - bleached garments get a little jaundiced in spots . defend this discolorationby spritzing the affect country with water . Then , go for powdered pick of tartar , rub it in , and allow it to soak . Launder as you unremarkably would and repeat as needed .

6. Clearing Up Skin

This one is just a rumour , but many people swear by ointment of Mongol Tatar ’s ability to clear up acne . It ’s belike not far off home since the intersection is cognize forbeing antimicrobial . Anyway , it surely wo n’t hurt your peel if you just mix this acidic gunpowder with a little water and apply straightaway to blemishes .

7. Cleaning Your Coffee Pot

one-time coffee leaves a nasty residue in your burnt umber pot and in your preferred deep brown fall guy . Just sprinkle some cream of tophus upon any surface with stains , impart boiling water , and let the water chill to room temp before you rinse . Tartar makes the burnt umber smear melt !

8. Getting Rid of Rust

Thanks to its alloy - cleanse place , cream of tartar is agreat optionfor those who want to transfer rusting . Mix it up with baking soda andhydrogen peroxide , then apply it to the affected metal . appropriate it to soak for at least an hour , then wipe it with a damp cloth . Repeat as needed .

9. Easing Constipation

A little routine of ointment of tartar is also sound out toact as a laxative , efficaciously relieve stultification . However , it ’s also a diuretic , so it can cause dehydration if used too . So , possibly just apply a shred when the situation calls for it ?

10. Reinvigorating Aluminum Pots and Pans

Cream of tartar mixed with acetum makes an all - instinctive spread that ’s aces at breathing novel life history intoold aluminum pots and Pan . Apply the library paste to the pan , then allow it to set for at least an hr , longer if potential .

Scrub the pan and find out the caked - on food for thought , grease , and other detritus go away . Rinse well in quick , soapy water system .

Don’t Underestimate Tartaric Acid

While cream of tartar is famous for firm up egg white and making everything from whip cream and sugar crystals to homemade playdough , it has so much to provide beyond the kitchen . As versatile as baking gunpowder and clean acetum , this pantry staple fiber can puzzle out problems in the washing room , bathroom , and even the service department !

Next time you ’re using potassium bitartrate to make holy person nutrient cake , mull upon how the same acidic constituent can remove grunge , improve your tub , and make your railway car calculate stain new .

A measuring spoon full of cream of tartar powder, with the jar in the background.

Person wearing gloves and making bath bombs using household ingredients.

A white dress shirt with yellow and black stains around the inside of the collar.

Person washing an aluminum pot with cream of tartar and soap.