Cleaning With Cream Of Tartar: 3 Surprising Uses For This Pantry Staple

Have you ever heard of cream of tartar and wondered what it is and how to use it? It’s not just a baking ingredient. This pantry staple can be used for cleaning pans! 

Every one of us has cream of tartar in our cupboards; it’s a rarely used baking ingredient that we pull out approximately twice a year. The wine-making process leaves behind an acidic residue, contrary to what I had previously understood to be the case. 

Its primary function in cooking is to produce chemical reactions, like stabilising egg whites, activating baking soda, and preventing sugar crystals, similar to other bland culinary equipment (looking at you, yeast and baking soda!).

Interestingly enough, the very same chemical characteristics might be useful for cleaning! The list of items that cream of tartar may be used to clean is shown below.

How To Clean Aluminum Pans With Cream Of Tartar

How To Clean Aluminum Pans With Cream Of Tartar

Cleaning aluminum pans can be tricky since many harsh chemicals and scrubbers can damage the material. Fortunately, simple methods achieve the same result without the risk of any damage. One of the most effective solutions to clean aluminum pans is to utilize cream of tartar, also known as potassium bitartrate.

Cleaning with Cream of Tartar

This common kitchen ingredient is a great cleaning agent and requires only a few easy steps to make your aluminum pans shiny and new.

To begin, gather the following supplies: cream of tartar, a soft-bristled brush, water, a nonabrasive sponge, and an all-purpose cleaner. 

  • Start by sprinkling a generous amount onto the bottom of the aluminum pan. 
  • The powder should form a thick, even layer. 
  • Fill a bowl with a few drops of all-purpose cleaner and one cup of warm water. 
  • Dip the soft-bristled brush into the mixture and scrub the aluminum pan. Make sure the cream of tartar is distributed evenly,
  •  and the pan is scrubbed thoroughly. 
  • Once finished, rinse the aluminum pan with warm water and a nonabrasive sponge.
  • Next, create another mixture using the exact quantities of all-purpose cleaner and warm water. 
  • This mixture should be more potent and create more suds than the first. 
  • Again, dip the brush into the mixture and scrub the aluminum pan, making sure to work in circular motions. 
  • The combination of the suds and the cream of tartar should thoroughly clean the pan. 
  • Once finished, rinse the pan with warm water and a nonabrasive sponge.
  • Finally, dry the pan with a soft cloth and admire the results. 

The cream should have removed any dirt, grease, or stuck-on food from the pan with no damage or scratches. Repeat the steps if any of these substances remain after the first cleaning until you are delighted with the results.

In summary, it is an excellent tool for cleaning aluminum pans without causing any damage.

Alternative Uses

How To Clean Aluminum Pans With Cream Of Tartar

With the cream of tartar, lemon juice, and white vinegar, you can easily make all your copper cookware shine like new again! Using these essential household items, you can remove scratches from plates or buff brass utensils. From copper pots to scratched dishes, let’s explore three surprising uses for cream of tartar.

  • Copper Pots

You don’t need fancy cleaners or expensive polishing kits to make your copper pots look new. All you need is some cream of tartar, lemon juice, or white vinegar.

Mix the ingredients together until you create an acidic, abrasive paste that will give your copper cookware a bright shine in no time. You can also use the same method to clean brass candlesticks and utensils.

  • Scratched Dishes

It doesn’t take much for dishes to become scratched over time–just regular wear and tear from everyday use can cause them to become unsightly. The good news is that you can buff out those scratches with cream of tartar! 

Sprinkle a generous amount over the surface of your dish, then add a few drops of water and rub gently with a wet dishcloth. Let the mixture sit for a minute or two before scrubbing and washing the plate with soap and water.

Cleaning doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming—all you need is some simple ingredients! Try using it today for all your cleaning needs!

Conclusion

After testing the effects of cream of tartar on aluminum surfaces, it is clear that this is an effective method for restoring shine and removing stains. However, one must be aware that this method does come with risks. 

If misused, there can be a reaction between the two which will cause discoloration of the aluminum surface. It is, therefore, essential to use caution when attempting this method and to test it out in an inconspicuous area first to make sure it works as desired. 

In short, it can give aluminum surfaces a sparkly finish. Still, one must be vigilant to achieve the desired result while avoiding unexpected reactions.

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