10 Creative Ways to Use Cream of Tartar That Aren't Related to Cooking

Experienced chefs likely have a box of powdery white cream of tartar tucked away in their pantries. This organic acid, also known as potassium bitartrate, is a key ingredient for creating soufflés, meringues, jams, jellies, candies, and an array of baked goods. But did you know that cream of tartar has plenty of uses that don’t involve baking at all?

Like other pantry essentials (such as baking soda and vinegar), cream of tartar’s capabilities aren’t confined to creating delicious dishes. In this article, we'll delve into some of our favorite cream of tartar applications that won’t leave you craving a snack!

A Versatile Ingredient Beyond Baking

Cream of tartar is naturally found in many plants and is a byproduct of the winemaking process. While it’s most famous for its cooking applications, where it serves as a stabilizing agent, it plays a key role in adding texture, volume, and sometimes creaminess to foods, with its primary claim to fame being its ability to stabilize egg whites.

Although cream of tartar is known for producing light and airy baked goods, it is also used as an additive in various products to regulate pH levels (whether acidic or basic), prevent bacterial growth, and maintain smooth textures by preventing clumping due to excess moisture.

1. Keeping Ants Away

Nobody likes ants in their living space, but harsh insecticides can be just as unwelcome. Cream of tartar offers a natural and effective solution to keep ants at bay without the need for harmful chemicals.

Simply draw a line of cream of tartar in areas where you suspect ants are entering. They'll instinctively turn away from it to avoid crossing the line. Who would have thought that pest control could be found in the baking aisle?

2. Crafting Bath Bombs

DIY bath bombs continue to be a popular trend. While there are various ingredients you can use to create them, such as citric acid, cornstarch, and baking powder, cream of tartar is particularly effective in hardening bath bombs. It also boosts their fizz factor, as seen in this recipe.

3. Clearing Clogged Drains

When mixed with baking soda, salt, and boiling water, cream of tartar becomes a potent drain-clearing solution. The first two ingredients work wonders at breaking down the materials causing the clog, while the cream of tartar adds a gleaming shine to metal surfaces. The boiling water helps activate these ingredients for maximum effectiveness.

4. Erasing Stubborn Stains

Ran out of spray stain remover? Don't worry—just grab some cream of tartar. Sprinkle it on the fresh stain, dampen it with water, then wash the garment as usual. Repeat the process if needed for stubborn stains.

5. Brightening Laundry

Even the most thoroughly bleached clothes can sometimes develop yellowish spots. To combat this discoloration, lightly spray the stained area with water. Then, apply powdered cream of tartar, gently rub it in, and let it sit. Afterward, wash the garment as usual, repeating the process if necessary.

6. Improving Skin Health

While it's more of a rumor, many people claim that cream of tartar helps clear up acne. Given that it's known for its antimicrobial properties, it might not be entirely off the mark. You can try mixing this acidic powder with a bit of water and applying it directly to blemishes without causing harm to your skin.

7. Cleaning Your Coffee Maker

Stubborn coffee stains can build up in your coffee pot and mugs. Simply sprinkle cream of tartar on the stained areas, pour in some boiling water, and let the solution cool to room temperature before rinsing. The cream of tartar works its magic, making those coffee stains vanish!

8. Removing Rust

Owing to its ability to clean metal surfaces, cream of tartar is a fantastic choice for eliminating rust. Combine it with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, apply the paste to the rusted area, and let it sit for at least an hour. Wipe it off with a damp cloth, and repeat if necessary.

9. Alleviating Constipation

A small amount of cream of tartar is said to act as a natural laxative, helping to relieve constipation. However, it also has diuretic properties, which can lead to dehydration if overused. So, it's best to use just a pinch when needed.

10. Reviving Aluminum Cookware

By combining cream of tartar with vinegar, you can create an effective paste that rejuvenates old aluminum cookware. Apply this mixture to the pan and let it sit for at least an hour, or longer for best results.

Once the paste has set, scrub the surface and watch as built-up food, grease, and grime come off easily. Rinse thoroughly with warm, soapy water to restore the cookware.

Don't Underestimate Tartaric Acid

While cream of tartar is best known for stabilizing egg whites and transforming everything from whipped cream and sugar crystals to homemade playdough, its uses extend far beyond the kitchen. Much like baking powder and white vinegar, this pantry essential is a problem-solver for your laundry room, bathroom, and even your garage!

The next time you use potassium bitartrate to make angel food cake, take a moment to appreciate how this same acidic ingredient can tackle stains, enhance your bath experience, and even restore your car to its former shine.