Cream of tartar is potassium bitartrate which is a chemical compound that works exceptionally well to stabilise eggs and whipped cream, reduce discolouration of vegetables, and prevent the crystallisation of sugar syrup. It is used in baking, cosmetics, medicines, and other purposes.
While most people are aware of its use in the kitchen, they don’t know that cream of tartar is an excellent cleaning agent. This Diwali, you can use it to aluminium pans, polish stainless steel cookware, and remove grime from burners. Below mentioned are some uses of the ingredient which will convince you to stock your pantry with it.
Brighten Ceramics
Often porcelain or ceramic kitchenware gets stained with spices like turmeric. Nothing, not even warm water and soap solution can remove it. Make a paste of cream of tartar with water and apply it to the stains. Use a non-abrasive scrubber for cleaning and your cookware or dinnerware will get their shine back.
Clean Aluminium Utensils
Aluminium kadhai and utensils are often used for frying puri, pua, gujiya, and other food items. It is often greasy and tarnished. To remove the discolouration, sprinkle the cream of tartar and let it do its magic. After some time, use a damp sponge to scrub off the surface and wash the utensils with water and soap. They will be shining like new ones.
Polish Stainless Steel
The same cream of tartar can be used to bring back the shine of your old stainless steel utensils and cookware. Make its paste with water and spread it all over the dinnerware. It contains strong acidic compounds that remove stains and bring back the shine. However, you must not use steel wool or a harsh scrubber to rub the surface.
Clean Copper Pans
During Diwali, many people cook meals in copper pans. They are considered auspicious to use during the festive season. Combine the cream of tartar with lemon juice and vinegar to form a paste and rub it all over your copper pans. After letting it sit for a while, scrub the surface gently to remove stains and tarnish. It will not only restore the shine of cookware but also prevent you from paying several bucks for professional cleanings.
Remove Burnt Food & Stains
No matter which kind of utensils you cook in, if you have burned food in them or not cleaned them properly, they must have stubborn stains that you cannot get rid of. Sprinkle the cream of tartar on the stained surfaces and leave the utensils aside for at least 30 minutes. Use a sponge to scrub off the chemical and rinse the utensils with water and soap.
Clean Stove Burners
Burners are slightly harder to clean than utensils. They are subjected to high flame several times a day. To clean them, you need to prepare a harsh mixture of vinegar and cream of tartar. Sprinkle it on burners and scrub them after 15 minutes. Wipe them clean after washing with regular water and soap solution.