The Pantry Item That Will Keep Your Grout Sparkling White

Grout is easily stained and sometimes difficult to clean. Cleaning the grout in between your tiles often requires you to get on your hands and knees to scrub narrow crevices with a brush. That said, It is important to get this tedious cleaning job done right the first time so that you don't have to do it over again. There are quite a few cleaning products that are recommended for the task, while more DIY methods that incorporate vinegar, bleach, or dish soap are commonly referenced as some of the easiest ways to clean grout. However, you may also have another solution in your pantry, as cream of tartar can also be used to remove grime and stains from grout.

This method is super convenient because many households already have the ingredients on hand. You may already know that cream of tartar is commonly used in baked goods like cookies or meringues. However, were you aware that its acidity (comparable to lemon juice and vinegar) makes it a good cleaning agent? 

This baking ingredient is also impressive because it has a very lengthy shelf life as long as it is stored properly in a cool and dark spot. This means that, if you have an old container of cream of tartar that has been taking up space in your kitchen for a while, it should work just as well as new for this grout-cleaning method.

To get started with this simple cleaning method, you will need cream of tartar, vinegar, and a toothbrush or grout brush. First, mix enough vinegar and cream of tartar to make a paste. If you do not have vinegar on hand, you may also use lemon juice. Next, scoop a portion of the mixture up with your brush and scrub the grout in sections until it is clean. For stubborn areas, let the paste sit for a few minutes. When you are done, wash the paste residue away and dry the area.

The acidic vinegar and cream of tartar should cut right through the stains and grime you may have in your grout. This should also get rid of mold and mildew that may have settled into the grout. Cream of tartar even has a whitening effect that can also work to eliminate many stains. After you have scrubbed away the stubborn residue that discolored your grout, you should notice right away that it no longer looks dull or dingy.

Even the experts are fans of using the cream of tartar to clean grout. During an interview with Homes & Gardens, professional cleaner and organizer Jill Koch explained how she uses it for its powerful whitening effect. "Cream of Tartar, when combined with lemon juice, is a great brightener or cleaner for grout," she told the outlet.

Cream of tartar is such a versatile substance that grout is only one of the many things it can clean. For example, a cream of tartar-based paste is an easy way to clean sticky dust buildup from parts of your pantry. The baking ingredient can even be used to tidy up bathroom surfaces. Shake some into your toilet bowl to tackle grime there. After allowing the powder to sit for a few minutes and work its magic, scrub it away with a toilet brush. When you're done, your toilet should be sparkling once again. With cream of tartar's affordable price and versatility, you may want to keep it on hand to tackle grout and other areas around your home.