Today, we rely on a variety of products that often come with a hefty price tag. However, many of the simple, time-honored ingredients used during the Victorian era remain just as effective—and much more affordable—today. Cream of tartar is a byproduct of wine production, and is often seen as a baking ingredient, though it also has a long history of use as an effective cleaning agent.

In the Victorian era, it was highly valued for its ability to clean and brighten surfaces. Cream of tartar’s mild acidity and abrasiveness make it excellent for tackling stains and grime. When mixed with water, it forms a paste that can be applied to stains, particularly on delicate surfaces like porcelain. 

Chances are, cream of tartar is already in your cupboard if you enjoy baking, as it’s commonly used in recipes for meringues, soufflés, and cakes to help them rise.

It’s a non-toxic, gentle alternative to harsher chemical cleaners and is particularly effective on stubborn, old stains that won’t budge with other methods.

To remove scratch marks from your plates, sprinkle cream of tartar on the surface, add a few drops of water, gently rub with a damp cloth, let it sit, then scrub and wash with soap and water.

Cream of tartar can also be an effective rust remover for tools, like hand files once combine with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. 

Once mixed with vinegar, cream of tartar creates a paste that can effectively polish tarnished metals like copper, brass, and stainless steel. 

What is particularly interesting with cream of tartar is its incredible versatility as it can be used to clean jewellery, countertops, pans, and even on clothes to remove stains. 

Cream of tartar costs £1.30 at Tesco and £1.35 at Sainsbury's and Waitrose.