/oss/taxonomy/term/2020/all en /oss/article/health-you-asked/you-asked-what-cream-tartar-good <p>It is a cheap, safe, readily available mild acid.  It is ideal for the generation of carbon dioxide from baking soda.  In fact, one version of baking powder is a mixture of sodium bicarbonate and cream of tartar.  When the mixture dissolves, bubbles of carbon dioxide are released.  The same chemistry can be used to keep drains clear.  Just make up a mix of one cup bicarbonate, one quarter cup cream of tartar and one cup of salt (for increased density) and periodically pour a few spoonfuls down the drain.  The bubbling action can dislodge small blockages.</p> Wed, 10 Jun 2015 13:30:55 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 2266 at /oss