Cornstarch is one of those things you probably have hiding in the back of your pantry, but you aren’t really sure what to use it for. But this box of happiness that costs around one dollar actually has so many smart uses around the house. And all of these solutions save you time and money, making your busy days so much easier. So dig out that box of cornstarch and get busy.
①
Cleaning Windows
Being very fine and a natural abrasive, cornstarch is perfect for helping you clean your windows without leaving any streaks. Add a tablespoon of the product to the window cleaner which you use and your windows will be cleaned without leaving steaks.
②
Polishing Silver
To create a natural polish for your silver items mix water with cornstarch to make a paste and use it to scrub and polish your silver items. They will become perfectly clean and shiny.
③
Cleaning Wood
The paste of cornstarch and water can also be used for cleaning wood furniture. After using cleaning products for wiping wooden furniture usually there is a build-up left on the surface. To make your own cleaner for wood surfaces mix equal parts of water and cornstarch and apply it on the wood furniture to remove marks.
④
Odor Remover
Cornstarch has excellent absorbing properties and is the perfect smell buster. To eliminate bad smells from shoes, for example, sprinkle it inside the smelly shoes and let it sit for one night. Before wearing, shake the shoes out well.
⑤
DIY Body Powder
You can make your own body powder using cornstarch and your favorite essential oil. Mingle a cup of cornstarch with a couple of drops essential oil that you like and shake well. This way you will make an effective body powder which doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients.
⑥
Washing Hair
Cornstarch can be used for making dry shampoo that removes grease from the hair. Just sprinkle it along the hair’s crown as well as along the base of the neck and in the end brush your hair. It is suitable to be used on humans as well as on pets.
⑦
Treat Diaper Rash
If your baby has rashes from the diaper, you can use cornstarch to cure them. Add cornstarch in the bath in which you soak your baby. It will relieve the skin irritations and heal them completely.
⑧
DIY Deodorant
To make your own natural deodorant wipe your underarms with rubbing alcohol and then cover them with cornstarch. The rubbing alcohol removes smells while cornstarch absorbs moisture and will keep your underarms dry.
⑨
Pain Reliever
Cornstarch is suitable to be used for soothing sunburns, sore skin, bug bites and bee stings. Make a paste of cornstarch and water and apply it on the place of the skin which needs treating. Let it dry to soothe the skin.
⑩
Removing Grease Stains
Cornstarch is also appropriate for removing grease stains from carpets. Just sprinkle the necessary quantity over the stain and let it there for 20 minutes. Cornstarch is very thin and absorbs the grease at the same time cleaning the carpet fabric. In the end, hoover the carpet.
⑪
Clean Leather
This food product is also appropriate for removing stains from leather. To remove salad dressing or other stains from your leather jacket or clothing, sprinkle cornstarch over the stained area and let it stay for one night. Then, rub mildly using a moistened paper towel to refresh the leather.
⑫
Fix Squeaky Floors
If your floor squeaks when being stepped on, you can easily fix it using cornstarch. All you have to do is spread cornstarch on the squeaky floor and then sweep well. It will get in the nooks and cracks of the floorboards which will stop the noise.
⑬
Thickener for Soups, Stews, and Sauces
Being a food product, cornstarch can be used to make sauces, stews and soups thicker. Add it to them while cooking. If you add a sprinkle of cornstarch to your eggs before whipping them, they will become fluffier.