Uses for cornstarch are limited only to the kitchen! Here’s a list of some uses for cornstarch that you might not have heard about, but are exceptionally useful in solving your small daily life problems. Have a look at them and let us know whether they proved to be useful for you or not.
1. Treating Stains
Cornstarch is effective in treating stains such as oil stains and ink stains. Cornstarch is used for pretreating the oil stains on clothes. Apply it on the stain and allow it to sit for 20-30 minutes. Then wipe off the excess cornstarch. Make a paste of some good detergent and water. Apply it on the stain and allow the garment to soak in warm water for some time. Scrub the stain a bit and then wash the cloth. The same method can be used for grease stains as well.
For ink stains on clothes, apply a mixture of cornstarch and milk on the stain and allow it to dry. Then dust off the cornstarch and wash as usual. Repeat the process if the stain is still visible.
2. Treating Oily Skin
Cornstarch works well on oil. If you have oily skin, apply little cornstarch powder for a few minutes. It will soak up the excess oil. Then wash your face. It is somewhat similar to the method of using cornstarch for oil stains since both of them are related to oil.
3. Get relief from Sunburn
Cornstarch is really helpful for sunburn affected people. Make a paste of equal amount of cornstarch and water. Apply it on the affected area and allow it to dry. Wash with lukewarm water.
4. Polish for Silver Stuff
Cornstarch can be used to make silver dish and utensils shine. Mix cornstarch and water to make a thick mixture which retains on the surface. Apply it to the metal and allow it to dry.
After the mixture has dried completely, clean it with a good quality cleaning cloth to extract the dried stuff off to reveal a polished surface underneath.
5. Smoothen the surface of playing cards
With use, the playing cards become sticky. To make them smooth and easy to use again, put them in some polythene or cloth bag, also add cornstarch powder in that bag and then shake the bag after closing it. The cornstarch will reach every portion of the cards. Remove the cards and dust off the cornstarch. Your problem is solved!
6. Make finger paint
You can make finger paint using cornstarch. Heat a mixture of cornstarch and water until it gets thick like paint. Add food color of your choice and your homemade finger paint is ready.
7. Window cleaner
Make a good window cleaner by mixing equal parts of cornstarch and soap in water. A very cheap option for an efficient window cleaner. Isn’t it?
You can even add it to your store bought cleaner to enhance its performance. Add up to one tablespoon in your store-bought cleaner and shake well before use.
8. Homemade spray starch
You must be using spray starch to get your clothes neatly pressed. So why not save money by making one at home itself! Mix around 1 teaspoon of cornstarch in 1 liter of water. Mix and fill it up in the spray bottle. Spray it while ironing clothes for wrinkle free and perfectly creased garments.
9. Make your own powder
Mix one cup of cornstarch and a few drops of essential oil in a container having a lid. Shake it well and you will get your own customized body powder. It effectively deals with moisture and sweat and also delivers fragrance to the body. This body powder does the same work as the readymade powder available in the market. But cornstarch one costs very less.
10. Treating stains on the carpet
You can use it for treating oil and grease stains on carpets.
Cover the stained area with the cornstarch and allow it to sit for 15-20 minutes so that it can absorb the oil. After it has done its work, use a vacuum cleaner to suck it up.
11. Matt finish to your Lipstick
Wanna convert your shiny lipstick into a matt one? Apply a coat of lipstick, get your fingers dipped in cornstarch powder and apply a light coat on the lipstick by tapping gently, until it disappears.repeat again for a long-lasting finish.
12. Clean your Dog’s fur
To remove dirt from your dog’s body, apply some cornstarch on its fur and rub it using a brush.
13. Clean your Smelly Shoes
With usage, the shoes start stinking due to sweat, moisture and the accumulating dirt. There are antiperspirants and deodorizers available in the market for this purpose, but you can also use cornstarch for this purpose which will cost very less.
Sprinkle cornstarch in the interior of shoes such that it forms a coat and leave it overnight. You will notice that the smell has vanished away. The shoes will feel fresher. Dust off the excess cornstarch before using them.
14. Get relief from bug bites
Applying cornstarch paste to a bug bite keeps the area clean, reduces and provides relief from itchiness. Mix cold water with cornstarch to make a thick cornstarch paste.
15. Treating skin burns
Got skin burn? Use this instant home remedy. Take one teaspoon cornstarch and one teaspoon of baking soda. Mix them in 2 cups of water. Take a gauze or clean cloth, dip it in this mixture and apply it on the burnt skin. Remove it after 20-30 minutes.
