Cornstarch is an inexpensive and versatile ingredient derived from the starchy endosperm of corn kernels. It’s used as a thickening agent for sauces, gravies, marinades, soups, stews, and casseroles.
Most people believe cornstarch is only used in cooking, although this is not the case. Apart from food preparation, it can be used to remove stains and smells, detangle knots, polish, clean different surfaces, and do other things.
So, the next time you’re out of that essential household item, try cornstarch! However, many of these applications are not supported by scientific evidence. Here are 20 clever ways to use cornstarch to save money.
1. Skin Relief
Cornstarch may be a convenient and cost-effective treatment for skin irritation, albeit there is little evidence to back this up. Regardless, many individuals use it to treat sunburns and soothe itchiness on their skin.
In a bowl, whisk together cornstarch and a few drops of water until a paste the consistency of peanut butter is formed. Smear a thin coating on your skin and leave it to dry completely. After that, rinse it with warm water.
Some people even sprinkle cornstarch on the insides of their clothes or their sheets to prevent friction.
2. DIY Deodorant
Cornstarch is an effective natural deodorant due to its moisture-absorbing properties, which minimize sweat and odor.
To make cornstarch deodorant, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (16 grams) of cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons (28 grams) of baking soda
- 3 tablespoons (45 mL) of coconut oil
Instructions:
- Heat the coconut oil in a microwave for 15 seconds or until it melts.
- Then, slowly add the baking soda and cornstarch until it forms a thick paste.
- Optional: You can add 1 – 2 drops of your favorite essential oil to give it a pleasant aroma.
It’s worth noting that baking soda can irritate some underarms, so it’s not for everyone. Furthermore, if you have hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), you may need a stronger commercial antiperspirant.
3. Dry Shampoo
Cornstarch works well as a natural dry shampoo. First, use a clean makeup brush to effortlessly apply a small amount to your hair’s roots. Then, massage it into your roots and gently brush it to the ends.
However, this approach may not work for people with dark hair since cornstarch is a light-colored substance.
4. De-Gloss Nail Polish
Try adding cornstarch if you like a particular nail polish color but don’t like how glossy it looks! Here’s how to make matte nail polish using cornstarch:
- Put a few drops of nail polish on a glass plate and sprinkle in some cornstarch.
- Start by adding a small amount of cornstarch, then slowly add more as needed.
- Then, using a paintbrush, mix the ingredients
- And finally, apply it to your nails.
5. Calming Milk Bath
For centuries, milk baths have been used to soothe skin and provide a luxurious, relaxing bathing experience. Cornstarch, it turns out, is one of the secret elements in many milk baths. Although there is no evidence having milk baths with cornstarch has any health benefits, some people feel that it works for them.
To make homemade milk bath powder combine 1 cup (128 grams) of cornstarch, 1/2 cup (115 grams) of baking soda, and 2 cups (256 grams) of powdered whole milk. Seal and shake vigorously. Finally, for a calming aroma, add a few drops of lavender essential oil (or another essential oil for relaxation such as ylang ylang or chamomile) and shake once more. When it’s time to take a relaxing bath, pour 1 cup (128 grams) of this mixture into it and enjoy.
6. Preventative for Athlete’s Foot
If your feet are regularly exposed to moisture, like sweat, fungi such as Epidermophyton floccosum, Trichophyton rubrum, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes, can grow, causing Athlete’s foot.
While cornstarch isn’t a cure or treatment for Athlete’s foot, it can help prevent it. To reduce moisture, sprinkle some cornstarch in your shoes or add it to your socks for extra moisture-wicking activity.
However, if you have Athlete’s foot frequently, speak with your doctor about appropriate treatments, such as antifungal creams.
7. Chafing Relief
Cornstarch can lessen the amount of friction between two surfaces. As a result, it may assist in the reduction of chafing. Before getting dressed, apply a tiny amount of cornstarch to the irritated area, such as between your thighs.
8. Detangling Agent for Knotted Hair
If you (or your dog) have a massive knot in your hair, use cornstarch to smooth it out. Cornstarch can help detangle knots by reducing friction and lubricating hair fibers.
9. Bug Bite Relief
Bug bites become much more painful and uncomfortable when your skin is moist. Cornstarch can help keep a bug bite from itching by drying the skin around it. Combine two tablespoons (16 grams) of cornstarch with two or three drops of cold water until a paste of the consistency of peanut butter is formed. It should be applied over the bite and left to dry.
10. Blister Relief
Like insect bites, blisters also worsen in moist environments or when rubbed against another surface, such as clothing or shoes. To decrease friction and keep the blister dry, sprinkle a small amount of cornstarch over it. However, applying cornstarch to an open blister or cut can cause infection.
11–20. Other Uses for Cornstarch
Improve grip. Add a pinch of cornstarch to your hands to counter sweaty palms and increase your grip when handling a tennis racquet or other sporting equipment.
Untie knots. Cornstarch can help you untangle knots by reducing friction between fibers, ropes, and shoelaces.
Polish silverware. In a bowl, mix a handful of cornstarch and water. To restore the natural shine of silverware, dab the mixture onto it with a moist towel. After that, make sure to rinse the cutlery.
Ironing starch. To make a natural starch for ironing your clothes, mix 12–16 teaspoons (8–16 grams) of cornstarch with two cups (475 mL) of warm water in a spray bottle. Before ironing, spray it on and let it sit for a minute.
Stain remover. To get rid of an oily stain, sprinkle cornstarch over the stain and let it sit for 10–15 minutes. Wipe it off, then treat the stain with a stain remover.
Freshen carpet. Scattering cornstarch on your carpet and leave it for 30 minutes. Then, vacuum as usual.
Cleaning wood furniture. To remove marks on wooden surfaces, mix equal parts of water and cornstarch, then apply it over the spot and rub it out.
Natural dry bath for pets. Brush a small amount of cornstarch into your pet’s fur if it’s been a few days since its last bath. It can be used as a dry shampoo to absorb odors.
Clean fabrics and stuffed animals. Rub a little bit of cornstarch onto the fabric or stuffed animal and let it sit for 5 minutes. Then, use a damp cloth to remove it.
Remove grease spatter from walls. Apply cornstarch to a small towel and gently rub the grease away.
When Not to Use Cornstarch
While some natural health websites indicate that cornstarch can be used to treat cuts and wounds, it’s recommended to avoid doing so. For example, it could act as a feeding ground for germs, causing the wound to get infected.
Furthermore, do not use cornstarch as a natural oil or makeup remover on your face. This is probably acceptable for most individuals, but acne-prone skin may experience clogging and outbreaks.
