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Cornstarch is one of those pantry staples that most people reach for when cooking or baking, but it can do much more than thicken sauces and gravies. Thanks to its fine texture and ability to absorb moisture, it can help with cleaning, freshening, and even a few personal care tasks around the house. If you already have a box in your pantry, you may be surprised by how many other ways you can put it to work.
Here are 12 practical uses for cornstarch outside the kitchen.
Soothe Minor Skin Irritation
Cornstarch can help calm mild skin irritation caused by heat or too much sun. Mix a small amount with water to create a smooth paste, apply it to the irritated area, and let it dry before rinsing it off. The cool paste can provide temporary relief while helping absorb excess moisture.
Related: 14 Simple Vinegar Uses Every Gardener Should Know
Make a Simple Homemade Deodorant
Because cornstarch absorbs moisture, it’s a popular ingredient in homemade deodorants. Mix it with coconut oil and a few drops of your favorite essential oil to create a basic deodorant that helps keep underarms feeling dry throughout the day.
Help Keep Fleas and Ticks Away From Pet Bedding
A light sprinkle of cornstarch on your pet’s bedding can help absorb moisture that pests are drawn to. While it won’t replace flea treatments recommended by your veterinarian, it can help keep bedding cleaner and less inviting between washes.
Use It as a Dry Shampoo
If your hair looks oily and you don’t have time to wash it, a small amount of cornstarch can help. Dust a little onto your roots, let it sit for a minute, then brush it through your hair. It absorbs excess oil and helps your hair look fresher until your next shampoo.
Improve Your Grip
Sweaty hands can make it harder to hold sports equipment, gardening tools, or workout gear. Rubbing a pinch of cornstarch on your palms helps absorb moisture, making it easier to keep a firm grip.
Related: 13 Clever Rubbing Alcohol Uses You Haven’t Tried
Keep Shoes Drier
Cornstarch can help reduce moisture inside shoes and socks. Sprinkle a small amount inside your shoes before wearing them or overnight to absorb dampness and help reduce odors caused by moisture.
Freshen Your Pet’s Coat
If your dog or cat needs a quick cleanup but doesn’t need a full bath, cornstarch can help. Work a small amount through the fur, let it sit for a few minutes, then brush it out thoroughly. It helps absorb oils, loosen dirt, and leave the coat looking cleaner.
Polish Silver
Silverware and other silver pieces can lose their shine over time. Make a paste with cornstarch and water, gently rub it onto the surface, then rinse and dry with a soft cloth. It can help remove dullness and restore some of the original shine.
Related: 10 Smart Uses for Sawdust and Wood Shavings Around the Home
Make Your Own Fabric Starch
If you like crisp shirts or wrinkle-free table linens, cornstarch can work as a homemade fabric starch. Mix it with water in a spray bottle, lightly mist the fabric before ironing, and you’ll get a firmer finish without buying a commercial starch spray.
Remove Grease From Surfaces
Kitchen grease can leave behind a sticky film on countertops and appliances. A simple paste made from cornstarch and water can help lift light grease without relying on stronger cleaning products. Wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth once you’re finished.
Freshen Carpets
Cornstarch can help absorb lingering odors in carpet fibers. Sprinkle a light layer over the carpet, leave it for about 20 to 30 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly. It’s an easy way to freshen up a room between deep cleanings.
Clean Stuffed Animals
Dust and odors can collect on stuffed animals and other delicate fabric items. Sprinkle on a little cornstarch, let it sit for several minutes, then gently brush or vacuum it away. It helps lift dirt while leaving soft toys feeling cleaner without putting them through the washing machine.
