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Most people keep a box of cornstarch in the pantry for cooking, but it can do a lot more than thicken gravy or soup. Thanks to its ability to absorb moisture, lift grease, and gently clean surfaces, cornstarch has earned a place in plenty of household cleaning and personal care routines.
If you already have a box sitting in your cupboard, here are 12 practical ways to put it to work around the house.
1. Calm Minor Skin Irritations
Cornstarch can help soothe minor skin irritation caused by heat or mild sunburn.
Mix a little cornstarch with water until it forms a thick paste, spread it over the irritated area, and let it dry before rinsing it away with cool water. The paste can leave skin feeling cooler and more comfortable.
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2. Make a Simple Natural Deodorant
Because cornstarch absorbs moisture, it’s often used in homemade deodorant recipes.
Mix cornstarch with melted coconut oil until smooth, then stir in a few drops of an essential oil if you’d like a light scent. Apply a small amount as needed.
3. Freshen Pet Bedding
Cornstarch won’t solve a flea infestation, but it can help absorb moisture and odors from pet bedding between washes.
Sprinkle a light layer over your pet’s bed, let it sit for a while, then vacuum or shake it out before your pet uses it again.
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4. Use It as Dry Shampoo
If your hair is looking a little oily and you don’t have time to wash it, cornstarch can help.
Dust a small amount onto your roots with a makeup brush, let it sit for a minute or two, then brush it through your hair. It absorbs excess oil and leaves hair looking fresher.
5. Improve Your Grip
Sweaty hands can make it harder to hold sports equipment, garden tools, or workout gear.
A light dusting of cornstarch on your palms helps absorb moisture, making it easier to maintain a firm grip.
6. Help Keep Feet Dry
Moisture inside shoes creates an ideal environment for odor and athlete’s foot.
Sprinkle a little cornstarch inside your shoes or lightly dust your feet before putting on socks to help absorb sweat throughout the day.
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7. Freshen Your Pet Without a Bath
If your dog or cat just needs a quick freshening up, cornstarch can help remove excess oil and dirt.
Work a small amount into the coat, avoiding the face, let it sit for a few minutes, then brush it out thoroughly. It leaves the coat feeling cleaner without using water.
8. Polish Silver
Cornstarch makes a gentle polishing paste for tarnished silver.
Mix cornstarch with a little water, rub the paste onto the silver with a soft cloth, let it dry, then buff it away to restore some shine.
9. Make Homemade Fabric Starch
If you like crisp shirts or freshly pressed table linens, cornstarch offers a simple alternative to commercial spray starch.
Mix one or two tablespoons of cornstarch with two cups of water in a spray bottle. Shake well before each use and lightly mist fabrics before ironing.
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10. Remove Grease from Kitchen Surfaces
Greasy splatters can be stubborn, especially around the stove.
Mix cornstarch with a small amount of water to make a paste, apply it to greasy spots, let it sit briefly, then wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth.
11. Freshen Carpets Naturally
Cornstarch can help absorb odors trapped in carpet fibers.
Sprinkle it evenly over the carpet, leave it for about 30 minutes, or longer for stronger odors, then vacuum thoroughly. It’s an easy option if you prefer to avoid heavily scented carpet powders.
12. Clean Stuffed Animals
Stuffed toys don’t always need a trip through the washing machine.
Sprinkle cornstarch over the fabric, gently work it in with your hands, and let it sit for several minutes. Brush or shake away the powder to remove dust and freshen the fabric without soaking the toy.
