Usually found in the baking section of most supermarkets, cornstarch is a great household cleaner for two reasons: It is a superfine natural abrasive that physically removes dirt and stains from surfaces without causing scratches, therefore increasing cleaning power. Additionally, because of its absorbency, it readily takes in odors, moisture, dirt, and oil.
Moreover, cornstarch is safe to use as a substitute for harsh chemical cleaners because it is environmentally friendly. Additionally, it is less expensive than cleaners produced commercially. Immediately after opening the box, dust-soiled objects with cornstarch, or combine it with vinegar or warm water to create a paste or spray cleaner. Here are some of our best recipes for cleaning common household items with cornstarch.
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Things You Can Actually Clean With Cornstarch
Clean Windows and Glass
A fantastic natural glass cleaner is cornstarch. Stir two cups of water with a tablespoon of each of the cornstarch and vinegar, until the mixture dissolves. Use as you would a commercial window and glass cleaner by pouring it into a spray bottle. Your windows and glass will be clear of streaks, dirt, and handprints after you spray and wipe.
Take Out Grease Stains on Clothes
Spoon a heaped tablespoon of cornstarch onto greasy clothes and allow it to sit for a full day. After shaking off any remaining cornstarch, place the clothes in the washer and proceed with a standard laundry cycle. The grease will be easily removed from the fabric by the cornstarch.
Polish Silver
One of the best and most straightforward ways to naturally clean silver is with cornstarch. To make a paste, combine ½ cup cornstarch with sufficient water. Use a gentle cloth to rub the paste into silver jewelry or dinnerware until the tarnish disappears. By acting as a kinder abrasive, the cornstarch physically removes the tarnish from the silver without damaging it. After washing the cornstarch paste off the silver objects, give them a final wipe-down with a soft, clean towel to make sure they are bright and dry.
Dry and Deodorize Stinky Shoes
Moisture and scents from bad-smelling shoes can be absorbed by cornstarch. After taking off your boots and shoes, dust them with cornstarch. Shake out the cornstarch in the morning after letting them sit for the entire night. Shoes stay dry and fresh because the cornstarch absorbs moisture and odors. Before reusing your shoes, you can also use your vacuum to remove the cornstarch from them.
Remove Stains and Smells from the Carpet
If a rug or carpet needs general cleaning and refreshing, sprinkle cornstarch over it. After letting it sit for roughly twenty minutes, vacuum it up. Odors and filth are drawn out by the vacuum after being absorbed by the cornstarch. Additionally effective at removing oily stains from carpets and rugs is cornstarch.
Clean Stuffed Animals
Use cornstarch in place of washing a soiled stuffed animal if you are unable to do so. After generously dusting the toy with cornstarch, give it a little massage or brush to ensure it’s evenly distributed. Odors, oils, and grime that have seeped into the toy will be absorbed by the cornstarch. After letting the powder sit on the plush animal for a whole night, thoroughly clean the toy with a vacuum attachment to remove all of the cornstarch.
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