Cornstarch may be used to freshen up practically any part of your house, from washing windows to getting rid of stains and smells. For many years, people have been using this common pantry item as a natural way to clean anything from silver to shoes.
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.
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Things You Can Wash With Cornstarch
Clean Glass and Windows
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.
Remove Grease Stains From Clothing
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. Although it still works on older grease stains, this is most effective when the cornstarch is applied while the stain is still fresh.
Polish Metal
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.
Eliminate Odors and Stains 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. For spot cleaning, sprinkle it on the stain or problem area. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then vacuum it up.
Clean Pots, Pans, and the Kitchen Sink
Make a simple non-abrasive scrubbing cleaner you can use on just about anything in the kitchen. Mix 1 part water with 2 parts cornstarch to make a loose paste. Use it to scrub stains and burned-on food from pots, pans, your cooktop, and even the kitchen sink.
Clean Stuffed Animals
If you can’t throw a smelly stuffed animal in the wash, use cornstarch instead. Sprinkle the toy liberally with cornstarch, then gently rub or brush it to distribute it all over. The cornstarch will absorb dirt, oils, and odors that have been transferred to the toy.
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