7 Surprising Ways to Clean with Cornstarch

Cornstarch is a light, white powder that is comprised of the starch in corn kernels. Often, it is used to thicken soups, gravies and sauces. However, it has notable traits that also make it effective for cleaning many things in your home. It is also used to remove tough stains that you might otherwise think are ruined. When you know about the many ways to clean with cornstarch, you can simplify many of your cleaning chores.

Why Clean with Cornstarch?

Cornstarch is highly absorbent, so it can absorb greasy substances. While the powder is fine, it is mildly abrasive. As a result, it is effective at removing dirt and grime on surfaces that may otherwise be damaged easily with other cleaning methods. In addition, cornstarch fights odors, improving the smell of everything from your carpet to your stinky sneakers.

While cornstarch is an effective cleaning agent, it has one other notable property. It is naturally derived and is so safe that it is commonly used in foods. Many commercial cleaning products that you may have stashed away in your cleaning supply cabinet are loaded with harmful chemicals. These chemicals impact indoor air quality. They also cause symptoms like skin and eye irritation, headaches, nausea and more.

What Are Some of the Many Ways to Clean with Cornstarch?

Cornstarch is a surprisingly versatile cleaning agent found right in your kitchen. Its fine, absorbent texture makes it perfect for tackling a range of messes, from fresh spills to stubborn grime. Whether you’re sprucing up fabrics, freshening carpets, or shining up surfaces, cornstarch can be a gentle yet effective go-to solution.

Cornstarch for Grease and Oil Stains

Grease from your favorite foods has a way of landing on your clothing. Greasy substances can also make a mess on upholstery, furniture and other similar materials. As soon as you notice a greasy stain, pour cornstarch onto it.

After 12 hours, launder clothing as usual. If you’re lifting stains off of carpet or upholstery, vacuum the cornstarch off the material after the time has elapsed.

Polish and Shine: Cornstarch for Glass and Windows

Because cornstarch is both a mild abrasive and a grease-fighting agent, it works well on glass and windows. In a spray bottle, add two cups of water, a tablespoon of white vinegar and a tablespoon of cornstarch.

Shake the bottle to combine the ingredients. Then, spray glass and mirrors as you would with a store-bought glass cleaner. Wipe and polish the windows using a microfiber cloth or a squeegee.

Deodorizing with Cornstarch

Baking soda is among the most popular ways to deodorize stinky areas naturally. However, cornstarch is just as effective. Whether you’re dealing with smelly shoes, pet odors coming from your carpet or other issues, cornstarch will absorb the offending odors as well as the moisture that may magnify the smells.

Sprinkle cornstarch on the problem areas. Allow the powder to sit for at least an hour. If you’re deodorizing smelly shoes, leave the powder in your shoes overnight. Then, vacuum the powder away and enjoy the fresh scent.

Freshen Up Upholstery and Carpets

Upholstery and carpeting can take on a funky smell over time, and they can also get blemished with a variety of spots and stains. You don’t have to use chemical deodorizers or wet cleaning methods to freshen up these areas.

Instead, sprinkle cornstarch on spots and stains, or spread it across the entire surface to eliminate musty smells. After a few hours, vacuum the powder to eliminate the spots, stains and smells.

Cleaning Cookware and Polishing Silver

The mild abrasiveness of cornstarch makes it perfect for removing tough grime on dishes and for polishing silver. To polish silver, combine enough water to the cornstarch to make a paste. Cover the silver with the paste. Use a microfiber cloth to gently polish the silver with the paste until the tarnish is gone.

For pots, pans and other dishes, use the paste to scrub away grime. This paste can also be used to clean the plates underneath your stove burners and to remove greasy residue from your kitchen sink.

DIY Dry Shampoo for Pets

Between pets’ natural skin oils and oils from your hands while petting them, dogs and cats can get oily fast. While your pets need to be bathed regularly, this is often a challenging chore that you may procrastinate doing.

Cornstarch can be used as a dry shampoo for pets. It eliminates grease and may allow you to go longer between bathing sessions. Simply sprinkle the powder on your pet and use your fingers to work it into the fur.

Laundry Helper: Treating Stains and Freshening Linens

Both grease and sweat stains are common laundry problems. To tackle grease stains, let the dry powder sit on the stain for at least two hours. For sweat stains, apply a paste made out of cornstarch and water to the stain. After the paste dries, dust it off. Then, launder the clothes as usual.

In addition to treating stains, cornstarch can be used to soften your clothes. When the washing machine reaches the rinse cycle, add a few tablespoons of cornstarch to the load. This practice may allow you stop using chemical fabric softening products.

You don’t have to keep up with these and many other cleaning and stain removal hacks to benefit from a spotless home. At Cleanzen, our housekeepers use safe, natural cleaning products and techniques to deliver incredible results for our valued customers. Learn more about our green eco-friendly cleaning services today.