I used to have half-used boxes of cornstarch tucked behind my cereal boxes in the pantry until I discovered these hacks.
This fine powder is super cheap, and can be used creatively outside your kitchen.
These 12 easy hacks will save you time, money, and a headache!
1. Relieves sunburns
It's impossible to avoid going outside and basking in the sun during the warmer months.
After these long winters we're having, we deserve the sunshine, and the vitamin D that comes along with it.
If you forget to put enough sunscreen on or spent a little too much time in the sun, soothe those burns with cornstarch.
Make a paste by combining the powder with water and apply it on affected areas. It will relieve the pain in no time!
2. Absorbs grease
Whether it's the ink stain on your carpet or the grease on your clothes, cornstarch will save the day!
Pour a generous amount of the powder over the stain and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
The powder can then be easily removed with a vacuum.
3. Cleans windows and mirrors
This is my favorite cornstarch hack! This powder is very fine and works to gently clean your windows and mirrors.
If you can't achieve that streak-free shine you see in the movies, add a little bit of cornstarch to your window cleaner.
4. Prevents squeaks
When your shoes or your hardwood floors are squeaking, mute the sound using cornstarch.
Sprinkle the powder under the insoles of your shoes.
For your floors, sprinkle cornstarch over the floors, let sit for a few minutes, and then sweep.
5. Repels insects
Sprinkle this powder anywhere bugs like to hang out. In a matter of a few weeks, you'll notice that your home is bug free!
You can even sprinkle this powder on the leaves your plants to keep the pests at bay.
Cornstarch also relieves bug bites. Make a paste and apply it on affected areas to soothe the itch.
6. Fights foul odors
Cornstarch absorbs foul odors, so stop spraying perfume in your shoes to mask the odor.
Leave the powder in your smelly shoes overnight, then shake it out in the morning.
The same goes for your underarms. Whenever you run out of deodorant, apply some cornstarch on areas where you sweat.
Cornstarch won't prevent you from sweating, but it will eliminate the smell.
7. Cleans wood furniture
Polishing your wood furniture is nice, but most commercial wood polishers leave your furniture looking super waxy or sticky.
Save money by mixing cornstarch and water in a spray, and then spraying this mixture on your furniture. Wipe with a microfiber cloth for a perfect finish.
8. Freshens musty books
I love reading old books, but I can't stand the strong smell.
Sprinkle cornstarch over the top of the book and let the fine powder fall between the pages, absorbing that musty smell.
9. Polishes silver
Here's another great cornstarch hack! Mix this powder with some water to polish your silver.
It will also be free of water stains and look so shiny afterwards.
10. Cleans stuffed animals
I wish I knew this hack earlier, before I had to throw out my daughter's favorite stuffed bear.
These fluffy toys will only get damaged if you put them in the wash, but they still need to be cleaned.
Don't compromise the fake fur by putting the toy in a plastic bag filled with cornstarch. Shake the bag and let it sit overnight.
11. Makes the perfect dry shampoo
When you're on the go, it's a good idea to pack some cornstarch with you.
The fine powder makes the perfect dry shampoo. It even works on your pets!
Cornstarch can also be used to set your makeup, absorbing any moisture on your face.
12. Thicken sauces or fluff eggs
This list was meant to be about ways to use cornstarch beyond cooking, but I had to include these awesome hacks.
Cornstarch is also perfect for thickening sauces and fluffing omelettes.
Which of these cornstarch hacks will you try first?
For more hacks, check out these ones below:
1. 15 unusual ways to use table salt that'll save you a fortune.
2. 15 unlikely uses for Vicks VapoRub that will solve your biggest problems.