While cornstarch is commonly known as a thickening agent in cooking, it’s time to shine the spotlight on its less celebrated but equally remarkable role in home cleaning. This versatile, eco-friendly, and non-toxic ingredient can be a game-changer in your cleaning regimen.
Join us as we discover 5 ways you can trade in cooking with it, to cleaning with cornstarch. Let’s explore how you can use it to bring back that shine, sparkle and shimmer in your home.
5 Ways to Clean With Cornstarch
1. Mirrors
2. Carpet and Upholstery
3. Furniture
4. Silver
5. Grease
1. Cornstarch for Glass and Mirror Cleaning
One of the challenges of cleaning windows, mirrors, and other glass surfaces is avoiding those annoying streaks. Cornstarch comes to the rescue, providing a smear-free shine. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of white vinegar and 1/4 cup of water. Apply the solution to the glass surface using a sponge, then wipe it clean with a microfiber cloth or newspaper for a streak-free finish.
2. Cornstarch for Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning
Removing Stains and Odours:
Cornstarch is excellent at absorbing spills and eliminating odours on carpets and upholstery. For fresh liquid spills, blot as much as possible, then generously sprinkle cornstarch over the area. Let it sit for 20 minutes to absorb the liquid, then vacuum it up.
Deep Cleaning Carpets:
For deep cleaning, make a dry carpet cleaner by mixing cornstarch with baking soda in equal proportions. Add a few drops of essential oil for a fresh scent, if you wish. Sprinkle the mixture over your carpet, let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results), and then vacuum it up. This method helps refresh the carpet by removing dirt, absorbing odours, and leaving a pleasant scent.
3. Cornstarch for Furniture Polishing
Cornstarch can effectively polish wooden furniture and eliminate greasy fingerprints. Mix equal parts of cornstarch and water to create a paste. Apply this paste to a soft cloth and use it to buff the wooden surface. Wipe it off with a clean, dry cloth to reveal a beautiful, shiny surface.
4. Cornstarch for Silver Cleaning
Cornstarch acts as a mild abrasive, perfect for polishing silver items without scratching them. Make a thick paste with cornstarch and water, apply it to your silver using a soft cloth, let it dry, then rub it off with a clean cloth or soft brush. Finally, rinse with warm water.
5. Cornstarch for Grease Cleaning
Cornstarch is excellent at absorbing grease and oil stains. For fresh stains on fabric, sprinkle cornstarch directly onto the stain and let it sit for 15-20 minutes to absorb the oil, then brush it off and launder as usual.
Conclusion
The humble cornstarch is a hidden gem when it comes to cleaning your home. Its excellent absorbent, polishing, and buffing properties make it an all-around, eco-friendly cleaning agent that’s safe for you and your family. The next time you find yourself facing a tough cleaning task, use the cleaning tips and techniques above to tackle the chore.
If your busy schedule keeps you from even reaching for a cleaning product, book a SweepStar to lighten the load on your shoulders. When booking a SweepSouth cleaning service, you’re choosing SA’s #1 home services platform, where you’ll get to choose from a large range of indoor and outdoor services all offered by vetted cleaning professionals. Book today and enjoy a happy, healthy home!
