16 Ways To Save Money Using Cornstarch

More than just a key ingredient when baking a pie, or cooking up some gravy, cornstarch is useful for a wide variety of tasks, all over your home. You probably have some sitting in the back of a cupboard somewhere, even if you’re not a chef, and breaking it out may just save you some money the next time you’re washing windows, polishing silver, or going crazy because someone left a grease stain on your leather couch.

This low cost ingredient comes in a small box, and it’s available at any grocery store. With a wide variety of uses, and such a low price tag, cornstarch can easily keep dollars in your pocket while allowing you to save time and effort on common tasks. Keep reading to find out how this key ingredient can be used for a wide range of home remedies.

Is It Corn Starch or Cornstarch?

The correct term is “cornstarch.” It is a single word, not separated by a space. When looking at packaging at the store, you’ll probably see it spelled both ways, but the single word version is the accepted correct version.

What Is Cornstarch Anyway

Well, it’s obviously derived from corn, but the fine white powder looks a whole lot different than the yellow kernels it’s made from. There are several names this substance goes by, so be aware that corn starch, cornstarch, cornflour and maize starch are all basically the same thing.

“Cornstarch” is a fine powder made from corn and is commonly used as a thickening agent in cooking and baking. Most people use cornstarch as a thickening agent when cooking, and it was originally discovered in the year 1840. In order to make it, the starch is separated from the endosperm of the corn kernels by steeping large quantities for about two days, separating out the germ, then grinding, washing and drying to leave the starchy goodness all by itself. Once the process is finished, the fluffy white stuff that you’re familiar with is all that is left. Find out more.

Using Cornstarch Around The House

As an additive, all by itself or as part of a homemade concoction, this simple ingredient can make your life easier and save you some cash at the same time. Buy some cornstarch the next time you’re making turkey and gravy, but keep it at the front of the cupboard for a whole bunch of other uses afterward.

The list below will provide some of the best home remedies and off-label uses for cornstarch along with the directions and explanations necessary to get you started. We think we came up with a pretty good collection of tips, but if you have anything to add, please use the comments section below to help everyone out.

1. Use Cornstarch To Polish Silver Stuff

Because it’s slightly abrasive, you can use cornstarch to make a paste that will provide a cheap and easy way to make silver platters and fancy utensils shine.

How To Do It:

1. To make a polishing compound, just mix water and cornstarch together to create a thick vat of sludge.
2. Once blended, apply the sludge to the metal surface, and then let it sit to dry.
3. Once the mixture is totally dry, come back with a high quality cleaning cloth to buff the dried white stuff off, and reveal the polished surface underneath.
4. Repeat the process as needed for desired results.

In this way, you can use cornstarch as a safe and effective alternative to traditional silver polish. It will save you money, but also help you to avoid harsh chemicals. It may not work as well as expensive options at the store, but it should provide good results with very little cost, effort or risk involved. If anything, it can be a good option to try if you don’t have anything else on hand. You’ll be able to get the job done without running to the store.

2. Use Cornstarch To Clean Windows

Add cornstarch to regular window cleaner to boost the performance, or use it as an ingredient to make your own homemade window cleaning solution. The gentle abrasive properties come into play again when you add a small amount to your bottle of blue stuff, or when you mix up an inexpensive batch of window washing soap in your kitchen.

Use It To Boost An Existing Window Cleaner:

1. To use cornstarch as a boosting additive, open up your store bought window cleaner when it’s new, then add in up to one tablespoon of corn starch.
2. Shake the mixture well to blend it together, then use the spray like normal.
3. When used in combination, it can ease the task, and improve the end results.
4. The extra scrubbing power will not harm the surface, but it will help to lift stubborn grime.

For a home remedy that will make your windows sparkle, follow the steps below to make your own window cleaning spray from scratch. Once you combine stuff you already have on hand at home, you’ll be able to clean glass surfaces with a safe, low cost cleaner.

Use It To Make A Homemade Window Cleaner Spray:

1. To prepare, gather 1/2 cup of white vinegar, 1/2 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of corn starch and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
2. Combine the ingredients together and then blend them thoroughly. Once everything is mixed, add the solution to a spray bottle.
3. Get a streak free shine by using newspaper to wipe off the cleaner you just made.
4. Simply spray the cleaner onto the glass surface, then wipe it away using a crumpled up wad of Sunday paper. You’ll avoid any lint leavings, and you don’t have to worry about the ink because it’s soy based so it won’t rub off on glass.
5. To avoid streaks, spots and lint without a newspaper, try a high quality microfiber cleaning cloth, or a streak-free window cloth instead.

3. Use Cornstarch To Clean Carpet Stains

If you spill something yucky on the floor, a little bit of cornstarch can save the day. It works especially well on oily or greasy liquids, but it may help with other stuff too. When you apply it to the affected area, it basically absorbs the moisture, and lifts it out of the nap of the carpet while you let it sit.

For colored liquids, cornstarch might not remove the stain completely, but for other oily spots, it should work pretty well. You’ll have the best luck if you act quickly, so don’t let the spilled liquid soak in.

How To Do It:

1. To soak a spill using this home remedy, simply cover the stained area with some cornstarch, straight from the box.
2. Once the area is completely covered with the white fluffy stuff, let it sit for 20-30 minutes.
3. After cornstarch has had time to soak up the mess, use your vacuum to suck it all up.
4. The powder should absorb any liquid and odors, and it should also lift light stains.
5. For any mess leftover, repeat the steps, or try a different method for the stubborn staining.

Even expensive cleaners can have trouble with this type of stain, but this cheap alternative seems to provide good results. If you try it, you can avoid a trip to the store, and the associated cost. Get to work right away, and use a safe and natural cleaner to do the job.

4. Use Cornstarch To Remove Oils Stains On Leather

Couches, chairs, boots, coats and other expensive stuff are often made from leather, and it can be pretty tough to clean. Oil stains are some of the most difficult to remove, and going about it wrong can cause even more damage, so you have to be careful.

It doesn’t matter if it is a hair product or spilled food causing the stain, a bit of cornstarch can make it disappear.

How To Do It:

1. Lightly sprinkle the area to cover the oil spot with cornstarch, then let it sit overnight.
2. The next day, take a gentle brush or cloth to remove the powder and the stain all at once.
3. If you see some improvement, but the pot is still there, just repeat the process to eliminate it.

Easily save some money when you avoid replacing furniture and clothing, or calling in the professionals to fix it for you. Other leather cleaning products can be pretty risky, but this technique can never cause harm, so it’s always worth a try. You can skip a purchase, but you can also safely take care of the stain. Never worry about permanent damage or unexpected reactions when you use cornstarch as a home remedy to eliminate oil stains on leather.

5. Use Cornstarch To Starch Your Clothes

Like your shirts neatly pressed? Save money by making your own spray starch at home. You’ll keep a couple extra dollars in your pocket, but you won’t compromise your tailored look, and you’ll have the piece of mind that comes from using a natural product that you made yourself.

Your homemade version can deliver the same results as products purchased at the store, but at a fraction of the cost.

How To Do It:

• To Make It: Dilute a small amount of cornstarch into a spray bottle of water and you’ll be good to go.
• To Use It: Just spray it down as you iron to ensure wrinkle-free garments with crispy creases.

Cornstarch offers a cheap and effective way to keep your dress clothes looking good. Avoid the harsh chemicals in products bought from the store, but achieve the same exact look. This simple technique works well for all types of clothing, and it is way less expensive in comparison.

6. Use Cornstarch To Deodorize Sneakers

Sweaty feet lead to shoes that reek. There are a wide variety of deodorizers and antiperspirants available at the store, but you could also use cornstarch to combat the stinky swamp brewing in your kicks, and it’ll be far more cost effective.

How To Do It:

1. To try it, lightly coat the interior of your shoes with cornstarch straight from the box after a workout. The powder will absorb sweat and neutralize odors.
2. Once the interior is coated, let it sit overnight to work.
3. Once it has had time to sit and work, dump the cornstarch out before wearing the next day.
4. As long as the powder sits, it will be absorbing moisture and odors.

The moisture will be lifted off instead of soaking in, so lingering odors will be avoided, and your shoes will feel and smell much more fresh. You won’t be adding perfume or harsh chemicals, and you won’t be risking any damage. Cornstarch offers a safe and natural way to keep your sneakers smelling fresh.

7. Use Cornstarch To Make Your Own Body Powder

Mix together cornstarch and other natural ingredients to make your own body powder, and you’ll be able to stay fresh and dry while spending less money. Not only will it be way cheaper, you’ll also be able to customize the fragrance to your exact preference. When applied to your body, the natural deodorizer will stay in place to absorb moisture and deliver time released fragrance to keep you feeling fresh and clean all day.

As an added use, the same powder can be used in problem areas to relieve chafing.

How To Do It:

1. To make your own body powder, get a small container with a lid.
2. Add in one cup of corn starch and mix it together with a few drops of essential oil.
3. Close the lid and shake well to mix.
4. Add more oils as desired to achieve the right scent, and control the power of the fragrance.
5. To use it, apply lightly to armpits and other areas for a natural way to reduce moisture and eliminate unwanted odors.

Skip expensive perfumes and deodorants, but still stay fresh and fragrant all day. A little bit of cornstarch can be the perfect carrier for your favorite scent while it also soaks up any moisture it encounters. You can buy something similar at the store and spend a bunch of money, or you can make the perfect alternative at home yourself.

8. Use Cornstarch To Eliminate Oily Stains On Clothing

If you spill salad dressing or another oil based food on your clothing, you can avoid a permanent stain and prevent a costly replacement. Once again, the incredible absorption power of corn starch comes into play. Set in oil stains are some of the most difficult to take out, but if you act right away, you can stop the process and thwart disaster.

How To Do It:

1. To eliminate oil stains on clothing, simply coat the area with cornstarch and then let it sit overnight.
2. As it remains in place, the cornstarch will absorb the moisture and prevent it from bonding with the fabric.
3. After the cornstarch has had time to work, launder the clothing like normal to finish the job.

Stain sticks and regular detergents may not be able to lift an oil stain, but you can usually soak up a fresh stain using cornstarch. You won’t have to run to the store to get a stain fighting product, and you won’t run any risk of damage to your clothing. The gentle powder will safely lift up and remove the oily stain without any risk.

9. Use Cornstarch To Renew Wood Furniture

When buying wood cleaners at the store, you have to worry about expensive price tags and the chemical residue left after you finish. When you mix up your own cleanser instead, it’ll cost you next to nothing, and there will be no greasy film or sticky coating left on the surface. The results can be just as good when you do it yourself, so try making a naturally gentle abrasive with cornstarch the next time you want to remove marks and improve the look of aging wood furniture.

How To Do It:

1. To make a homemade wood cleaner, mix together equal parts of cornstarch and water to make a paste.
2. To use the cleaner, apply it to the surface of your furniture using a damp cloth in a circular motion.
3. Allow the mixture time to sit, then remove it by buffing with a dry cloth.
4. Repeat the process as necessary to achieve desired results.

This technique would be safe for any wood furniture, no matter what type of finish it has. You won’t risk permanent damage, and the results should be pretty good. The gentle mixture will lightly scrub away dirt and grime to revive the look.

10. Use Cornstarch To Rejuvenate Old Books

Aging books are often found in pretty rough shape. Years on the shelf allows time for the pages to absorb moisture and grow mildew. Not only will this cause visual damage, it’ll also result in a pretty awful smell as well. When used correctly, cornstarch can improve the health of elderly books in order to make them last longer, look better, and smell less disgusting.

How To Do It:

1. Lightly sprinkle cornstarch over moisture damaged areas to cover.
2. Allow the powder time to sit so liquids can be absorbed and odors can be neutralized.
3. After sitting for some time shake off or wipe gently with a cloth or brush.

When working with old books, you want to be careful what you use. Harsh cleaning products can cause permanent damage, so using a safe and natural solution that you make yourself can be a good alternative. Improve the look and smell of your old books, but never risk harming them.

11. Use Cornstarch To Help Heal Diaper Rash

Wet diapers lead to itchy and painful rashes. Some babies are sensitive to available products, and you may find that many options just don’t work. Instead of spending more money on another cream or powder to make your baby feel better, try a bath with cornstarch in it.

The natural soak will soothe the irritation in the damaged areas. Your child will feel better instantly, and the skin will heal more quickly, so the rash won’t last as long.

How To Do It:

1. Draw a warm bath and add in a generous amount of cornstarch.
2. Let your child sit and soak.
3. Repeat 1-2 times daily until the rash is gone.

This safe and natural diaper rash remedy really works, and it is gentle enough to try with any baby. It is pretty low cost when compared to other options, and you can use this technique on it’s own, or in conjunction with other creams and ointments.

12. Use Cornstarch To Prevent Smelly Pits

Combine cornstarch with rubbing alcohol to create a money saving combo that will prevent you from buying deodorant at the store. This home remedy can be a great money saver, but it’s also nice for people with sensitive skin.

Traditional deodorants and antiperspirants are often irritating due to the ingredients, so a simple homemade alternative may be the perfect option. When applied to underarm skin, rubbing alcohol will eliminate odor while the cornstarch keeps you dry.

Add some essential oil to your corn powder and you’ll have a time released scent, and a homemade product that’ll keep you dry and smelling good, all day long.

How To Do It:

1. To apply this natural deodorizer to your underarms, wipe the area with rubbing alcohol.
2. While your pits are still damp, dust the area with cornstarch.
3. To add fragrance, make a mixture of cornstarch and essential oil by adding a few drops in a pre-mixed container.
4. Use the natural mixture in the morning, after showering, for all day protection.

Store-bought deodorants are expensive, and they contain all sorts of questionable ingredients. Many people can’t use certain options due to what’s inside, so using a safe and natural alternative will save money and reduce exposure to those irritating ingredients. Quickly make a homemade product that actually works, and give it the exact scent you prefer.

13. Use Cornstarch to Improve Oily Hair

If you have regular hair and you’re short on time, or if you have oily hair and want to preform occasional treatments to make it more manageable, this inexpensive powder will do the trick. Cornstarch will absorb the natural oils coating your locks in order to eliminate the greasy look that makes it look dirty.

How To Do It:

1. Apply a small amount of cornstarch at the top of your head, and some down by your neckline.
2. Gently work into your hair, and then let sit.
3. Brush out all powder to finish.
4. The same technique is also good for dogs and cats.

Using a simple home remedy can save you tons of money on hair products. It can be tough to find the perfect product at the store, and this simple technique really works. Before you head out to buy your next store-bought product, go to the cupboard to try something you already have first.

14. Use Cornstarch To Make Face Paint

Save money when you throw your next birthday party by mixing up a batch of face paint that’s safe and natural. You’ll keep costs down without limiting fun, and the kids will be able to use as much paint as they want without any worry about the ingredients.

This simple recipe can be whipped up ahead of time, and because you’re adding the pigment yourself, you get to choose the colors. Stick to traditional choices, or go with a select few to match the theme of the party.

How To Do It:

1. To make it, simply mix together corn starch and vegetable shortening to create the base.
2. Separate the mixture into several containers with lids.
3. Use food coloring to blend in color to each container.
4. Once you have the perfect color selections, place the lids on, and store for use at the party.

Makeup at the store is very expensive, and if you try to save money, you’ll only end up with lower quality ingredients. Avoid all of the bad stuff when you make it yourself. Cornstarch can help to create the perfect base for homemade makeup.

15. Use Cornstarch To Thicken Sauces and Fluff Eggs

This is what most people use it for, and despite the fact that it’s an intended use, it will still save money because it will prevent the use of pre-packaged alternatives, restaurant prepared dishes, or the cost that comes along with eating run-of-the-mill food.

When whipped into eggs cornstarch will make them light and fluffy, and when cooked into things like gravy, it can add the perfect, creamy consistency.

How To Do It:

1. The next time you’re preparing an omelet or scrambled eggs, sprinkle in some cornstarch before you mix them up. The end result will be thicker eggs with a fluffier texture.
2. Use this gluten free ingredient when cooking soups and stews to turn runny and watery sauces in to thick and savory gravy.

Some people will use flour to thicken gravy, but cornstarch can give better consistency, and better flavor. It was designed for cooking, and you can use it for a wide range of tasks and recipes in your kitchen. It’s a safe and natural ingredient that can improve your end results.

16. Soothing Sunburns and Bug Bites

Too much sun exposure can cause lasting damage, but the immediate pain is what we notice the most. Bug bites cause similar discomfort, although the pain is often mixed with itchiness too. Coating the affected skin with a starchy paste can relieve the painful, burning or itching sensation in order to provide immediate relief.

How To Do It:

1. Simply mix together water and cornstarch powder to create a loose paste.
2. Apply the paste to your skin in a thick wet coat.
3. As it dries, it will soothe the skin.
4. Once dry, rinse off with warm water. Repeat as desired.
5. Good for burns, bites and stings.

This natural mixture is highly effective and it provides instant relief. You won’t have to go to the store, and you won’t have to spend any money. You’ll also be able to rest easy thanks to the natural ingredients. There will be no way for it to harm your skin, or cause further irritation.

Why buy something new when you can use stuff that you already have?

That box of cornstarch in your kitchen can be used all over your home to save you time, effort and money. It can help with hundreds of tasks, and act as an ingredient in a wide variety of home remedies. Cornstarch has proven to be a versatile powder that can be used for more than just cooking. It can be abrasive or absorbent, and it acts well as a carrier or a thickener when used as an ingredient. Mix it together and apply it all over. Cornstarch can be a key natural ingredient to help you save money when cooking, cleaning, deodorizing and more.

Know of Another Good Way To Use Cornstarch? Share with the class. We would love to add to the list, so please share any other helpful tips using the comments section below.

Tip Contents

• What is Cornstarch
• What Can You Do With It
• Polish Silver
• Wash Windows
• Clean Carpets
• Clean Leather
• Starch Clothes
• Deodorize Sneakers
• Make Body Powder
• Remove Oil Stains
• Renew Wood
• Rejuvenate Books
• Heal Diaper Rash
• Deodorize Pits
• Improve Oily Hair
• Make Face Paint
• Cook With It
• Soothe Burns