What Are The Surprising Uses For Corn-Starch?

Good For Cooking -- And Much More

When you want to thicken sauces and puddings or coat meat for a stir-fry, chances are you reach for your box of corn-starch. It has dozens of uses beyond the kitchen, coming milled from corn. In industries that make paper, adhesives, and coatings, it comes as a staple. It is observed that scientists are trying to turn it into products for pest control. To put corn-starch to work for you, there is no need to ace Chem 101. 

Take The Sizzle Out Of Sunburn

With a light paste made from corn starch and water, dab the sunburned spots. Sprinkle corn-starch between your sheets before you get into bed after a cool soak in a lukewarm tub. Cutting down on the friction between your scorched skin and the fabric is its silky texture. 

Whip Up A Vegan Swap For Eggs

A mix of corn-starch and water can replace an egg in many baked items back in the kitchen. On average, 1 tablespoon of corn-starch to 3 tablespoons of water matches the liquid content of an egg whereas the ratio varies between recipes. Before you add it to other ingredients to avoid any lumps, always dissolve the corn starch in the water. 

De-Sting Bug Bites

A thick paste that can ease the pain known as a poultice can be made with an old-school technique. Take about 3 tablespoons of corn-starch along with 1 tablespoon of cold water, thereafter gently smear it over the spot and then let it dry. To work its magic, you can even leave it overnight. 

De-Tangle Rover’s Coat

Here is a shaggy dog story, whereas it does not come as a good kind. Especially if their coats are long or curly, many dogs get matted fur. Causing pain, those tangles look bad and can also pull on the skin. Rub a generous amount of corn-starch into your furry friend’s coat and brush gently from the bottom to the top of the mat with a slicker brush to help get them out before you have to cut them out. 

Make Dry Shampoo Simple

Making it a handy fix, corn-starch is great at soaking up oil. The secret recipe here is to mix two parts of corn-starch along with one part of another kitchen shelf staple which is baking soda. Close to your roots dab on the mixture and brush through thoroughly. 

Keep Blisters At Bay

There is a simple formula which is sweat plus friction equals blisters. Before you slip on your shoes, especially if you go sockless, keep feet smooth and dry with a sprinkle of corn-starch. Cushion it with a bandage until it reabsorbs if you get a small blister despite your efforts. Place a doughnut pad which is a cushion with a centre hole around the blister if it's large. Keep it in place with a big bandage making your own with felt or foam.  

Clean Up Around The House

Around the house, corn-starch is a multipurpose natural cleanser. Rub on a thick water-and-corn-starch paste, let it dry, and then buff with a soft cloth to shine up silver. Rinse with plain water, and dry for a nice sparkle after spraying a thin solution on the glass. Use elbow grease to remove real grease and furniture polish build up after sprinkling it dry on wood. 

Make A DIY Deodorant

Are you looking for ways to skip the chemicals in store-bought products? Use an oversized makeup brush or cotton balls to apply after mixing equal amounts of corn-starch and baking soda in the palm of your hand. As regular deodorants can irritate treated skin, this is a great swap for people having radiation treatment for cancer. 

Have Some Silly Fun With The Kids

Make your own Oobleck which is a version of the children’s toy called Slime named after a Dr. Seuss book. The trick is mixing 1 cup of water tinted with a few drops of food colouring with 2 cups of corn-starch. Thereby press it into a slippery ball with the hands, and watch it go back to a liquid when you let go. Through a strainer, squiggle it. To avoid clog, throw your Oobleck away in the trash, never down the drain, after washing up with plain warm water. 

The Conclusion 

Here are some uses of corn-starch you may never have imagined. Whether it be for skincare or household purposes, corn-starch always has one or the other trick to follow. Make your own corn starch hack and let us know how you feel.