16 Different USes Of Humble Cornstarch

Cornstarch is one of those mysterious items you have in your pantry. It only costs a dollar, so you probably bought it at least one time and now you're unsure what it’s good for. Well, in case you're out of ideas, I'm going to show you why this cheap item is actually one of the best materials to have around the house, and how it can make your life much easier.

In the Kitchen 

1. Thicken sauces  

A touch of cornstarch can help thicken sauces, soups and stews. It's a healthy gluten-free option for deliciously thick food. Add half a tablespoon per cup of liquid, and whisk in a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry, which can be added to hot liquid. 

 

2. Fluff eggs 

Add a sprinkle of cornstarch to eggs before you whip them. This helps the eggs become fluffier. 

 

Laundry tricks

3. Remove leather stains 

Get rid of any spilled oil or grease on your favorite leather jacket by sprinkling cornstarch over the stained section. Let it set in overnight and rub it off gently with a damp paper towel in the morning. 

 

4. Homemade spray starch 

Save money by making your own spray starch for wrinkle-free shirts. Make the starch from household items. Start by heating 2 cups of water in a small saucepan. Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and whisk, then bring to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of vinegar as a disinfectant and 10 drops of essential oil for a fresh scent. When it cools, store in a spray bottle and shake well before use. 

 

Household cleaning

5. Clean windows without leaving streaks  

Since cornstarch is a natural abrasive, it can help clean windows and mirrors without leaving any messy streaks. I recommend adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to this homemade window cleaner: 

 

In a spouted measuring cup, mix together 1 cup of white vinegar and 1 cup of water. Add 1/4 cup of lemon juice and a few drops of essential oil. Pour this mixture in a spray bottle. After you use the solution to clean the windows and mirrors, wipe with a paper towel. Your windows will become completely transparent. 

 

6. Grease-free carpets 

If you have stains on your carpet, pour cornstarch over the greased areas. Let it set in for 20 minutes and then vacuum. The fine powder will absorb the grease. 

 

7. Polish silver 

Instead of buying expensive and strong-smelling silver cleaners, use a mix of cornstarch and water to make your silverware shine like new. 

 

8. No more squeaky floors 

Cornstarch can stop the awful noises caused by cracked floors. Sprinkle the floor with cornstarch and then sweep. The powder will work itself into the nooks and cracks, ridding you of any squeaks or creaks. 

 

9. Clean wooden furniture 

 Regular household cleaners can leave a residue that builds up over time. You can buff away any grease marks from your beloved wooden furniture or household items with cornstarch. Remove these stains by mixing equal parts water and cornstarch, and then rubbing them strongly on the wood. 

 

Smells

 

10. No more stinky shoes 

Cornstarch is very absorbent. It can soak up those awful smelling sneaker or pump odors. Sprinkle a bit inside the soles and let it set in overnight. Shake and pass a damp cloth inside before wearing them. 

 

11. Give your old books a fresh whiff 

Sprinkle cornstarch over musty smelling books and soon you’ll notice how fresh those old volumes smell. 

 

Cosmetic secrets

 

12. Chafing 

Prevent the burn of chafing by rubbing a pinch of cornstarch on the problem area before you get dressed. It will prevent the sweating and lubrication that usually cause this condition.

13. Body powder 

Save some money by making your own body powder. You can do so by mixing cornstarch with essential oils. Mix one cup of cornstarch with a few drops of your favorite essential oil, and then shake to produce a homemade body powder. 

 

14. Dry shampoo 

This can be a real time-saver if you don’t have a minute to spare for a shower. Apply cornstarch to your hair by dusting it along the crown of your head and the base of your neck, then rubbing it in gently. After applying, brush it out, or it will leave your hair with a grey tinge. 

 

15. Natural deodorant 

 First wipe your underarms with rubbing alcohol or soap to get rid of any unpleasant smells. You can then apply cornstarch. This absorbs moisture and keeps the area dry. 

 

16. Soothe sunburns, bug bites and bees stings 

 Applying a paste of water and cornstarch over the sensitive area can offer a natural relief for burns and bites. The paste will need to dry before the effect takes place.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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Natural Remedies to Remove Facial Hair

Did you know that hirsutism (also known as excessive hair in unusual areas) affects about 5-10% of women of all ages? While tweezing and waxing may seem like the only solutions to such a problem, you don't necessarily need to resort to such painful methods of facial hair removal, especially when other, less painful methods are found right in your kitchen. Here's a list of some of the most effective remedies for removing facial hair.

1. Green gram flour and rose water

What you need: 

2 tablespoons of green gram flour 

1-2 tablespoons of rose water 

1 tablespoon of lemon juice

 

What to do: Mix the green gram flour and the rose water together in a bowl forming a paste. Add lemon juice, then mix the ingredients once again. 

 

How to use it: Apply the paste onto the affected areas of your skin, letting it sit for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until it is completely dry, then rub the mask off with your fingers. Repeat for 3 to 4 times each week. 

 

Why it works: Green gram flour has great exfoliating properties, and when paired with rose water, it helps inhibit hair growth. It can also be used on all skin types.

2. Onion and basil

What you need:  

2 medium-sized onions 

10-12 basil leaves 

 

What to do: 

Separate the thin, transparent membranes of skin between the layers of an onion and crush the membranes with basil leaves to make a paste. 

 

How to use it:  

Apply the paste on areas of unwanted hair, letting it sit for about 20 to 25 minutes. Wash it off with warm water and repeat for 3 to 4 times per week for one to two months. 

 

Why it works:  

Onion is beneficial for you as it facilitates hair growth. But, when used with basil it gives the reverse effect, helping you to get rid of unwanted facial hair. This treatment can be used on all skin types. 

 

3. Lavender oil and tea tree oil

What you need:  

1 teaspoon of lavender oil 

4-6 drops of tea-tree oil  

 

What to do: Combine the lavender and tea tree oil in a bowl.  

 

How to use it: Apply the mixture to unwanted facial hair using a cotton ball. Repeat for 2-3 times a day for three months.  

 

Why it works: Lavender and tea tree oil have anti-androgenic properties that help in removing unwanted hair. It is suitable for oily and acne-prone skin types. 

 

4. Honey and sugar

What you need:  

1 tablespoon of honey 

2 tablespoons of sugar 

1 tablespoon of water 

 

What to do: Place the sugar in a bowl and add the honey and water. Put in the microwave for about 30 seconds until the sugar dissolves and mixes with the liquids.  

 

How to use it: Apply the paste to areas of unwanted hair. Then place a strip of cloth over the mixture allowing it to cool for a couple of seconds. Then pull the strip in the opposite direction in which your hair is growing. Repeat as often as you need to.  

 

Why it works: This peel-off mask removes all unwanted hair instantly and exfoliates dead skin cells. It's also suitable for all skin types. 

 

5. Oatmeal and banana 

What you need: 

2 tablespoons of oatmeal 

1 ripe banana  

 

What to do: Take a banana and mash it to make a paste. Then, blend the oatmeal and the mashed banana in a bowl. 

 

 How to use it: Apply a generous amount of the paste onto required areas and rub it in a circular motion. Let the paste sit for 15 to 20 minutes then wash it off with cold water. Repeat for one to two times per week.  

 

Why it works: Oatmeal has a grainy texture making it a good exfoliating agent for facial skin. It's also suitable for all skin types.  

 

6. Gelatin and milk 

What you need:  

1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin powder 

3 tablespoons of whole milk 

A few drops of lemon juice  

 

What to do: Mix the gelatin with the milk and lemon juice in a bowl and heat the mixture in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds.  

 

How to use it: After removing the mixture from the microwave, let it cool, then apply directly to your face. Let the mask sit for 5 minutes before pulling it off with your fingers. Repeat as often as needed. 

 

Why it works: The mask is sticky and easily peels all unwanted hairs off instantly. It can also help you to get rid of blackheads and dead skin cells. Can be used on all skin types except sensitive and acne-prone skin. 

 

7. Egg and cornstarch  

Ingredients: 

1 egg 

1/2 tablespoon of cornstarch 

1 tablespoon of sugar

 

What to do: Crack an egg open and put its white into a bowl. Then add the sugar and cornstarch to it, stirring the ingredients well to form a smooth paste.  

 

How to use it: Apply the paste to your face, allowing it to dry for 20 to 25 minutes. Once hard enough, grab it and rip it off. Repeat 2 to 3 times per week.  

 

Why it works: Egg whites stick to facial hairs strongly, removing them perfectly. This recipe is suitable for all skin types, except acne-prone and sensitive skin. 

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement