06/16/2022 / By Zoey Sky
Cornstarch isn’t usually the first thing you think of when asked about pantry staples, but this useful ingredient has many uses.
You can use cornstarch as an egg substitute, for cleaning purposes and as DIY dry shampoo. (h/t to HomesteadSurvivalSite.com)
Cornstarch is a white, powdery substance made from the endosperm of dried and ground corn. It is composed of starch molecules that unravel and swell when moistened and heated.
This unique gelatinization process makes cornstarch a great thickening agent.
Cornstarch is a gluten-free alternative to wheat flour thickeners and it can be used in gravy and sauce recipes. When using cornstarch, you don’t have to worry that it will overpower other ingredients because it is transparent and nearly flavorless.
If you need eggs, but only have cornstarch in your kitchen, substitute the latter for eggs.
You can substitute cornstarch for eggs in some baked foods by dissolving one tablespoon of cornstarch in three tablespoons of water. The mixture will roughly match the consistency of an egg.
If your kids love marshmallows but hate getting them stuck to each other in the bag, add a teaspoon of cornstarch to the bag. Close the bag and shake to loosen the marshmallows that are stuck together.
Make a paste by mixing three tablespoons of cornstarch and one tablespoon of water. Place the cornstarch paste over the bitten area of the skin and let it dry.
Leave the cornstarch paste on overnight to relieve pain and swelling.
Cornstarch can help provide a barrier between your feet and shoes.
If you’re going hiking, keep your feet dry with talcum powder and cornstarch. Sprinkle some cornstarch into your shoes and socks to prevent excess moisture.
Adding talcum powder in your shoes and socks will also help prevent sweat from causing blisters.
If you’ve gotten sunburned over the summer, soothe the pain with a cornstarch paste. Gently dab a cornstarch and water paste on your skin, then let it dry before gently brushing off.
Alternatively, you can sprinkle cornstarch on your bedsheets to reduce friction that can hurt sunburned skin as you sleep.
Avoid harmful chemicals in window cleaners and make a non-toxic alternative using cornstarch.
Mix two tablespoons of cornstarch, half a cup of ammonia and half a cup of white vinegar into a three- or four-quart bucket of warm water. The solution will look milky.
Pour the solution into a spray bottle and spray it on windows, rinse with fresh water and then rub dry with a clean lint-free cloth.
When dealing with a fresh stain, you can use cornstarch to remove blood, grape juice, red wine and other hard-to-remove stains.
Make a cornstarch and water paste, then quickly cover the stained spot with the paste. Rub it gently into the fabric.
After it dries, brush off the paste. Repeat if necessary. (Related: Prepper must-haves: 3 Ways to use bleach when SHTF.)
If your living room smells a little funky, sprinkle cornstarch on carpeting and then vacuum for a fresher scent.
Make a paste with cornstarch and milk. Apply the paste to ink, wine, or other stains on your carpet.
Let the mixture dry for several hours, and then vacuum. If you’re trying this remedy for the first time, try it on a small out-of-the-way area to check if it will cause discoloration on your carpet.
If you used too much polish and oil on your furniture while cleaning, sprinkle the surface with a little cornstarch to remove any residues.
Wipe and buff the surface.
If you make a mistake while ironing, dampen the scorched area of clothing before sprinkling it with cornstarch. Let it dry, and then brush the cornstarch away.
Remove tangles in strings, necklaces, or shoelaces by sprinkling them with a bit of cornstarch to loosen them.
If your kids or pets have old stuffed animals that could use a bit of freshening up, place the toys into a bag. Sprinkle cornstarch into the bag, seal the bag and shake.
Brush off the cornstarch.
Mix equal parts cornstarch and Plaster of Paris, then sprinkle the mixture into cracks and crevices that cockroaches frequent in your home.
The cornstarch will attract roaches, but the Plaster of Paris will kill them. Use this remedy with caution because Plaster of Paris is poisonous to humans as well.
Polish silver jewelry with cornstarch.
Rub a thick paste of cornstarch and water on the silver. Let it dry, then buff the silver with a soft, dry cloth.
Cornstarch will soak up hair oil, so when SHTF you can use it as a dry shampoo ingredient.
Combine two parts cornstarch with one part baking soda, then lightly dab the mixture on your hair roots. Brush it through thoroughly.
Cornstarch absorbs moisture, making it a great ingredient for DIY chemical-free deodorant.
Combine equal amounts of cornstarch and baking soda. Use a makeup brush and apply the mixture to your underarm area.
If your skin is dry, use cornstarch to make a soothing milk bath.
Mix two cups of whole powdered milk, half a cup of cornstarch and half a cup of baking soda in a sealable container. Cover the container, then shake until well blended.
Remove the lid and add about 10 drops of your preferred essential oil. Shake again. Add the mixture to your bathtub before soaking.
Between baths, you can use cornstarch to keep your dog smelling nice and fresh.
Sprinkle cornstarch on a shaggy dog’s coat to help get out tangles. Brush thoroughly.
Keep your feet healthy and prevent athlete’s foot by sprinkling cornstarch in your shoes to help absorb moisture.
If you have nail polish, but want a matte finish, mix a small amount of cornstarch into the bottle before applying.
Follow the steps below to make fingerpaints with cornstarch:
Steps:
You can also make DIY slime with cornstarch:
Steps:
Use cornstarch to make a kid-friendly paste by combining three teaspoons of cornstarch with four teaspoons of water. You can use construction paper pastes for kids’ art projects.
Kids can use their fingers or a wooden popsicle stick to apply the paste.
Visit NaturalNewsTips.com for more useful prepping tips that you can try around your homestead.
Watch the video below to learn how to make natural cleaning products using ingredients in your kitchen.
This video is from the Natural News channel on Brighteon.com.
Prepper must-haves: 14 Ways to use baking soda on your homestead.
Prepper must-haves: 7 Medicinal uses of activated charcoal.
Prepper must-haves: 10 Survival uses of hydrogen peroxide.
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