Use This Kitchen Ingredient To Easily Clean Up Spilled Messes On Carpet

It might feel like it's game over when you spill a drink on your carpeted floor. Surprisingly, several common household ingredients can be used to clean your floors and you can remove carpet stains more easily than you might expect. Of the ingredients that can help remove stubborn stains and make your carpet look new again, cornstarch is one of the most useful options.

Cornstarch is mostly known as a cooking ingredient. However, it can also be used as a cleaning tool — helping you remove stains in a matter of minutes. Spreading cornstarch on a stain can help lift it effortlessly. It does an especially great job of removing oil and grease stains but can also be used for other liquid stains.

To clean up spilled carpet messes with cornstarch, sprinkle a heavy amount on the spill. It's best to use this method as quickly after spilling a liquid as possible. After sprinkling the powder, let it sit for 10-20 minutes. You'll then need to use a vacuum to remove the powder from the carpet and the stain should lift as well. You may need to repeat this method if you notice that some discoloration remains.

If you notice that discoloration remains or you want to use an alternative to this method, you may want to add some vinegar to the mix. A simple paste made with cornstarch and distilled white vinegar can be even more effective than cornstarch alone. The acidity of vinegar makes it a great cleaning solution that works well for dissolving dirt, grease, and grime. Vinegar can be a versatile cleaning tool that can help descale coffee makers, clean wood floors, remove hard water build-up on showerheads, and perform many other cleaning duties.

To create a paste, mix two parts white vinegar with three parts cornstarch. Then, rub it into the carpet stain. The mixture should harden and soak up the remaining spill. You'll then need to scrape away the remaining cornstarch paste with a dull knife and do some vacuuming to finish the job. 

Cornstarch is mostly used as a thickening agent when cooking gravies, sauces, soups, and other dishes. However, there are also many unconventional uses for cornstarch around the house. It can be used for cleaning doors and windows, polishing silverware, and enriching the soil in a garden. When it comes to personal care, cornstarch can be used to soothe skin irritation from sunburn and bug bites. It can also be used as a deodorant or dry shampoo.

Cornstarch is made from a starchy component of corn kernels, known as the endosperm, and its properties make it a great tool for various cleaning purposes. Its abrasiveness is ideal for cleaning dirt and grime from glass and other hard surfaces. Cornstarch is also absorbent, so it does an excellent job of soaking up moisture while cleaning. Keep in mind that cornstarch does more than remove dirt and stains — it absorbs odors, too. When using it to clean carpet spills cornstarch will also help remove the odor, allowing your carpet to smell fresh.