Ways To Use Cornstarch To Keep Your Bathroom Sparkling Clean

If you happen to have a box of cornstarch right now, chances are it's in your food pantry, not in your cleaning supplies. But just like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice, there are tons of uses for cornstarch around the house, and that includes the bathroom. It can help you keep it sparkling clean from the faucets to the grout.

Also known as corn flour, cornstarch is made from dried corn kernels and is typically used to thicken foods. It has two main properties that make it useful as a cleaning agent. Thanks to its slightly abrasive texture, it can scrub grime and polish surfaces without much risk of scratches. It's also highly absorbent, so it can soak up moisture as well as water- or oil-based spills and stains.

You can use it to scrub your sinks, polish your faucets, leave glass surfaces dazzling, and clean acrylic showers for lasting shine. While it may not always be the strongest cleaner, if you want a gentle and affordable DIY option, it's worth a try. Here's how to put this common ingredient to work in your bathroom.

As with any DIY cleaner, recipes and techniques vary. One option is to create a spray with cornstarch and water; you can also add white vinegar for extra cleaning power. For example, one recipe calls for 1 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and ¼ cup of vinegar. This spray is gentle enough for use on most bathroom surfaces, including acrylic, ceramic, and porcelain. It's also effective at removing hard water streaks from glass doors, mirrors, and windows. To achieve a smooth consistency, you'll need to warm the solution so the cornstarch can dissolve.

Another option is to create a paste with cornstarch and water; you can add vinegar and/or baking soda if you like. Use it to scrub especially grimey glass doors or clean tiles and grout. In this case, you don't want the cornstarch to dissolve, so no need to warm it up.

Lastly, one handy method is to simply wet the surface and sprinkle cornstarch directly on it. This works well for polishing stainless steel fixtures or scrubbing grimy sinks. Use a soft cloth to rub the cornstarch, then rinse the surface thoroughly with water. Baking soda is also a helpful addition.