Smart Ways To Use Cornstarch In Your Laundry

When you think of cornstarch, you probably imagine it being used to thicken sauces or as an ingredient in delicious baked treats. Surprisingly, however, this humble pantry hero can work wonders in your laundry room, too. Cornstarch is that multi-talented friend who can play sports, paint, and ace math all at once. If you're looking to save money on laundry products, cornstarch could become your new best friend.

Cornstarch has been a quiet achiever for ages. While it's often overshadowed by its flashier cousins like baking soda and vinegar, this white powder has its own impressive resume. Made from the starchy part of corn kernels, it has been a kitchen staple since 1842. Think about it — it's lightweight, eco-friendly, and unbelievably versatile. Plus, it's totally natural, which makes it a safe and affordable alternative to those chemical-filled products we often buy.

When it comes to laundry, cornstarch isn't shy about showing off its skills. This powder can tackle tasks that might surprise you. From erasing pesky stains to helping you ditch the fabric softener, cornstarch proves that you don't need fancy products for great results. And don't even get us started on how well it freshens up shoes — what can't it do?

Grease stains are a common laundry headache, but cornstarch is here to help. Grab your cornstarch and use it as an ingredient to remove stubborn grease stains from your household fabrics. It acts like a tiny sponge, absorbing the grease from the fabric and making it easier to wash. Just sprinkle some cornstarch over the grease stain, let it sit, and clean it with a dish soap solution. The cornstarch will soak up the oil, and most of the stain will be gone when you brush it off. For tougher stains, repeat the process, and you'll be amazed at how well this trick works.

Cornstarch isn't just for greasy spots — it's also a secret weapon against sweat stains. Sweat stains on light clothing can make clothes look old and dingy, but cornstarch can help lift these tricky marks. Mix a little cornstarch with water to make a thick paste and apply it directly to the sweat stains. Let it sit long enough to dry, then remove the leftover residue and wash your item as usual. The cornstarch paste helps absorb and lift the stain, leaving clothes fresh and clean.

When using cornstarch on stains, timing is everything. For grease stains, the sooner you sprinkle it on, the better. If it's a sweat stain, the paste can be left on longer if it's really stubborn. Just rinse it off completely before washing to avoid any powdery residue.

Store-bought fabric softeners can leave a buildup of chemicals on clothes over time, leading to stiffness or a waxy feeling. They can also be irritating to the skin or feel too heavy on clothes. Luckily, cornstarch can be a perfect alternative. Cornstarch softens fabrics by smoothing out the fibers, leaving your clothes feeling gentle against your skin. To use it as a fabric softener, simply add a spoonful to your rinse cycle.

To get the most out of cornstarch as a softener, use it in the rinse cycle rather than the wash cycle. This ensures that it coats the fabric after it has been cleaned. Also, for a little extra touch, you can add your own fragrance, like orange or lavender essential oil, to your cornstarch powder. This gives your clothes a natural scent boost without the chemicals in commercial softeners. 

While a small amount of cornstarch will make your laundry feel softer and more refreshed, adding more can have a stiffening effect. If you mix a tablespoon of corn starch with a cup of water and shake it up in a spray bottle, you can also use this pantry essential to make a DIY clothing starch to ensure your clothes stay crisp and wrinkle-free after ironing.

Sometimes, shoes smell a little unique after a while. Whether it's from daily wear, workouts, or a bit of adventurous hiking, shoes pick up odors quickly. Thankfully, cornstarch can come to the rescue here, too. Cornstarch naturally absorbs moisture, which is often the root of those funky smells. Just sprinkle a little bit inside each shoe and let it sit overnight. By morning, you'll have fresher shoes and less worry about any odor announcing your arrival before you do.

Plus, cornstarch works well with every kind of shoe, from sneakers to dress shoes. There's no need to worry about damaging materials as it's gentle and easy to shake out afterward. For a quicker fix, you can even put cornstarch in a coffee filter or a bit of cloth, tie it up, and place it in your shoes overnight like a mini shoe deodorizer. This simple hack works like a charm and keeps your shoes (and your feet) feeling and smelling their best.