10 Stains That Can Practically Disappear By Using Cornstarch

You don't need an arsenal of abrasive store-bought cleaners to tackle everyday stains and household messes. In fact, one of the most powerful natural stain removers is likely already sitting in your kitchen pantry: cornstarch. This cooking and baking staple has many hidden superpowers that you may not know about. The fine powder is highly absorbent, making it incredibly effective at soaking up oil and grease. It also neutralizes odors on carpets, clothes, and upholstery. Sprinkle some inside your favorite sneakers and it will even banish funky shoe odors. Cornstarch can make all kinds of unsightly stains disappear, including sweat marks on your favorite t-shirts, hard water blemishes on faucets and silverware, stubborn grease spots on your patio, and many more.  

Cornstarch is not only a natural stain remover but also an effective and eco-friendly all-purpose cleaner. Mix it in a spray bottle with white vinegar and some warm water and use it to break up dirt, grime, and soap scum in your bathroom. It will also restore shine to your stainless steel appliances and countertops. You can also use cornstarch in your laundry as a natural fabric softener and starching agent that will leave your linens feeling crisp and fresh. Thanks to its ability to absorb grease, you can even use cornstarch as a natural replacement for dry shampoo. Needless to say, a single box of cornstarch can go a long way in your household. Without further delay, let's take a look at 10 types of household stains that are no match for the cleaning power of cornstarch. 

Cornstarch is a secret weapon when it comes to removing stubborn grease stains from your household fabrics. Cornstarch is incredibly effective at soaking up oil and grease on carpets, furniture, plush toys, and practically all types of fabric including leather and suede. It also removes grease from cookware. Sprinkle a generous amount directly onto the stain and allow it to absorb before vacuuming. For extra stain-fighting power, blot the area with mild dish soap and water. You can also create a thick paste by mixing cornstarch and water, scrub thoroughly, then vacuum to remove. 

Fresh food stains from pizza, doughnuts, and other greasy fried treats don't stand a chance against cornstarch. The absorbent powder will suck up the moisture and odor left behind. Simply dump a generous amount of dry cornstarch onto the stain and allow it to absorb before brushing it off. If the stain has seeped into your fabric upholstery, remove the powder with a handheld vacuum. If you need an extra boost, consider enlisting the help of additional natural stain removers like distilled white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda. 

Dirty faucets, shower heads, stainless steel fixtures, and silverware can all be wiped clean with the help of a little bit of cornstarch and vinegar. To clear away hard water stains, make a DIY cleaning solution with warm water, vinegar, and corn starch, then add it to a spray bottle. If you find the item still needs a bit of a polish after wiping it down, create a thick paste out of corn starch and water, and use it to gently rub away any tarnish.

Cornstarch may not completely remove coffee stains on its own, but when combined with ingredients like baking soda and vinegar, it becomes a highly effective stain remover. Sprinkle cornstarch onto the area to absorb some of the liquid, then blot with a white vinegar-soaked cloth to do the heavy stain-lifting. You can also use cornstarch to remove coffee stains from delicate fabrics such as silk. Apply cornstarch to the stain with a rag on top, then use a handheld clothes steamer to transfer the stain onto the rag. 

As we now know, corn starch is most effective on grease and oil-based stains, which makes it the perfect solution for removing sunscreen residue from your swimwear and summer gear. Oily sunscreen can leave unsightly yellow splotches on white fabric. Keep in mind that the longer a sunscreen stain is left to sit, the harder it will be to remove. Coat the stain with cornstarch and allow it to set for at least half an hour before brushing it off, then apply your pre-treatment laundry stain remover and wash it as normal in your machine.

Your backyard is susceptible to all kinds of stains and blemishes, including grease from your barbecue, oil drips, food spills, and mildew. The good news is that cornstarch can solve your grease-stained patio woes for good. If you are able to catch a fresh stain before it completely sets in, sprinkle on some corn starch and allow it to soak up the liquid. After waiting for about half an hour, you can scoop up or brush away the leftover starch, revealing a much cleaner and less greasy surface.

Cornstarch is an incredibly effective household product that cleans blood stains, especially when combined with good old fashioned sunshine. Create a paste with corn starch and water, then coat the stain generously with a thick layer of your stain-fighting mixture. Allow the paste to dry by exposing it to direct sunlight. Place it in an area where it won't be disturbed by outdoor elements like wind or moisture. Once the paste is completely dry, wipe it off with a vacuum or clean microfiber cloth. You may need to repeat the steps until the stain is completely gone. 

Use cornstarch to get rid of those embarrassing yellow pit stains on your favorite white shirt. Create a mix of corn starch and water and allow it to dry on the stain. This paste will not only help to remove the discoloration, but also the odor. You can also use corn starch as a way to help prevent this problem in the future. The sweat-absorbing power of cornstarch is often used in natural deodorants, and you can apply cornstarch on the sweat-prone areas of your clothing to keep stains at bay.

Ink stains may look daunting at first, but there's no need to panic. Even stubborn ink stains are no match for cornstarch, especially when it's mixed with vinegar. Begin by blotting the stain with white vinegar, then treat it with a mixture consisting of two parts white vinegar and three parts cornstarch. Coat the stain thoroughly with the paste, and allow it to set undisturbed until it is dry. Rinse the item of clothing with water, and if the stain is still visible, wash it on a regular cycle in your laundry machine.

Cornstarch is a must-have ingredient in your homemade all-purpose cleaner thanks to its ability to break up dirt and grime. It works wonders on hard surfaces including floors, walls, and wooden furniture. To clean dirty furniture, create your cleaning paste with cornstarch and water, coat your dirty surfaces, scour in circular motions, and wipe clean. This is a great solution for surfaces that can't handle more abrasive cleaners, as this simple cornstarch mix doesn't contain any harsh chemicals that could damage the material.