How to Use Cornstarch Around the House

Cornstarch is a common staple item found in the kitchen pantry, but it's reserved primarily for thickening sauces and gravy. Cornstarch has a lot of other uses around the house. The following are some ideas that puts cornstarch to good use.

Instructions

1. Mix up some fingerpaints for the kids. Add 1/4 cup of cornstarch to 2 cups of cold water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Continue boiling and stirring until the mixture thickens. Pour the product into small margarine tub and tint with food coloring.

2. Brush stuffed animals clean. Work a little cornstarch into the plush and brush it out. Collect smaller stuffed animals into a plastic bag with a few tablespoons of cornstarch and shake vigorously. Remove the toys and brush them clean.

3. Give a dog a dry bath with cornstarch. Rub a little cornstarch into his coat and brush it out for a fluffy coat until there's time for a tub bath.

4. Work the knots out of shoelaces. Sprinkle on a little cornstarch and work it into the knot, then pull the laces apart.

5. Get grease spatters off the wall. Put a little cornstarch on a dry cloth and rub it over the grease spots. Rub gently until the stain disappears.

6. Get streak-free windows with this homemade window cleaner. Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/2 cup of ammonia and 1/2 cup of white vinegar in a gallon of warm water. Stir and fill a spray bottle with the solution. Spray the pane, follow with a warm water rinse and buff with a paper towel.