March 17, 2025

Cornstach being used for cleaning

6 Clever Uses for Cornstarch in Household Cleaning

Blog, Appliance Cleaning, Carpet and Rug Cleaning, Furniture Cleaning /

Cornstarch isn’t just for cooking—it’s one of the most versatile household cleaning hacks you can use. If you’re looking for eco-friendly cleaning solutions, cornstarch can help remove grease, polish surfaces, and freshen up fabrics. Unlike harsh chemical cleaners, cornstarch is non-toxic, affordable, and highly effective at tackling common household messes. Want to know the best uses for cornstarch in cleaning? Here are six clever ways to use this simple ingredient for a spotless and fresh home. 1. Remove Grease Stains from Fabric One of the most effective uses for cornstarch is its ability to absorb grease stains from fabric. Whether it’s a cooking oil spill on your shirt or a greasy mark on your couch, cornstarch can lift stains without damaging the material. To start, sprinkle a generous amount of cornstarch for stain removal directly onto the affected area. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes so it can absorb the oil or grease. Then, gently brush off the excess powder with a dry cloth or vacuum. If the stain remains, repeat the process before washing the fabric as usual. This method works on clothing, upholstery, and carpets, making it one of the most useful household uses for cornstarch. Instead of reaching for chemical stain removers, try this natural and effective cleaning trick. 2. Polish Stainless Steel Without Streaks If you’re struggling with streaky stainless steel appliances, cornstarch is an excellent natural polisher. Many store-bought cleaners leave behind a residue, but cornstarch for cleaning stainless steel gives a streak-free shine. To use, mix a small amount of cornstarch with water to create a paste. Apply the mixture to your stainless steel fridge, sink, or faucets using a microfiber cloth. Gently buff the surface in circular motions, then wipe it dry with a clean cloth. Using cornstarch as a polishing agent is a great way to maintain your appliances without using harsh chemicals. It works wonders on kitchen appliances, cookware, and even stainless steel fixtures, making it a must-try in your cleaning routine. 3. Freshen Up Carpets and Rugs Did you know that one of the best deodorizing uses for cornstarch is freshening up carpets and rugs? Over time, carpets can trap odors from pets, food, and general foot traffic. Instead of using artificial deodorizers, cornstarch provides a natural way to eliminate odors. Simply sprinkle cornstarch generously over your carpet, focusing on high-traffic areas. Let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour, allowing it to absorb moisture and neutralize odors. Then, vacuum up the cornstarch to reveal a fresher, cleaner carpet. This technique is especially useful for pet owners looking for safe and non-toxic ways to deodorize carpets. Regular use of cornstarch will keep your rugs smelling clean without the need for artificial fragrances. 4. Clean Windows and Mirrors If you’re tired of streaky glass, cornstarch for window cleaning is a game-changer. Many commercial glass cleaners leave behind smudges, but cornstarch helps break down grime and prevents streaks. To make a DIY glass cleaner, mix cornstarch with water and a small amount of dish soap. Apply the mixture to windows, mirrors, and glass surfaces using a microfiber cloth. Gently wipe in circular motions to remove dust and fingerprints, then buff with a dry cloth for a streak-free shine. This trick works wonders for bathroom mirrors, shower doors, and glass tabletops. It’s one of the most underrated uses for cornstarch, but once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought glass cleaners. 5. Deodorize Shoes Naturally Smelly shoes? Cornstarch is a natural shoe deodorizer that absorbs moisture and eliminates odors without any artificial fragrances. To use, sprinkle a small amount of cornstarch inside your shoes before bed. Let it sit overnight so it can absorb sweat and neutralize odors. In the morning, shake out the excess powder or wipe the insides with a dry cloth. This method works well for sneakers, leather shoes, and even gym bags. Using cornstarch regularly will help keep your shoes fresh, dry, and odor-free. If you’re looking for simple yet effective uses for cornstarch, this one is a must-try. 6. Remove Furniture Polish Buildup Over time, excessive use of furniture polish can leave behind a dull residue on wooden surfaces. One of the best household uses for cornstarch is removing this buildup while restoring the natural shine of your furniture. Lightly sprinkle cornstarch onto wooden tables, cabinets, or shelves, then wipe it away with a soft cloth. The cornstarch will absorb excess oils and polish, leaving your furniture looking clean and refreshed. For deeper cleaning, mix cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a paste and gently rub it into the wood before wiping clean. This technique is safe for all types of wood surfaces and helps maintain your furniture without causing damage. Instead of relying on store-bought polish, use cornstarch for a natural and effective shine. Keep Your Home Clean with Toronto Shine Cleaning While cornstarch is an excellent natural cleaning solution, keeping up with household chores can be overwhelming. If you need professional help, Toronto Shine Cleaning offers top-quality cleaning services to keep your home spotless. Our expert team provides deep cleaning, regular home maintenance, and customized cleaning plans tailored to your needs. Whether you need a one-time deep clean or ongoing cleaning services, we’ve got you covered. Contact Toronto Shine Cleaning today for a cleaner, fresher home—so you can enjoy the benefits of a tidy space without the hassle!

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Baking soda used for cleanliness

6 Household Items To Remove Oil Stains Like Magic

Appliance Cleaning, Blog, Cleaning Guide, Floor Cleaning, Furniture Cleaning /

Oil stains can be one of the toughest messes to clean, whether they’re on your favorite shirt, your kitchen countertop, or even your driveway. The worst part? If not treated quickly, oil can seep deep into fabrics and surfaces, making it even harder to remove. But before you panic or toss out that stained clothing, try these six common household items that can remove oil stains like magic! 1. Dish Soap Dish soap is a powerhouse when it comes to fighting grease, and it’s not just for washing dishes. Since it’s specifically designed to break down oils, it’s one of the best solutions to remove oil stains on fabric, upholstery, and even kitchen surfaces. To use dish soap, apply a few drops directly onto the stain, gently rub it in with your fingers or a soft brush, and let it sit for at least 10 minutes. For fabric stains, rinse the area with warm water before tossing it into the washing machine. If you’re dealing with a tough, set-in stain, repeat the process or soak the item in warm water mixed with dish soap for about 30 minutes. For oil spills on kitchen counters or stovetops, mix dish soap with warm water and scrub the affected area with a sponge. You’ll be surprised at how quickly it cuts through the grease! If you have a delicate fabric like silk or wool, be sure to use a mild dish soap and test a small area first. Dish soap is safe for most materials, but some delicate fabrics require extra care. Always air-dry your clothes after washing to make sure the stain is completely gone before using heat, as heat can set the stain permanently. 2. Baking Soda Baking soda is one of the best natural oil absorbers, making it a great solution for fresh and even some older oil stains. Its fine particles soak up the oil, helping to remove oil stains from fabrics, carpets, and even hard surfaces like tile or stone. If you catch an oil spill early, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the stain and let it sit for at least 15–20 minutes. Then, use a brush to scrub it off, or vacuum the residue if you’re working on a carpet or upholstery. For deeper stains, you can create a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water. Apply the paste to the stain, let it sit for another 15 minutes, and then scrub with a brush before rinsing or washing. This method works particularly well on clothing, as baking soda can lift even stubborn grease stains that dish soap alone might not tackle. Baking soda is also useful for removing oil stains from concrete driveways or garage floors. Simply sprinkle a thick layer over the stain, let it sit overnight, and scrub it off the next day with warm water and a stiff brush. Since baking soda is non-toxic and gentle, it’s a great option for families with pets and kids. 3. Cornstarch Cornstarch works similarly to baking soda when it comes to oil stain removal. It absorbs grease quickly and effectively, making it a handy alternative if you don’t have baking soda on hand. Just like with baking soda, sprinkle a generous amount of cornstarch onto the stain and let it sit for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This allows it to fully absorb the oil before you brush or vacuum it away. If you’re dealing with an oil stain on clothing, press the cornstarch into the fabric using your fingers or a spoon. Let it sit before brushing it off, then wash the clothing as you normally would. For fresh oil spills on furniture, you can also apply cornstarch, let it absorb the oil, and then wipe it away with a damp cloth. For larger stains, such as grease spills on carpets or rugs, you can combine cornstarch with a small amount of mild detergent for extra cleaning power. Let the mixture work its magic before scrubbing gently with a soft brush. This method is effective for delicate surfaces that might not hold up well to stronger chemical cleaners. 4. Chalk Chalk may seem like an unexpected oil stain remover, but it works wonders on fresh grease stains—especially on clothing. Chalk is made of calcium carbonate, which naturally absorbs grease and oil. The best way to use it is to rub white chalk directly onto the oil stain as soon as possible. Let it sit for a few minutes before brushing off the excess powder and washing the fabric as usual. This trick is particularly useful for on-the-go emergencies. If you’re eating out and accidentally spill salad dressing or butter on your clothes, rubbing a piece of chalk over the stain can help prevent the oil from setting in. Keep a small piece of white chalk in your bag for quick stain treatments when you’re not at home. Chalk works best on lighter fabrics, so if you’re trying to remove oil stains from dark clothing, test a small area first to ensure it doesn’t leave a visible residue. It’s a quick and easy solution for those last-minute stain mishaps before an important event! 5. Rubbing Alcohol Rubbing alcohol is a powerful oil and grease remover that works well on clothes, furniture, and even some hard surfaces. It helps break down oils and evaporates quickly, leaving little residue behind. To use rubbing alcohol on fabric stains, pour a small amount onto a clean cloth or cotton ball and blot the stained area. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing with water or washing the item in the laundry. For stains on upholstery, apply rubbing alcohol using a soft cloth and gently dab at the stain until the oil lifts. Be careful not to rub too hard, as this might spread the stain further. Rubbing alcohol is also effective on glass and countertops—just apply it to a paper towel and wipe away greasy fingerprints or residue.

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