Maize Starch - A Powder with a Practical Punch

Clever uses of maize starch powder

We use a lot of maize starch in our cooking since regular flour is off limits in our house. But that’s certainly not all it’s good for! There are lots of practical uses for cornstarch outside the kitchen. From untangling knots to soothing sunburns to making finger paint! 

Maize starch, commonly known as corn starch/ corn flour is a remnant carbohydrate derived from the endosperm of corn. It is a white powdery substance that holds its pre-eminence in worldwide cuisines, household, and industrial chores.  It acts as the quintessential thickening agent for making the sauces, gravies, glazes, soups, casseroles, pies and other desserts. This corn derivative starch powder contains no proteins & exclusively offers carbohydrate contents, which invariably classifies it into a gluten-free product. It also serves as an excellent gluten-free alternative to flour thickeners in various recipes.

Maize starch is extensively used in cooking & baking to help thicken, blend and stabilize foods, nevertheless, this corn derivative is even more useful outside the kitchen. Let's take a peek into the unconventional uses of maize starch powder:

1.) Removing Oil Stains
While there are countless DIY stain-removal techniques, cornstarch comes in handy with one type of stain in particular: oily spills and smudges. Sprinkle the stain with some cornstarch, let it take care of absorbing some of the wetness, and then proceed with your usual cleaning technique. 

 2.) Detangling Knots

If you’re dealing with a difficult knot, apply cornstarch in and around the area. The ingredient helps to lubricate the fibers of the rope or fabric, making it easier for you to untie it.

 3.) Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo comes in handy when you’re in a rush and don’t have time for a full shower. And while it’s typically sold in stores as a spray, you can create your own using cornstarch. Just mix a quarter cup of cornstarch and two tablespoons of baking soda in a storable container. Sprinkle a small amount in your hair and brush. The solution should remove most of the grease and leave your hair looking clean–all in a fraction of the time it would take you to shower and dry off.

 4.) DIY Professional Cleaning

Ever wonder how professional cleaners give clothes that crisp, smooth finish? The secret is starch. To re-create at home, dissolve two tablespoons of cornstarch in one cup of cold water and add to your clothes during the rinse cycle. This will work especially well for cotton and fabrics. Be careful not to use cornstarch on any clothes you plan to store away. Over time, the ingredient can begin to attract mold.

 5.) Homemade Face & Finger Paint

You can make finger paint by boiling cornstarch with water until it is thick. Mix food coloring to the paste and it is turned into finger paint.

You can also create face paint for a kid’s birthday party! Mix cornstarch and vegetable shortening to create the face paint then add food coloring for different colors.

 6.) Freshen Musty Books

Get rid of musty smells in old books with a sprinkle of cornstarch. You’ll love how fresh they smell!

 7.) Spray Starch

This spray starch made using cornstarch will have your shirts and slacks looking crisp and sharp! It’s easy to make and works every bit as good as the store-bought spray starches.

The maize starch powder can also be used to treat a plethora of chronic allergies & infections:

• Skin Irritation:

Corn starch can be effectively used as a DIY soother for various kinds of skin irritations including sunburn & skin allergies. All you need to do is to form a paste by combining three tablespoons of corn starch with cold water. The paste should be consistent to the likes of the peanut butter. Apply evenly to the affected area using a gauze pod or cotton ball and let it dry. Ideally, it should be applied before going to bed so as to allow enough time to work in.

• Athlete’s Food

Athlete’s food is a smelly podiatric condition caused by a fungus growing in the outer layer of the skin of the foot. Here in the case, corn starch with the moisture absorbing prowess offers a great preventive remedy. You can sprinkle your feet with the corn starch powder to keep them dry & prevent the fungus from taking root.

• Natural Deodorant

 With the incredible capacity to hold moisture in tandem with its lack of scent, corn starch emerges as an all-natural deodorant. Make a paste by mixing three tablespoons of organic corn starch with four tablespoons of baking soda & five tablespoons of coconut oil & heating the blend to form a smooth paste. The addition of a few drops of tea tree oil can lend the requisite aroma if required to the formed mixture. Work the ingredients & transfer them to a jar for safe storage & recurring usage.

• Bug Bites

Bug bites can become more aggravated & itchy when exposed to dampness, oil & bacteria. A paste made of corn starch & cold water can duly minimize itchiness by keeping the bite clean & dry.