 | | February 10, 2025 |  |
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| Like baking soda, cornstarch is a multipurpose ingredient, but you're probably most familiar with its uses in the kitchen. The thickening agent is a staple in cooking and baking, but did you know it can also be used as a cleaner? That's right — cornstarch is a pantry essential that packs an impressive punch when it comes to cleaning. From removing oil stains on clothes to degreasing pots and pans, here are three clever ways to clean with cornstarch. |
 | | Credit: Yuri Tynyankin/ Shutterstock |
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| 1. Get Pesky Oil Stains Out of Clothes |
| Accidents happen, but when it comes to stains on clothes, we all know it's best to move quickly. To treat fresh oil and grease stains, reach for a box of cornstarch. Add a generous amount of cornstarch to the stains, making sure they're completely covered, and let it sit for at least 15 minutes, if not a few hours. Once the cornstarch has had enough time to absorb the oil or grease, brush it off and toss the garment in the washing machine. After a wash cycle, your clothes should be stain-free. |
| 2. Polish Silver and Make It Shine |
| When you're dealing with silver — whether it's jewelry, utensils, or decor — a good polish will help it sparkle. There are products meant specifically for polishing silver, of course, but you also can use cornstarch. Cornstarch acts as a gentle abrasive, removing tarnish from silver without scratching it. Mix cornstarch with water to form a paste, then apply it to the silver. Let it sit until the paste is dry. Then, buff it out using a soft cloth. |
| 3. Remove Grease and Grime on Cookware |
| Grease and grime can be a pain to get rid of, especially on cookware. But cornstarch effectively removes stains and burnt food residue without damaging your pots and pans. Similar to how you would use it as a homemade silver polish, you simply create a paste mixing cornstarch and water, apply the paste to tougher stains and spots, and scrub until they're gone. |
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 | | Conviv Ceramic Jewelry Tray | | I had been eyeing a much more expensive version of this catchall tray for months — until I found this highly convincing dupe. I'm planning to use it as a key dish in my entryway, but it's the perfect vessel for jewelry, office supplies, eyeglasses, or other small items you reach for regularly. It comes in a variety of shapes and colors, and makes for a thoughtful, yet inexpensive gift. — Kelsey Morrison, House Outlook Editor |
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| Pauline Lacsamana is a freelance writer and editor who specializes in commerce, home, design, and lifestyle. She has bylines in The Spruce, Business Insider, U.S. News & World Report, Hunker, MyDomaine, Parade, and more. |
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