Alternate Uses for Cornstarch

The holidays are a time for giving... giving tips, as I am so prone to do. I decided to write some tips about alternate uses for cornstarch, because, quite frankly, I do not make cornbread all that much.

This idea came to fruition last night after I made cornbread (to go with beans) and realized I still have quite a bit left.

Alternate uses for cornstarch- your dog will love you more

Does your dog enjoy being on the receiving end of a bath? One of mine does, but not other. Besides it is quite cold, all right, not here in Texas, but in other places, it might be a bit too chilly to bathe your dog on his or her regular schedule. Dust him or her with cornstarch instead. After you dust the cornstarch on, massage it in, the brush out. Your dog will fluff back up.

Alternate uses for cornstarch- your kids will love you more

Host a day holiday party for your kids. Include a cookie exchange and face painting... with paint you made yourself. Combine two parts cornstarch with one part white vegetable shortening; add in a few drops food coloring of their choosing and you have yourself a pallet of face paints.

Alternate uses for cornstarch- donation stations and recipients will love you more

Have you gone through your home and decided what to donate this year? Does the list include stuffed animals? Stuffed animals can become dingy after years of cuddling and being the keeper of secrets. As you did with your dog, sprinkle cornstarch on the animal. Wait five minutes and then brush clean. Fluff and odor free... almost like new and ready to be another child's cuddly friend and secret keeper.

Alternate uses for cornstarch- you will love your home more

Does any of your wood furniture appear to have a layer of grime and polish build up? Sprinkle some cornstarch on your wood furniture. Leave on two minutes, wipe off with a dusting cloth. Your furniture will be grime free. Just in time for the holidays.

Alternate uses for cornstarch- your local library or used bookstore will love you more

Do you have any old books that you wish to donate your local library? Or sell to your favorite used bookstore for some extra holiday spending money? Sprinkle cornstarch inside any books that have become damp from being stored in boxes in sheds, attics, garages, or basements. After a half hour, brush out the cornstarch with a small bottlebrush. Books will no longer have the mold odor and the cornstarch acts as a drying agent.