Other Uses for Corn Starch

It is used to thicken sauces and to keep powdered sugar from clumping, but there are other uses for corn starch. Corn starch, according to Wikipedia and WebMD, is what the name entails - it is starch from corn that has been washed out of the corn kernel and dried. WebMD also classifies corn starch as a harmless carbohydrate. This article, with the help of Blessings for Life and Argo & Kingsford Corn Starch (www.argostarch.com), gives ten other uses for that lonely little box of corn starch that is in the back of your pantry:

1. Clothing starch: If you run out of starch while ironing clothes, corn starch can help. Mix together ½ cup of corn starch and 1 cup cold water until corn starch has dissolved. Mix into two to six quarts of boiling water (more boiling water, the less stiffness). Let mixture cool. Dip you clothing into the corn starch water and let dry. When you are ready to iron: sprinkle the article with warm water and roll up to even distribute the water. Unroll and iron as usual.

2. Relieve sunburn: Mix corn starch and water until a paste is made. Apply directly to sun burn. Allow to dry and remove with lukewarm water.

3. Shine vehicle: Sprinkle corn starch on buffing cloth to help remove excess car polish.

4. Detangle knots: Sprinkle a bit of corn starch on the knot and detangle the knot easier.

5. Clean silver: Mix corn starch and water until a paste is made. Apply with a soft damp cloth and let dry. Rub off the dried mixture with cheese cloth.

6. Dry dog shampoo: This is good when it is too cold to wash your pet. Rub corn starch into dog's fur and then comb and brush out. This is best done over a large towel. Further, this application can be used to dry wash human hair.

7. Clean playing cards: Place your deck of cards into a paper bag along with four tablespoons of corn starch. Fold over the opening of the bag and shake. Remove the cards and wipe down with a dry cloth.

8. White clown makeup: Combine two tablespoons of corn starch with one tablespoon of solid white shortening. Mix well. To add color, use liquid food coloring by adding one drop at a time until color desired is achieved. To remove, wash with warm soapy water.

9. Clean carpet: Sprinkle rug lightly with corn starch. Wait for thirty minutes and vacuum as usual.

10. Remove blood: Make a paste of corn starch and water. Put mixture on blood stain and allow to dry in direct sunlight as it helps draw the blood away. Brush off. Repeat if necessary. It should be noted that this works best when the blood is fresh, but wetting the area with hot water first will also work.