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Starch, an ordinary ingredient that most of us use only for thickening sauces or baking, has far wider uses than we might think. If you have a larger supply of potato or corn starch at home, get ready to be surprised by its many uses. Here are some clever tips on how you can use starch around the house:
1. Skin care
Starch can be a great aid for oily skin. Mix 2 tablespoons of starch with half a glass of warm water and add a little moisturizer. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for 20 minutes. Then rinse thoroughly with warm water. You can use this mask three times a week to soothe and mattify the skin.
2. Window cleaner
For clean, streak-free windows without using chemicals, prepare a homemade cleaner: mix 1 cup vinegar, the juice of half a lemon, 1 cup water and 2 tablespoons starch. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and use it to clean windows. This recipe will help remove dirt and leave windows streak-free.
3. Polishing silver cutlery
Starch can also help polish silver. Mix 4 tablespoons of starch with 50 ml water to create a paste. Apply it to the silver cutlery and let it dry. After it dries, wipe off the excess with a paper towel and enjoy shiny cutlery.
4. Removing greasy stains
To remove greasy stains from fabric, mix 4 tablespoons of starch with 50 ml of milk until a creamy mixture forms. Apply this mixture to the stain and leave it on overnight. In the morning, vacuum up the excess and the stain should disappear.
5. Against unpleasant shoe odors
Starch is also effective against shoe odor. Sprinkle a little corn starch into the shoes and leave it overnight. The next day pour out or vacuum up the excess. Your shoes will be fresh and odor-free.
6. Easier ironing
For smoother ironing you can use starch. Dissolve a teaspoon of starch in two cups of water and pour into a spray bottle. Spray onto clothing before ironing. The starch will help you achieve beautifully ironed and smooth clothes.
7. Mold prevention
To protect old books from developing mold, sprinkle a little starch between their pages. Starch absorbs moisture that can cause mold and deterioration.
8. Cleaning garments
If you need to clean a garment that cannot be washed in a washing machine, place it in an airtight nylon bag, pour 2 cups of starch over it and shake thoroughly. Leave overnight and in the morning shake or beat out the garment. It will be like new!
9. Loosening a knot
If a knot in shoelaces or other items has tightened too much and you can’t untie it, sprinkle it with some starch. This will help loosen the knot and make it easier to untie.
10. Cleaning the sofa
To freshen and clean a sofa, dissolve a tablespoon of starch in a cup of water. Spray this mixture over the entire surface of the sofa and let it sit for a while. Then wipe it off to remove dirt and leave the surfaces pleasantly clean.
Conclusion
Starch is truly a versatile product that can be used in many different ways. From homemade cosmetics and cleaning to caring for your belongings and clothes, starch has many hidden functions that can make your everyday life easier. Try some of these tricks and see how this simple ingredient can help you around the house.
