What Is Cornstarch? 16 Surprising Ways To Use It

Most of us have used it in the kitchen before, but what is cornstarch, exactly? Cornstarch isn’t technically flour, per se, but it is a starchy carbohydrate that can be used in many different ways. (As you might guess from the name, you can actually starch your clothes with cornstarch — I’d like to see flour do that!)

In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cornstarch, including what it is, what it’s used for, and some surprising ways to use it around the house.

What Is Cornstarch?

Cornstarch is made from corn, but to be more specific, it’s made from the endosperm of the corn kernel — the part that would feed the embryo plant if the seed was allowed to sprout. The corn starch gets isolated and ground into a powder, similar to the way the endosperm of wheat is ground to make white flour.

Is There A Difference Between Cornstarch And Corn Flour?

Here in the U.S., we use the following terms when referring to various corn products:

• Cornstarch – corn endosperm ground into a fine powder
• Corn flour – whole corn kernels ground into a powder
• Cornmeal – whole corn kernels ground coarsely

These names are clear enough for our everyday use, but things can get murky when you start looking overseas. In the UK, for instance, they refer to cornstarch as “corn flour”. (Like I said — murky!)

What Is Cornstarch Used For?

Cornstarch is a common ingredient in cooking and baking, and is most commonly used as a thickening agent. I use a fair amount of cornstarch in my own cooking because it’s gluten free. It makes a handy substitute for flour as a thickener for sauces, fillings, casseroles, soups, and even baked goods. 

While cornstarch and wheat flour can both be used to thicken things, cornstarch has a couple of advantages in its favor. First, cornstarch has twice the thickening power compared to the same amount of wheat flour, and second, it doesn’t make sauces cloudy like flour can. You can also use cornstarch as a coating for fried foods — it makes for an especially light and crispy exterior!

More Cornstarch FAQs

What’s A Good Cornstarch Substitute?

For thickening things, cornstarch can be used interchangeably with potato starch, rice flour, tapioca starch, or arrowroot powder. You can also use all-purpose flour as a cornstarch substitute, but you’ll need to use twice as much of it to match the thickening power of cornstarch.

Is Cornstarch Bad For You?

Because cornstarch is used in such small amounts, eating something made with cornstarch is likely to have very little impact on your daily nutrition. One tablespoon of cornstarch has only 30 calories, 7 grams of carbs, and contains no fat, sodium, sugar, protein, or vitamins or minerals.

Does Cornstarch Expire, And How Should I Store Cornstarch?

Cornstarch has such a long shelf life that it can be counted among foods that never expire. Don’t store cornstarch in the refrigerator, but rather in a sealed container in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and odors. You can even buy cornstarch in plastic containers that are ideal for long term storage.

While you’re probably familiar with using cornstarch in the kitchen, there are a number of ways that cornstarch can come in handy elsewhere around the house. From untying stubborn knots to soothing a sunburn, let’s take a look at some of the best ways to put the starch content of corn to good use!

16 Practical Uses For Cornstarch

1. Thicken Sauces And Fillings

You can thicken sauces, gravies, and even pie fillings with a bit of cornstarch. Mix a small amount of cornstarch with some water to form a slurry, then add the slurry to your pot or pan and cook for a few minutes until it has thickened to your liking.

2. Make Fluffier Omelets

You can make your morning omelets extra fluffy by adding a small amount of cornstarch! Add 1/4 teaspoon of cornstarch per egg, then beat well before cooking your omelet.

3. Soothe Skin Irritation

Somewhat surprisingly, cornstarch can help soothe skin irritation, including sunburns, rashes, and allergy-related itchiness. Combine 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with enough cold water to form a thick paste, then apply to the affected area with a gauze pad or cotton ball. Allow the paste to sit on the skin until it dries, then rinse with warm water.

4. Make Homemade Deodorant

Thanks to its fine texture and absorbency, cornstarch makes a surprisingly useful addition to homemade deodorant. Learn how to make a simple homemade deodorant with cornstarch, baking soda, and coconut oil.

5. Untie Knots

Struggling to untie a stubborn knot? Make it easier by sprinkling some cornstarch on the knot and rubbing it in with your fingers. The fine powder will reduce friction between the fibers of the rope, making it much easier to loosen and untie.

6. Give Nail Polish A Matte Finish

With a bit of cornstarch, you can achieve a perfectly matte finish on your nails using your favorite nail polish shades. Pour a small amount of nail polish onto a small paper plate, sprinkle some cornstarch into it, then stir with a brush or craft stick. Immediately apply the polish to your nails as usual.

7. Clean Grimy Playing Cards

Are your playing cards looking a little grimy? Place the cards in a ziplock bag, add some cornstarch, then seal the bag and shake vigorously. The cornstarch will absorb dirt and oils from the surface of the cards, and a quick wipe with a damp cloth will clean up any excess cornstarch afterward.

8. Use As Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo comes in handy when you’re in a rush and don’t have time to give your hair a proper wash. You can use cornstarch to make a dry shampoo spray or a dry shampoo powder, both of which are easy and effective! (The spray version is a bit less messy, but the dry version is great for travel.)

9. Freshen Musty Books

Many people find that “old book smell” to be cozy and comforting, but depending on the age and condition of the books, they can start to smell a bit musty. Eliminate musty smells from your books by sprinkling cornstarch between the pages. Let them sit for a day or so before brushing off the cornstarch.

10. Make Spray Starch

Use cornstarch to make a homemade spray starch that will keep your shirts and slacks looking crisp! It’s not only incredibly easy to make, but it works every bit as good as the store-bought kind.

11. Polish Silver

Use cornstarch to polish your silver! Make a paste of cornstarch and water, then dip a damp cloth into the paste and apply it to silver items. Let the paste dry, brush it off, then buff the surface with a clean, soft cloth.

12. Make A Homemade Milk Bath

Treat yourself and your skin to a relaxing and moisturizing homemade milk bath. The addition of cornstarch can help relieve dryness and itching, making it a perfect treat for dry or rough skin.

13. Get A Better Grip

Sweaty hands can make it hard to maintain a solid grip on tennis rackets, golf clubs, and other sports equipment. Before you use them, dust the handles lightly with cornstarch to absorb moisture so you can get a better grip!

14. Make Your Own Seed Tape

You can make seed tape with cornstarch and water, plus a bit of toilet paper. Seed tape makes it easy to plant perfectly spaced, even rows of seeds. It’s quick and easy DIY for your garden!

15. Make A Bleach Gel Pen

You can make a bleach gel pen with cornstarch and chlorine bleach for pennies! Thicken bleach and water with cornstarch, put it in a squeeze bottle, and you’ve got an inexpensive way to spot-clean any number of stains.

16. Make A Deodorizing Body Powder

Make deodorizing body powder with cornstarch, baking soda, and essential oils. It makes a great gift — just put it in a nice jar, add a ribbon, and you’ll have an inexpensive-yet-thoughtful gift for a teacher, neighbor, or coworker.

Do you have any favorite uses for cornstarch?