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.
More Ideas You'll Love
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!
More Ideas You'll Love
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?
I wear a fairly large smart watch and my skin under the watch was always getting irritated from sweat. I take it off each morning before I jump in the shower and wipe it down with a “puppy fur” cloth. When I am ready to put it back on, I dip my finger in a little corn starch and rub it on the spot where my watch sits. I haven’t had any irritation since I started doing this.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.When I saw your post on untangling knots, it gave me the idea to get burs out of my dogs coat. It worked like a charm.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Cornstarch is great for getting sand off your body after a beach day.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My mom used corn starch on baby bottoms instead of talcum powder. Has anyone discovered that causes health problems now? Nothing would surprise me. But any powder should be used carefully and not shaken all over the place so that a cloud appears over mom’s and baby’s faces.;<)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I had both of my children in 1978 and 1980. That was a time when the hospitals gave “baby powder” as a gift in the take-home bags. We used it all the time on babies. It was heavily used on babies of my generation as well, with many women going on to use it as a “drying, freshen up down there” item. Anyway, my daughter who was born in 1978 was one of those women, and died in 2006, at age 28, of ovarian cancer. I also had cervical cancer in 1979 at age 25. Now, it is all over the TV about baby powder causing female cancers. Be careful!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Ned Flanders said it was good for “keeping down the urges.”
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Cornstarch is really great when it’s added to baby powders. I use a talc free formula with the cornstarch and baking powder. It’s great having one where you don’t have to worry about the talc with certain body areas.,
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Cures diaper rash! Worked like a charm for my daughter when no cream would do the trick:)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have used cornstarch to untie knots in small chain pendant type necklaces in the same way you discussed for shoelaces. Works great!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.WOW, so glad that you finally realized that cornstarch is such great thickening agent! When I mentioned my husband’s gluten intolerance you were really rather snarky and told me you were not dealing with gluten intolerance. Now, you realize that this not unusual to be gluten intolerant since your son and his lovely partner are unable to tolerate the protein, gluten. I will look forward to your GF recipes.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I can’t believe you didn’t mention my favorite! Forget about talcum powder. Use cornstarch. Great for babies, too.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.One of our English Mastiff rescue kids arrived with multiple special needs including skin issues that looked painful for him. His pits and bits had extra nooks and crannies due to his size & I wanted to make sure they stayed dry and didn’t develop yeasty beasties &/or bacteria. I applied cornstarch knowing that it was nontoxic even if he ingested it, and it worked like a dream! My vet was really excited about this hack (so much cheaper than most veterinary products) and is as thrilled as I that cornstarch kept all of our newest addition’s undercarriage healthy.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Sprinkle inside smelly tennis shoes or any shoe with four odor. Works great!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi Jillee…
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have found that cornstarch also works well as a “blood-stopper” for pets nails. I try very hard not to cut the dogs nails to the quick but, it DOES happen once in awhile. I had ran out of the “Quick-Stop” that I bought from the pet store and, as luck would have it…I quicked one of my large dog’s nails and it bled. I had read somewhere that cornstarch worked for blood-clotting (and forgot about it until I ran out of the commercial product and needed something to stop the bleeding). I grabbed some cornstarch from the kitchen cabinet and tried it. WORKS AS GOOD AS THE STORE BOUGHT PRODUCT and is way-way-way cheaper to purchase. : )
Have tried the face powder and dry shampoo tips. Love them both! Recommend using just a bit, at first, to test what the right amount is for your skin or hair. Thanks!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Do you sell a book with all of you”wonderful” cleaning tips? It would be so handy to have.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.If you make face paint with food coloring, be prepared to have the child’s skin stay that color for a few days as it will dye the skin. FDA approved face paints like Snazaroo and Ruby Red aren’t that expensive and will wash off easily. Many craft and art stores carry Snazaroo.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Would arrowroot work as well?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use arrowroot powder all the time for a thickening agent. It works just fine and is better for you.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Great tips.. I didn’t know so many of them. Thanks for sharing
http://www.henatayeb.blogspot.com
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Using on pet fur has another benefit, if your pet (dog or cat) is long haired. Cornstarch is a natural silicon. It helps brush out knots and matts in your pets hair. Gently work it in, and let set a few minutes. Then brush and/or comb from the outside edges of the matt. The hair will untangle with less breakage. Cheaper than untangling solutions you find in pet stores.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you for this tip,
Please log in or create a free account to comment.my basement has an awful basement smell and wondering how to get rid of it seeing I have visitors coming to stay in the bedrooms and I tried air freshner, cleaned the carpets, aired the beds and still when I go down the stairs it smells basement smell, help!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Try placing small bowls filled with white vinegar around the smelliest spots. Replace the vinegar every few days – it should absorb odors and leave your home smelling fresh!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Several baskets of charcoal briquettes will absorb moisture and the smells that accompany as well.
Our unfinished basement stinks when we dont use our dehumidifier. (This is our first house with a basement and we were very disappointed in how rough it can smell.) Charcoal and vinegar bowls and the clear-crystal like kitty litter did help some. Until we could find and install a dehumidifier i bought a case of moisture absorbers ($1 each at Dollar Tree). Those babies worked. I opened up all 24 and placed them around the basement and in the musty guest bedroom. After 2 months the containers were full and the smell was back. Thus, we finally installed the dehumidifier. Lol. we did find temporary relieve when our guests came. I hope this helps you.
Ps– leave a open box of the crystal like kitty litter ($6 at walmart) near basement door if possible.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I used to make something for my kids to play with out of cornstarch called “Oobleck”. It was great for tactile learning, my kids would play with it for hours and it was an easy cleanup! It was a mixture of 1 c. cornstarch & 1/2 c. water & sometimes added food coloring…it would be hard to the touch but it would liquidize once you held onto it…I would put a plastic sheet down put a bowl of it on the table and let them go at it…To clean up I just let it all dry and brush off what I could and wipe up the rest!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Yes I’ve done this too! It’s also the best thing to use on diaper rash. I thought my grandmother was nuts. But that’s what they used to use back in the old days. Now when my dog gets a rash because he has allergies are use cornstarch instead of running him to the vet works wonders .
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use it when making fried foods. Roll your extra firm tofu in egg then corn starch, let dry 1/2 hour, then fry. Much crisper than flour. Also I use it to absorb oily food stains on blouses. Rub it in, let sit, then brush off then wash. No stains. And I use as a dry shampoo and to help with perspiration under The Girls.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Never heard the stuff would fry. I’ll try it to fry vegtables (like tempura style). Great tip!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I used only cornstarch from a shaker container instead of baby powder on my diapered daughters over 30 years ago. It was perfect!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Can arrowroot be substituted for the cornstarch with equal results?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.For most of these uses, yes!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Corn starch is also a wonderful replacement for bath powder which is usually made from harmful talc. It is silky soft and absorbs perspiration. Leave it unscented or put a drop of your favorite essential oil in to scent it.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Would you know how to make a liquid starch? It’s difficult to get it in Canada. Thank you in advance.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Kasia Duda
Happy Sunday.
I went online and typed in Homemade starch and a recipe came up with this site. I hope this is what you are looking for
.http://pinkyhasabrain.com/homemade-cleaning-recipes/homemade-liquid-starch-recipe/
I see Amazon has some items as well. see below for more sites.
https://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?p=home+made+starch+liquid&ei=UTF-8&hspart=mozilla&hsimp=yhs-001
Please log in or create a free account to comment.The spray starch Jillee was talking about is a liquid starch. If you want more stiffness, use more of the cornstarch., less stiffness, less cornstarch.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.great tips as usual! you rock! -)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Jillee! I started reading and couldn’t stop – who ever would have thought?? I have no idea where you find this information but I LOVE it! I’ve grown up with cornstarch because it’s the classic Asian thickening agent but I have never used it for anything other than that!! The omelette fluffing tip is GOLD! And the dog fur tip? I have a golden retriever who loves to swim. The sand that gets stuck to his fur KILLS ME!! This is going to change my life!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Yay! So glad you liked it, hope your doggy does too :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Same for me! Can’t get enough of your useful tips! :) Thank you Jillee!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My husband is on Coumadin, which means that he bleeds freely when cut. We were told by a doctor to pile cornstarch on the cut to help form a clot to stop the bleeding. We do this and apply a little pressure and it speeds up the clotting.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks for the tip Judy!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you! My husband is also on coumadin and he had a cut recently that would not stop bleeding. I wish I had known this trick! And by the way, thank you once again Jillee! These are fantastic! I am trying to get rid of as many chemicals as possible in our home and on my body and these trips are a great addition to my quest
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Have you tried cayenne for a coagulate? It works great. It’s also awesome for burns…make a paste and put it on for 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water. It might hurt a bit still, but the next day it will be gone…this has even worked on second degree burns for us…barely a sign of it the next day, and no pain at all!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Cayanne is magic. I freeze it with water in tiny cubes, 1/4 tsp ea cube. Keep a jar of the cubes in freezer and take 4 daily for a natural anti inflammatory.
Jillee- I LOVE your posts and have used SO many of them! I am going to try all of your “makeup” ideas but I am allergic to corn!!! I will be using the arrowroot powder version. I can hardly wait to try them all!!!!
Thank you for all you do!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hope you love them Tess!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Fabulous ideas can’t wait to try some of them. Another thing cornstarch is good for is Diarrhea, really ! It works with the heat of your body to thicken naturally. Ha ha. Put @ 1 tablespoon in 1/4c water or milk and drink it. If it hasn’t worked in about a half an hour repeat it.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.It’s the best thing ever for diaper rash.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I had read online somewhere else about using cornstarch for babies instead of powder. My twin grandsons both had rashes and used corn starch to treat their bottoms. They both within a few weeks had developed an open sore looking thing. We were told by the doctor that cornstarch is not good to use on babies. The corn starch had caused a yeast infection around their privates and needed antibiotic treatment and was very painful for them. I felt so bad because I caused it, thinking I was doing a good thing and using the more natural product.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have heard that all corn products contain a fungus base, so I am careful not to use it anywhere that will get any moisture on the body.
Your URL for the wet version of the cornstarch shampoo is missing the “L” on the end.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Oops! Thanks for letting me know Victoria – it’s fixed :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.For years, we have been using cornstarch on our horses white markings and patches to make them whiter and brighter after baths. This is especially nice at horse shows. I suppose it could used on other animals with white markings and patches as well. We also rub it on the white markings/patches and brush it out. It is perfectly safe and harmless. :)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.And most important of all – a solution of corn starch and water keeps children who suffer from glycogen storage disease ALIVE.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Do you have any suggestions on how to remove grease
Please log in or create a free account to comment.from walls and cupboards in the kitchen?
Oil fights oil. I always use whichever oil I already have out in the kitchen.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Here’s a couple of posts for you Lois!
https://onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2014/11/cleaning-kitchen-oil-splatters-fight-oil-oil.html
https://onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2013/03/2-ingredient-homemade-kitchen-cabinet-gunk-remover.html
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Love this post. I make my own face powder using baby powder and cornstarch. I keep it in a cute little jar with a shaker lid. You can find these jars in grocery stores in the baking section. It really helps with my oily skin for absorbing excess oil and works wonderfully in warmer months where I live. It gets very humid here in the Midwest.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Dear Jillee
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Love your posts and try really hard to read them all!! Unfortunately the link to your “wet shampoo” with cornstarch doesn’t work for me (dry shampoo link works just fine).
Thank you!!
I fixed it! Sorry for the mishap, Lu!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Some great ideas here but your ‘print friendly’ button didn’t work for me. I don’t know if anyone else has had the same problem. Always find your posts interesting and helpful. x
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I had same problem. Right click on “print friendly” and then click on “Open Link”. That sent it directly to my printer. Hope this is helpful.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Uh oh! We’ll have to look into this, sorry for the hassle!