12 Ways to Use Cornstarch to Clean and Freshen Your Home

Remove Grease from Fabrics

Cornstarch's absorbent qualities make it a staple in the laundry room for removing fresh grease stains from clothes, napkins, and tablecloths. "Sprinkle a generous amount of dry cornstarch directly on the grease stain, completely covering the spot," says Kathy Cohoon, operations manager for Two Maids. "Let it sit for at least 15 minutes, or even up to an hour for deeper stains." Use a soft brush to wipe away the cornstarch, then wash your clothes normally. If the stain persists, repeat the previous steps or treat it with a mild detergent before tossing it in the laundry.

Remove Stains from Upholstery

Use a similar method to remove grease splatters from your dining room chairs or upholstered kitchen benches. Use a soft, white cloth to blot as much grease as possible, and then cover the stain with cornstarch, says Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company. "After letting it sit for 10 minutes, vacuum the cornstarch with your soft brush attachment," she says. The cornstarch should lift the grease, but you may need to repeat this method a few times.

Remove Stains from Leather Furniture

Mock also uses cornstarch to remove stains from leather chairs, sofas, or stools. If your leather furniture has oil-based spots, sprinkle cornstarch on the stain, let it sit for two to four hours, then wipe it away with a cloth, says Mock. 

Deodorize Carpets

Use cornstarch to deodorize and refresh carpets and area rugs. "Sprinkle cornstarch on the carpet, let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes, and then vacuum to absorb odors and deodorize," says Dills.

Remove Ink Stains

Cornstarch isn't just for grease stains—it can also remove evidence of a broken pen cap or smeared ink, says Dills. "For ink stains on clothing, combine cornstarch with vinegar and apply to absorb the ink," she says. "Brush it off gently and launder as usual."

Clean Windows and Glass

Making a paste with cornstarch and water is a natural way to clean glass and windows. "Like baking soda, cornstarch acts as a mild abrasive and can be used to create a paste to remove stubborn stains, with minimal deposits on glass.  It enhances the cleaning power without causing damage to the glass surface," says Jeramy Sibley, president of Glass Doctor, a Neighborly company.

Mix equal parts cornstarch and water. Apply the paste to a cloth and scrub the window firmly, allowing the cornstarch's abrasive texture to remove hard water spots. Rinse the glass thoroughly with water, then use a traditional glass cleaner to remove any residue and streaks.

Clean and Polish Stainless Steel

The gentle scrubbing power of cornstarch allows you to remove grime from stainless steel, leaving it polished and shiny. "Dampen the sink with water, sprinkle about 1 to 2 tablespoons of cornstarch onto the surface, and use a damp cloth to rub the cornstarch in circular motions across the surface," says Cohoon. "Once the entire surface is wiped down, rinse thoroughly with water to remove all the remaining residue. Finally, dry the sink with a clean cloth to prevent water spots."

Clean Porcelain and Ceramic

Porcelain and ceramic sinks in your kitchen and bathrooms can also benefit from a light cornstarch scrub. "Sprinkle equal parts baking soda and cornstarch around the surface of the sink—about 1 to 2 tablespoons each—before using a sponge to scrub the sink, focusing on stains or soap scum," says Cohoon. "The cornstarch acts as a mild abrasive to help lift grime without scratching the surface." Rinse thoroughly with water to ensure all residue is removed and dry with a clean towel.

Clean Tile and Grout

Cornstarch will make your grout look as good as new. Sprinkle cornstarch over dampened tile and grout, or mix it with vinegar and baking soda for a deeper clean. "I usually start with about 1/4 cup of cornstarch for standard tubs and large showers, but you can always add more," says Cohoon. "If you’re dealing with heavy grime or soap scum, mix equal parts cornstarch with equal parts baking soda and a small amount of white vinegar to create a paste, then spread the paste over problem areas. Use a scrub brush to work the paste into the tiles and grout, focusing especially on areas with extra buildup." Rinse thoroughly with warm water to remove all the residue and dry with a clean towel.

Polish Wood Furniture

A cornstarch paste can lift dirt, grime, and grease that dulls wood furniture. "Combine cornstarch with water to create a natural polish for wooden furniture," says Dills. She cautions: "Always spot-test a small area before trying a new polishing method.”

Deodorize Upholstery

Remove lingering odors from upholstery by sprinkling cornstarch onto the surface, allowing it to sit for about 30 minutes, and then vacuuming to remove it, says Dills. You can use this method on your couch, your dog's bed, to freshen stuffed animals, and more. 

Replace Spray Starch

Incorporate cornstarch into your wash day routine for a professional result. "Adding cornstarch to your laundry can be beneficial for items like dress shirts, as it provides more structure and makes the clothing less prone to wrinkling," says Dills.