Different Uses for Cornflour

Cornflour is used in the kitchen to produce breads, cereals and pastas. The advantage of this product is that it can be used by people who are intolerant of gluten. It is a good way of dieting, as consuming foods made with cornflour in moderation can help you feel fuller for longer. It is also rich in fibre, which has been shown to help reduce body weight and combat anxiety caused by hunger. Similarly, fibre helps to improve intestinal transit and eliminate constipation.

Despite the use of cornflour in cooking and as a slimming product, it can be used in many situations, which we explain below.

First, cornflour may be used to clean different household surfaces:

• Removing oil stains. If oil has stained the carpet or another surface made from materials such as leather, using cornflour will enable you to remove the stain. You just have to cover the stain with cornflour and wait overnight for it to take effect. The next day, scrub the area with a brush until the stain disappears. Test it on an inconspicuous area first, especially on delicate materials, to avoid damaging the surface.
• Furniture and wooden surfaces. If your floorboards are squeaking due to age, spread cornflour over the surface, trying to work it into the gaps, to stop the noise. Similarly, this product can be used to remove wax from wood furniture. To do this, once you have sprayed your furniture with wax polish, add a little cornflour for a perfect finish. Afterwards, sweep or vacuum away the powder, and test the method on a hidden area of finished flooring.
• Cleaning windows. A good way to remove dirt from glass is to clean the windows with a mixture of cornflour and lemon juice, together with a little vinegar and water. Then, add the contents to a spray container and spray the windows. You will see how the cornflour leaves your windows clean. Wipe the glass with a clean, lint-free cloth afterwards to remove any residue and prevent streaks.
• Polishing silver. You may have different silver objects that have lost their lustre over time. Using cornflour with a little water is a good choice for regaining their original brightness. Apply the mixture to the objects and wait for it to dry. Then, clean them with a dry cloth.

You can also use cornflour to remove blood stains from clothing, which can sometimes be really difficult. To do this, mix cornflour with water until you obtain a paste. Apply it to the stains on your clothes and rub a little. Then wait for the stain to dry and clean off any residue with a brush. Similarly, you can use cornflour to clean grease stains from clothing. Treat stains as soon as possible, and check the garment's care label before brushing or washing it.

Cornflour can also be used to remove ink stains from clothing. To remove them, just mix cornflour and milk together, apply the mixture to the stain and wait a few hours until it is dry. Then follow the same steps as with the stains above, using a brush to remove any cornflour residue so you leave your clothes spotless.

Cornflour can also be used to treat some skin and hair problems. If you suffer from athlete's foot, a fungal infection that can cause the skin on your feet to crack, cornflour may help absorb moisture, but it will not treat the infection or reliably relieve itching. This product can also be used as a foot deodoriser by adding a little to the inside of your shoes. If your shoes smell bad, leave them overnight with a little cornflour to help remove the bad smell. Keep your feet clean and dry, and use an appropriate treatment if symptoms persist.

If you have sunburnt skin, using cornflour may help relieve pain and burning in the affected area. To do this, make a paste with cornflour and water and leave it to act on the damaged skin. Do not apply it to blistered or broken skin; a cool compress is a gentler option for mild sunburn.

You can also mix a tablespoon of cornflour, a tablespoon of glycerine and a cup of water to produce an excellent facial cleanser. Apply it to the face for about 30 minutes and then rinse it off with water. Test the mixture on a small patch of skin first to check for irritation. Cornflour may also help absorb moisture temporarily if you sweat excessively. You just have to mix the product with water and apply it to the affected area.

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