Have you found an old packet of cornstarch forgotten in your cupboard and don’t know what to do with it? Before you throw it away, there are lots of ingenious ways to reuse it!
Whether it’s for home maintenance, personal care or entertaining the kids, cornstarch can be much more useful than you think. Find out how to give it a second life with these surprising tips!
Amazing tips using expired cornstarch
1. A natural cleaner for surfaces and windows
Did you know that cornstarch can be used instead of chemicals to clean your windows and glass surfaces? Its absorbency helps remove streaks and leave a spotless, residue-free finish.
Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with 500 ml of warm water and pour the solution into a spray bottle. Spray onto the surface to be cleaned, wipe with a microfiber cloth and admire the results!
2. An effective grease absorber
A grease stain on clothing or furniture? Don’t panic! Cornstarch is a natural solution for absorbing oil and preserving your textiles.
Sprinkle it generously over the stain, leave for ten minutes or so, then brush gently or vacuum up the excess. This trick also works on fresh stains on carpets or fabric sofas.
3. Homemade dry shampoo for fresh hair
Running out of dry shampoo? Cornstarch can help by absorbing excess sebum at the hair roots. Sprinkle a small amount on your scalp, massage lightly, then brush out the excess. The result: visibly cleaner, chemical-free hair!
4. An anti-aging face mask
Discover this homemade anti-aging mask rich in natural oils and aloe vera for visibly rejuvenated, moisturized skin.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon aloe vera gel: moisturizing and healing, it promotes collagen production and helps reduce the signs of aging.
1 teaspoon argan oil: deeply nourishes the skin, rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids.
1 teaspoon rose hip oil: regenerates and moisturizes skin, reduces wrinkles and scars.
1/2 teaspoon raw honey: natural moisturizer with antioxidants to repair skin.
1 teaspoon olive oil: excellent for its anti-aging effects, moisturizes and restores skin elasticity.
1 teaspoon cornstarch (Maïzena): helps soften and smooth the skin, while giving the mask a creamy consistency.
Preparation and application:
Mix the aloe vera gel, argan oil, rosehip oil, olive oil and honey in a bowl until smooth.
Add the cornstarch and stir until the texture is smooth and uniform.
Cleanse your face with lukewarm water to open pores.
Apply the mask in a thick layer to the face and neck, avoiding the eye and lip areas.
Leave the mask on for about 15-20 minutes, while the ingredients work deep down.
Rinse off with lukewarm water, then finish with a spray of cold water to tighten pores.
Dry gently with a clean towel and apply your usual moisturizer.
This mask will provide intense hydration while helping to reduce the visible signs of aging thanks to its nutrient- and antioxidant-rich ingredients.
Why not throw out expired cornstarch?
Unlike perishable foods, cornstarch does not deteriorate quickly. It may lose its effectiveness in cooking, but it remains perfectly usable for many other applications. Instead of throwing it away, adopt these simple, environmentally-friendly tips that will save you time and money!
Conclusion
The next time you come across an expired packet of cornstarch, don’t think of it as garbage! Whether you’re cleaning, caring for your hair or entertaining your kids, this versatile ingredient can still be of great service to you. Try these tips and give your expired cornstarch a new lease on life!