Have you ever wondered how to get that crisp, fresh finish on your laundry? I’ve got a secret ingredient for you – it’s cornstarch. Yes, you heard it right! Cornstarch is more than just thickening sauces or making the perfect pie crust.
This versatile product can also work wonders in your laundry routine. It’s an eco-friendly, budget-conscious option you’ll wish you knew about sooner. Discover how cornstarch can take your laundry game to a new level.
Cornstarch has got you covered, from giving your clothes a professional finish to removing stubborn stains. Stick around as we delve into the world of cornstarch laundry, and I promise you’ll never look at this pantry staple the same way again.
Benefits of Using Cornstarch in Laundry
Discovering the untapped potential of cornstarch in my laundry routine has proved transformative. Beyond being multipurpose, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly, there are major specific benefits to using cornstarch in your wash.
Firstly, cornstarch acts as a natural fabric stiffener. It’s particularly beneficial for collars, cuffs, and linens needing a crisp, professional-looking finish. Combining a spoonful of cornstarch with water and misting onto fabric before ironing can achieve a clean, stiff finish — similar to what professional laundries achieve.
Secondly, cornstarch has stain-fighting capabilities. Its powerful absorbent properties make it ideal for tackling greasy, stubborn stains. Merely apply a paste of cornstarch and water onto the stain, allow it to sit for enough time, and wash it off. The greasy stains will be a thing of the past.
In addition to the above, cornstarch also helps preserve colors and reduce fabric wear. Its fine texture gently scrubs away dirt without damaging the clothing fibers, which is especially beneficial for preserving the color and texture of delicate fabrics.
Let’s take a look at the data. According to recent studies, incorporating cornstarch into your washing regimen can increase fabric longevity by an estimated 15%.
- Regular wash: 0% estimated fabric longevity increase
- With cornstarch, a 15% estimated fabric longevity increase
And lastly, cornstarch can also reduce skin irritation, particularly for sensitive skin or allergies. The gentle, natural compound doesn’t contain harsh chemicals found in many commercial laundry products.
Learning to effectively use cornstarch as part of your laundry routine could be a game-changer. It’s not just about the crisp shirts, impressive stain removal, or the beneficial environmental impact. It might make you rethink how you approach doing your laundry altogether. Ready to give it a try?
How Cornstarch Helps in Removing Stains
According to Utah State University, cornstarch can effectively remove stains. It works wonders on fresh spills and sticky substances. The key is its high absorbency rate. Cornstarch is excellent at soaking up excess liquids, making lifting the stain from the fabric fibers easier.
You might be surprised to learn that the cornstarch you use to thicken your sauces can also help remove tough stains in your clothing. From grease splatters to ink accidents, it’s an unexpected hero in the laundry room.
Let’s take a quick look at how you can put cornstarch to the test with different types of spills:
- Grease Stains: Sprinkling cornstarch over fresh oil or grease stains on fabric can save your clothes. The cornstarch will start soaking up the grease almost instantly. Let it sit before brushing it off, then launder as usual.
- Ink stains: Treat troublesome ink stains by making a paste of cornstarch and milk. It might sound strange, but it really works! Apply this mixture to the stained area and let it dry. Once it’s dry, brush it off and wash it as usual.
- Sweat Stains: Make cornstarch and water paste to remove pesky sweat stains. Apply it to the stained area, dry it, and wash it off.
Integrating cornstarch into your stain removal routine isn’t just practical and eco-friendly. So, we’ve established the benefits of this pantry staple product in laundry care as a natural fabric stiffener. We’ve reviewed its usefulness in maintaining vibrant colors and its role as a stain fighter. As we move forward, we’ll look at the broader environmental impact of incorporating cornstarch into your laundry routine and how it can benefit those with sensitive skin.
Remember to always test a small, inconspicuous area of your garment before applying any stain removal method. Trial and error can save you from bigger laundry mishaps down the line.
Cornstarch as a Natural Fabric Softener
In addition to being a versatile stain remover, cornstarch also acts as a natural fabric softener. As we explore the potential uses of cornstarch in laundry, it’s worth noting that this magic happens due to its slippery consistency when mixed with water.
Even though using cornstarch as a fabric softener might sound odd, it’s pretty simple and effective. You must mix a spoonful into your usual water during the rinse cycle. The result is that the laundry feels notably softer to the touch and has a refreshed look.
Amidst today’s increasing concern about harsh chemicals in many store-bought fabric softeners, people are exploring alternatives. And it’s where cornstarch as a fabric softener comes into play. It’s free from synthetic fragrances or other potentially irritating additives, making it a viable option for those with sensitive skin or allergies.
To put the effectiveness of cornstarch as a fabric softener into clearer perspective, consider its ability to enhance the overall texture of the fabric. Especially when you think about heavy linens and cotton materials, cornstarch helps in bringing out a crisp finish. Plus, using it on dark-colored clothes can also help to revitalize their color.
It’s not all about boosting the fabric’s feel and appearance. Opting for cornstarch as part of your laundry routine can also mean contributing to a greener environment. It’s a cheap, readily available, and green laundry solution.
The one point to remember about using cornstarch in laundry is that it’s not advisable for all fabrics. Delicate items like silk or satin may not react well to the starch. This is a great reminder to always do a patch test on a small portion of the fabric before fully immersing the item.
Remember: Cornstarch is a noteworthy ally when it comes to integrative methods to enhance your laundry.
Conclusion
I’ve taken you through the ins and outs of using cornstarch in your laundry routine. The DIY cornstarch laundry recipes are not only budget-friendly but also eco-conscious. The flexibility of these mixtures allows you to customize your laundry experience to your liking. But remember, it’s crucial to adjust the proportions based on your laundry load and store any leftover mixture correctly. And while cornstarch is a great natural fabric softener, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Be careful with delicate fabrics like silk and satin. So why not give it a try? It’s time to make your laundry routine more sustainable with cornstarch.
Conclusion
For those who prefer professional laundry care, Clotheslyne provides an ideal solution. Through the app, you can hire Clotheslyners for expert laundry services, including washing, drying, and folding of clothes and bulky items.
Choosing Clotheslyne ensures your laundry is handled with care and expertise. It’s convenient for those who value their time and prefer professional laundry services.
To use Clotheslyne, download the iOS Apple App or Google Play Store Android app to schedule your laundry pick up.
You can also schedule your laundry pick up through our web portal.
Fill up a tall kitchen bag full of clothes. A Clotheslyner in your community will pick it up and deliver it back to you washed, dried, and folded in 48 hours. It’s that simple.
Got a question for us? Head over to our contact us page and make a custom request by email or by phone! We’re here to help.