Uses for Vinegar and Corn Starch

You may be aware of the many uses for vinegar around the home, but most people would struggle to name uses for cornstarch (starch prepared from grains of corn) other than in cooking, as a thickener for gravy, soups and sauces. Combining the two together forms a paste that you can be use on the body and around the home.

Itch Relief

According to The Vinegar Institute, applying the vinegar/cornstarch paste to anywhere on the body will help relieve itching. Leave the paste on until you can feel the itch subside. This is useful for several ailments, including athlete's foot, poison ivy and hives. Ensure you don't use the paste on cracked skin or open wounds as it will sting and could aggravate it further.

Bee Sting Relief

Relieve the pain of a bee sting with a natural treatment.

You can relieve pain and discomfort caused by bee stings and insect bites by applying the vinegar/cornstarch paste to the affected area, and leaving it to dry. According to the Vinegar Institute, the paste helps relieve minor irritation caused by insects, such as bees. It functions due to the change in pH, as vinegar in particular is acidic.

Window Cleaning Spray

Keep your solution in a spray bottle for easy cleaning.

Make your own cleaning spray to make windows shine by mixing two tablespoons of cornstarch with half a cup of ammonia and half a cup of white wine vinegar in a container holding three to four liters of warm water. The finished product should have a milky appearance. The easiest way to apply the cleaning solution is to use a trigger spray bottle. After spraying the window with the solution, spray the same section with warm water, then wipe it dry with a paper towel or lint-free cloth.