When it comes to keeping your home spotless, you might already have the best tools without realising it – your everyday kitchen basics. White vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, and lemon often get the glory for their cleaning prowess, but there’s a hidden gem in your cupboard that could be just as effective: cornstarch.
The experts at Clear It Waste, a rubbish removal firm from London, are singing the praises of cornstarch for its grease-busting abilities. They said: “Not only can it be used for its mildly abrasive properties similarly to bicarbonate of soda, but its absorbency also allows it soak up moisture and lift stains, making it extremely useful in the home.
“For grease stains on clothing and other fabrics, simply spread a scoop of cornstarch over the stain and let it sit for approximately 12 hours before washing the garment., Stains and smells in carpets and rugs can also be addressed with cornstarch: sprinkle some on the affected area, let it sit for 20-30 minutes and then vacuum it up.”
But wait – cornstarch isn’t the only star. To add some shine to your routine, try olive oil, especially when dealing with stainless steel surfaces and appliances that need a bit of conditioning and polish, reports the Express.
Although olive oil won’t replace your regular cleaning agents, it’s excellent for specific polishing jobs around the house. A touch of olive oil on a microfibre cloth can help eliminate fingerprints, enhance shine, and lessen the visibility of any scratches.
Other items in your home that could benefit from a bit of olive oil care include leather goods like sofas and chairs that are starting to look a bit tired, as well as wooden items like dried-out chopping boards and wooden spoons.