Using Corn Starch on the Farm (or anywhere!)

June 6, 2022
A wooden table with bowls of corn flour and corn on the cob

When walking out of the house it is hard to grab everything we may need throughout the day. It would be much simpler if there was a product that simple did it all. Corn starch can be the answer to many common annoying problems each of us face. 

 

BUG BITES

The first one is one I am defiantly going to have to let my brothers know about for this farming season. As soon as the Sun pops out and the weather is nice those pesky bugs also make their debut. Cornstarch can be the new thing to tuck in your back pocket to use when a bug bites you. Simply, take some cornstarch and mix it with water to create a thick paste and place it on the bite to get that annoying itchiness to go away.

BLISTERS

Most popular for popping up at the most inconvenient times, blisters, can hurt so bad as the day goes on and the shoes continuously keeps rubbing it. Cornstarch can help reduce the irritation of this friction and keep the area dry to get rid of that blister as soon as possible. Put some cornstarch on the place of the blister and go about your day, reply when needed.

 

OILY STAINS

The next one my father needs to write down, who is notorious for having stains on his shirts. When napkins are not nearby, or you miss your mouth and get an oily stain, cornstarch can come in handy to not ruin that shirt. Place some cornstarch on the stain as soon as possible and let it do its magic. 

 

UNTIED KNOTS

My biggest pet peeve is when something is in a knot, and I have been struggling to get it untied. Take some cornstarch and put it around the knot to free up the space between them and watch your struggle slip away. 

 

SUNBURNS

As someone who never fails to get a terrible sunburn each summer, I made sure to make a note of this one. Cornstarch is rich in Vitamin A, B1, B2, C and multiple minerals that aid in stimulating the regeneration of healthy skin cells. After a day in the sun, make a paste of cornstarch and water and rub it all over the sunburnt area. 


I hope these will help you this summer. Follow us on Tik Tok for more interesting ways to use corn and corn starch. 

thumbnail of aul
By Tara Desmond December 30, 2025
Illinois waterways move over 70M tons of goods each year — including corn. 🚢🌽 Learn why aging locks & dams need urgent modernization.
video icons
By Tara Desmond December 30, 2025
Watch the top 10 most-viewed videos of 2025, featuring farmer stories, trade insights, and the moments shaping Illinois agriculture.
icons floating above cornfield
By Tara Desmond December 30, 2025
Explore the most-read Illinois corn stories of 2025, from policy and markets to innovation and farmer impact, plus weekly updates and member stories.
Mark Bunselmeyer
By Lyndi Allen December 30, 2025
Meet IL Corn Growers Association President, Mark Bunselmeyer of Decatur, IL. Mark farms in Macon County, where he grows corn and soybeans.
captain next to a tree
By Tara Desmond December 23, 2025
This season, we pulled together a few fun reminders of how corn connects farm life to Christmas traditions — both on and off the farm.
harvest
By Tara Desmond December 23, 2025
Illinois farmers and farm families were well represented in the 2025 Fields of Corn Photo Contest, hosted by the National Corn Growers Association.
Show More