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. 

Kevin and John thumbnail
By Tara Desmond August 13, 2026
Growing Good Consumers: Inside Illinois' Ag in the Classroom Program
John Klemm, IFB's Steve Koellerm, ASA's Jim Martin, and Chad Dillenberger
By Lyndi Allen August 13, 2026
IL Corn farmer leaders joined the 2026 Illinois Ag Legislative Roundtable, hearing from gubernatorial candidates Darren Bailey and Gov. JB Pritzker, as well as U.S. Senate candidate Don Tracy.
IL Corn, Illinois Farm Bureau, and Illinois Ag in the Classroom staff and interns at Marquis Energy
By Pearl McDade August 13, 2026
Interns tour Marquis, exploring ethanol, carbon capture, and innovation that supports Illinois farmers and jobs.
Johnna in the RFD Studio
By Tara Desmond August 13, 2026
Intern Johnna Fulcher learns from RFD Radio veteran DeLoss Jahnke about farm broadcasting, agriculture, storytelling and life behind the mic.
U.S. Capitol building under a bright blue sky, with cars in front on a sunny day
By Lyndi Allen August 6, 2026
The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry adjourned without advancing a Farm Bill, leaving farmers and the agriculture industry with uncertainty, as the current extension is set to expire on September 30.
Andy Gilson
By Tara Desmond August 5, 2026
Meet Andy Gilson, A new PCM specialist — a 4th-gen farmer bringing firsthand experience to conservation economics.
Show More