The $1.35 cleaning hack I'm totally getting behind

Are you looking for a way to spend less time cleaning and more time doing, well, absolutely anything else? We've got you covered!

Is it just me, or does the cleaning products aisle in the supermarket leave you scratching your head?

Some brands are better for the planet but not so friendly on the wallet, yet the budget-saving products smell like a chemical cocktail that I know isn’t good for me.

Cleaning is a billion-dollar industry, with the worldwide household cleaning market predicted to go from about $100 billion in 2021 to an estimated $135 billion by 2026.

So, when a simple cleaning hack using a basic pantry staple pops up, it’s bound to garner some attention.

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Cornflour: The Secret Weapon

One resourceful homeowner and member of Facebook group Mums Who Clean, has changed how I’ll clean built-up grime forever.

By combining cornflour (also known as corn starch) with hot water, this cleaning maverick has uncovered an effective solution for tackling those embarrassingly grimy items around the home. 

From filthy oven racks to grimy range hood filters, cornflour is emerging as an unlikely but potent ally.

Her approach involves creating a simple paste by mixing cornflour with hot water. 

This concoction has proven to be a game-changer for kitchen items such as pots, pans, oven racks, and more. 

The best part? There’s no need for strenuous scrubbing, and the results quickly materialise.

RELATED: The top 5 cleaning tasks people are obsessed with

What is cornflour?

Cornflour, also known as cornstarch, is a fine, white powder derived from the starchy endosperm of corn kernels. 

It is a common kitchen ingredient used as a thickening agent in cooking and baking. 

Cornflour has the unique property of thickening sauces, soups, and gravies when mixed with liquid and heated. 

Anything that makes cleaning easier is a win for me. Source: left and right from Facebook. Middle from Coles.

RELATED: Why you’re obsessed with THOSE perfect pantry TikTok how-tos

An obsession with cleaning 

A recent Samsung’s Australians@HOME report revealed some interesting insights into how Aussies like (or, in my case, dislike) cleaning their home.

Since the pandemic, the home has become a multi-functional space, serving as an office, classroom, and entertainment hub. 

Working from home has allowed people to catch up on chores during the workday. New trends like “Chore snacking,” where smaller, more frequent cleaning tasks are done to save time for other activities, have emerged.

One-third of Australians consider themselves “obsessed” with cleaning, with higher rates among young families and millennials. 

Just putting it out there, if any cleaning-obsessed readers are looking for some surfaces to wipe, floors to mop, and grime to cornflour away, my home is always open to you!

Originally published as The $1.35 cleaning hack I'm totally getting behind