This summer I’m packing a secret potion in my tote in the form of cornstarch.
Not cornstarch and anything, just cornstarch plain and simple for getting sand out from between toes (and other bodily crevices where it tends to hold fast).
The beautiful garnet-colored sand from my hometown is one of my very favorite things in the world. On the tops of the beaches, above the high tide mark, the sand is dark purple and it heats up quickly in the summertime. Faye and Silas have gotten wise to the nature-made warming station and when they’re done splashing in the water, they run up to the purple sand and throw themselves on top of it. They’re warm within seconds and covered, from scalp to toe, with sand.
There are showers at the beach, and hoses in backyards, but withstanding a bone-chilling blast of water can be a lot when you’re five (or thirty-five), not to mention the water wasted in the process. For city dwellers in particular, a sandboxed playground doesn’t usually come with an accompanying foot washing station. Cornstarch to the rescue.
Materials
+ An old spice jar or powdered sugar shaker
+ Funnel or small spoon
Directions
+ Clean out and dry thoroughly an old spice jar.
+ Spoon cornstarch up to the top, taking care not to pack it in so tightly that it can’t sprinkle easily.
+ Screw on the lid and keep a jar in your beach bag, or next to the sand box, or in your bike basket, anywhere, in other words, where it might be useful.
+ NB: If you don’t have an empty spice jar hanging around, or if you’re unsure about carrying around glass, consider a stainless steel powdered sugar shaker. Just as effective and no risk of breaking!
The cornstarch acts to remove the moisture that causes sand to stick to skin. After a quick application, both will rub easily away. (Lots of folks use baby powder, but corn starch works just as well and wasn’t the subject of a $4.7 billion lawsuit!)
Sprinkle cornstarch liberally on sandy toes, hands, legs, bums, et cetera. Rub the cornstarch in gently and brush off both sand and starch with your hands or a small towel.
Et voila. Sand-free toes, guaranteed. (No guarantees on a sand-free sandwich.)
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11 Comments
Brilliant! I knew talcum powder worked brilliantly at removing sand but have always been hesitant to use it due to chemical/health concerns. Will give this a try instead.
Yes! So much better and works just as well!
If only I knew it years ago! Thanks for the tip!
Thanks for the tip!
Absolutely brilliant tip, thank you
When I was a child, my mum would ask us to walk up and down in the grass! And all the sand will come off just like magic 🙂
Ha! Yes. More difficult for little bums, but a good start!
Oooo those sunglasses int eh first picture look dreamy – do you happen to remember the brand?
I’m in the market for some eye protection 🙂
These are from Bridge and Burn!
Will this work for pets?
Not sure! Worth a shot?
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