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How to Use Cornstarch for Dog Grooming – 3 Ways

Bowl of cornstartch with wooden spoon on white board table surrounded by dry corn

I absolutely love inexpensive hacks for caring for my dogs and when you use cornstarch for dog grooming you can save a lot of money. There are three ways to use cornstarch to groom dogs:

  1. Using cornstarch for matted fur
  2. Using cornstarch as dry shampoo for dogs
  3. Using cornstarch for whiter hair on dogs

You can buy cornstarch at any grocery store. It’s the same thing that many people use to thicken soups and gravies.

Advantages to using cornstarch for grooming dogs:

  • It’s non toxic for dogs
  • Cornstarch absorbs dirt and oils, leaving your dogs shiny, clean and fluffy
  • Removes knots from dogs hair
  • Can use 2 or 3 times a month
  • Very inexpensive

Using Cornstarch for Matted Fur

This is an easy process. You simply sprinkle the cornstarch on the matt and work it into the fur. Then you use a slicker brush to loosen the matt and comb through it with a wide tooth grooming comb.

Here’s a video showing you how to use cornstarch to get out even nasty matts:

This method really works wonders on dogs that have longer coats – even curly coats like poodles and labradoodles.

Cornstarch as Dry Shampoo for Dogs

You will need brushes and combs for your dog – whatever you use for normal grooming. Using cornstarch as dry shampoo for your dog can help extend the time between baths – which can be very drying to dogs skin.

Sprinkle the cornstarch on your dog starting from the back and working the way up the neck. Shake your dog’s hair quickly and work the cornstarch up to his head with your hands.

Then brush your dog’s hair with a brush and finish with a comb. The cornstarch will absorb the oils from your dog’s hair.

Here’s a video showing you how to use cornstarch as a dry shampoo:

Cornstarch for Whiter Hair on Dogs

If your dog has a white or light colored coat then corn starch will absorb the excess oil and even cover up light stains. It also removes dog odor – which can get VERY funky.

Use the same technique as the dry shampoo technique above.

For heavier stains on a dog’s white coat you can make a thick paste out of water and baking soda. All you need to do is brush the paste in with an old toothbrush and let it sit until it’s dry and then brush it with a dog grooming brush.

The Bottom Line on Using Cornstarch for Dog Grooming

2 burlap sacks of dry corn spilled on wooden table next to wooden bowl and spoon filled with cornstarch

Using cornstarch for dog grooming is one of those hacks that I absolutely love. The product is inexpensive, non-toxic and effective.

It even works on short haired dogs, because it will absorb the oils in their coat. And it can make “doggy smelling dogs” like hound dogs smell better.

Give it a try.

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