Learn How you can Easily Make Your Own Laundry Starch.

How to Make Your Own Spray Laundry Starch

If you love the way your shirt looks after getting it back from the dry cleaners, you’ll be happy to know that you can recreate that look at home with your own homemade laundry starch.

Homemade laundry starch is easy to make, better for the environment than store-bought products and generally won’t harm older or synthetic fabrics. Remember to test the starch in an inconspicuous area to make sure it will not damage the garment.

Now let’s take a look at how we can make the laundry starch with just a few ingredients.

Spray Starch Ingredients

You’ll only need three items. It really is that easy!

• 2 cups cold water
• 1 tablespoon organic cornstarch
• One spray bottle

While it’s best to use distilled water and organic cornstarch, you can use regular tap water and cornstarch if you prefer. Bear in mind, however, that more than likely tap water will have mineral deposits, and non-organic cornstarch is most likely made from GMO corn (if that matters to you).

Preparation

I collect a variety of old Ball jars, I got to say I’m a bit obsessed with them. So, I mix the water and cornstarch in a Ball jar first. In my opinion, it’s much easier to shake and mix the ingredients rather than using a bowl. Make sure the cornstarch is completely mixed, no lumps left.

Optionally, you can also add in 2 drops essential oil for fragrance if you like. Lavender, rose, lemongrass, grapefruit, rosemary, spearmint, cedarwood or bergamot are some nice options.

Depending on what you are using the starch on may depend on whether or not you want to add essential oil to the mix. I don’t know that I would add essential oil if I were using it on a silk garment or a white collar (as it could slightly discolor the item when heated) but I may add it if I’m ironing sheets, napkins, tablecloth or dark colored items.

To be sure, you may want to test first in an inconspicuous spot.

When you’ve finished mixing the ingredients together, transfer to a spray bottle.

Making the Starch Stronger

If you’d like to make a stiffer homemade laundry starch, all you need to do is add more cornstarch.

Start with an additional teaspoon. Shake well. It may take a time or two before you find the best amount that works for you, but you’ll find the perfect ratio of water and cornstarch to meet your individual needs.

How to Use Your Homemade Laundry Starch

If you have a knit sweater that you would like to stiffen up a little, turn it inside out, spray where you want the starch, cover with a clean, light colored towel and press. Sometimes all it might need is the collar and cuffs pressed.

When starching dress shirts, lay the section of shirt on the ironing board you’ll be working on first, spray a wide spray (not too close and not a stream spray) over the section you’re working on, then iron in a straight motion (not circular) from one end to the other. Allow the starch to soak into the fabric a bit first before ironing.

Read the care instructions on your garment for heat settings and make sure you are ironing on a clean surface.

Storing Unused Starch

You should be able to store your homemade liquid spray starch just fine in the laundry room for a couple of weeks or you can stash it in the refrigerator. Just make sure you label the container clearly.

As there are no preservatives, it will go bad over time. If you notice it getting darker in color or growing mold, toss it. It’s best to only make as much as you think you will use over a couple of weeks.

If stored, shake before using again.

Your Homemade Starch Will Easily Wash off Clothes

One of the nice things about making your own homemade laundry starch is that it’s all-natural and comes off easily in the wash.

Simply launder your clothes as you normally would. The cornstarch will neither stain nor contaminate other clothes.

What Happens If a Residue Is Left Behind on My Ironed Items?

If you notice a white residue left behind on linens or clothing items, you may need to clean the iron. Over time starch and minerals from water can leave a residue on the iron. Be sure to clean the surface of the iron to help keep everything you iron looking their best.

Now didn’t I tell you just how easy this was going to be? Have fun using your homemade laundry starch.