Liquid starch is intended for many uses, from sewing to padding, to artistic and manual work. If you've run out of it or just want a more natural alternative, why not make it yourself? It's very simple and will cost you even less in the long run. On top of that, it's natural and doesn't contain any chemicals found in store-bought.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Use Water and Vodka
Step 1. Pour 950ml of water into a spray bottle
If you can, use distilled or filtered water. If you want to perfume liquid starch with essential oil, you have to use a glass bottle because over time the oil degrades on contact with plastic.
Step 2. Add 90ml of vodka
Any type of vodka will do. In fact, many tailors and quilt makers believe that the least expensive one is the best choice.
Step 3. Add 2 or 3 drops of essential oil if desired
You are not forced, but it will give a pleasant scent to your clothes. You can use any fragrance you like, but if it's fresh like lavender or lemon, it's more effective.
Step 4. Close the falcon and shake it
This way, you will mix all the ingredients. Once mixed, the spray starch is ready to use!
Step 5. Apply the starch spray
Spray it lightly on your clothes after washing them, then let them air dry. You can also spray it before ironing it so that it looks neater and neater. Spray it in enough quantities to moisten the fabric, taking care not to get it soaked.
If you need to apply it to a very large fabric, pour the starch into a bucket, tub, or sink. Dip the fabric, squeeze it to remove excess water, then iron it. You will probably need to use double or triple doses of those given in the previous instructions
Method 2 of 2: Use Corn Starch and Water
Step 1. Mix 7.5g cornstarch into 60ml cold water
Pour the water into a glass, then add the cornstarch. Swirl the solution until dissolved, then set it aside.
If you can't find cornstarch, look for cornstarch (it's the same thing)
Step 2. Bring 480ml of water to a boil
Pour the water into a saucepan and put it on the stove. Boil it over high or medium-high heat.
Step 3. Pour the cornstarch into the boiling water
Keep stirring as you add it to the boiling water without taking the pot off the heat.
Step 4. Add 2 or 3 drops of essential oil if desired
You don't have to, but consider that it will give the starch a pleasant scent. Choose a fresh fragrance, such as lavender or lemon.
Step 5. Cook the mixture for 1 minute
Keep flipping it while it sits on the lit stove. By bringing the cornstarch solution to a boil, you will prevent this ingredient from hanging in the water and reduce the formation of lumps and sediments.
Step 6. Allow the mixture to cool before transferring it to a spray bottle
Once you have finished boiling it, remove the pot from the heat. Let it cool to room temperature before pouring it into a spray bottle. If you have added an essential oil, use a glass container, as the oil degrades on contact with plastic.
Step 7. Use spray starch
Spray it lightly on your clothes after washing them, then let them air dry. You can also spray it before ironing it so that it looks neater and neater. Spray it in enough quantities to moisten the fabric, taking care not to get it soaked.
If you need to apply it to a very large fabric, pour the starch into a bucket, tub, or sink. Dip the fabric, squeeze it to remove excess water, then iron it. You will probably need to use double or triple doses of those given in the previous instructions
Advice
- To keep the ingredients from spilling out, stick a funnel into the neck of the spray bottle before you pour them.
- Instead of filling a single large spray bottle, it is preferable to use several smaller bottles.
- Vodka-based starch is ideal for dark fabrics because it leaves no traces. Corn starch-based starch works best on light-colored fabrics, while it may stain darker ones.
- Increase the amount of cornstarch if you want the fabric to be stiffer. Reduce it if you prefer it softer.
- If you have added essential oil, you may want to shake the bottle quickly before use.
- If the bottle becomes clogged, run the dispenser under hot water.
- Sediments may form in the corn starch solution. In such cases, shake the bottle.
- Try using distilled water, especially if the tap water is hard.
Warnings
- The cornstarch solution can deteriorate over time. If it starts to look or smell strange, throw it away.
- Add 7.5g of borax or alum powder to the cornstarch mixture. It will act as a preservative. In addition, alum gives the fabrics a neater and more refined look.
