How to Starch Your Clothes

Have you ever wanted that crisp, clean look of starch in your clothes, but didn't want to pay the high prices dry cleaners charge to do it? That's not a problem anymore, because you can starch your clothes at home in either of two easy processes.

Things You'll Need

• spray starch or liquid starch
• iron and ironing board

Instructions

Using Liquid Starch

1. Add liquid starch to your washing machine in the same manner you use laundry detergent. Follow the directions on the bottle regarding the quantity required for the size of your load.

2. Dry clothing until almost dry but still a little damp.

3. Press with a hot iron. This will activate the starch and make your clothes nice and crisp. The wetness allows for better stiffness than if the clothes are fully dried.

Using Spray Starch

1. Wash your clothes normally.

2. Dry your clothing until nearly dry. Remove it from the dryer while still a little damp. Lay the clothing on your ironing board and spray with a light, even coating of spray starch on just the area you are about to iron. (If you apply too much spray, the starch will flake off when pressed.) Press the sprayed area until flat and move on to next section, repeating the process until the entire garment is pressed.

3. Repeat step #2 if the garment is not as stiff and crisp as you would like.

Tips & Warnings

• Liquid starch is better women's clothing, such as washable linen and silk. Using spray starch on these items can leave starch spots.