How to Make Laundry Starch to Use in the Washer

Read your washing machine's owner manual before adding starch to the rinse cycle.

Read the label on commercial laundry starch and you'll find that corn starch is the main ingredient. Corn starch, made from the inner grain of corn, thickens pie fillings and puddings, but it also starches shirts and clothing for a crisp, finished look. To make laundry starch for the washing machine, simply mix corn starch with cold water. Experiment with the amount of corn starch you add; larger amounts result in crisper, stiffer laundry.

Things You'll Need

• 1/2 cup corn starch
• Bowl
• Mixing spoon
• Jug or covered container

Instructions

1. Dissolve corn starch with 1/2 cup cold water in a bowl. Stir it until it is completely dissolved.

2. Add 3 cups hot water to the mixture and stir again to mix well. Corn starch dissolves best in cold water, but the hot water thickens it slightly.

3. Pour the mixture into a jug or covered container for storage. Shake before use to thoroughly mix it.

Tips & Warnings

• To use laundry starch in the washing machine, add 1/2 cup of the starch as the washing machine enters the final rinse cycle, just as you would fabric softener. Excess starch rinses away, but your clothes will be crisp. Line dry and iron your clothes when they are still slightly damp for best results.

• To make a laundry starch spray, simply mix 1 tablespoon corn starch with 1 pint cold water in a spray bottle. Add lavender oil if you like for fragrance.

References

• MIchigan State University Extension: Homemade Cleaners
• Argo & Kingsford's Corn Starch: Frequently Asked Questions
• The Traditional Starch Company: How Do I Use Laundry Starch?

Resources

• Iowa State University Extension: Getting Better Laundry Results