What Are the Steps in Starching Pants?

Starching combined with ironing gives pants a crisp, wrinkle-free look.

Using spray or liquid starch on pants eliminates wrinkles and gives the fabric a crisp, formal and brand-new look. Starching also protects the garment with a light stain-resistant veneer. Typically, spray starch delivers a softer finish to the fabric while liquid starch produces a heavier or stiffer result. In both cases, you should apply the starch to damp fabric before ironing to create a smooth appearance.

Things You'll Need

• Spray starch or liquid starch
• Ironing board
• Iron

Instructions

1. Wash the pants as you usually do. If you are using liquid starch, add it to your washing machine according to load size, following the product directions.

2. Tumble dry the pants until damp but not completely dry. Although you can use spray starch on dry fabrics, both spray and liquid starch absorb better into clothing fibers if the fabric is damp when ironed. Better absorption makes the starch less likely to leave white residue on your clothing.

3. Adjust the temperature setting on your iron according to fabric care, following the garment label directions.

4. Start ironing at the waistband. Iron around the seat and front areas of the top of the pants, slipping the waistband of the pants over the end of the ironing board to facilitate ironing. Iron the hem or cuffs. After pressing those areas, spread out the pants on the ironing board. Using your hands, straighten seams and smooth out any noticeable wrinkles. Iron the pant legs together to create a crease in both. Lift the top pant leg to iron the inside of the opposite one. Turn the pants over and repeat, ironing the outside of the opposite leg, then lifting it up to iron the inside of the first. If you are using spray starch, apply with a light mist over each pant leg before ironing. Continue ironing until the fabric is dry. Hang the pants as soon as you are finished.

Tips & Warnings

• Use spray starch sparingly, as it tends to leave a residue with heavy application. If you want a stiffer finish, use two light coatings instead of one generous one.

References

• Agelong Brands: How to Use Spray Starch Ironing Aids
• SharpMan: Wrinkle-free Ironing the Easy Way