If you learn how to make liquid starch at home, you can save yourself a lot of money in the long run. Thankfully, there are a lot of different recipes out there you can find to fit your needs.
How to Make Liquid Starch
You want to starch your clothes for work tomorrow, but realize you are all out of starch. Never fear, you can simply make it at home. One of the easiest liquid starch recipes calls for you to grab the cornstarch.
Ingredients for Homemade Starch
-
Cornstarch
-
Water
-
Essential oil (optional)
-
Pan
-
Cup
-
Spray bottle
Steps to DIY Liquid Starch Spray
-
Put 3.5 cups of water into a pan to boil.
-
In a cup, mix ½ cup of water and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
-
Mix the water and cornstarch well to create a creamy consistency.
-
Once the water is boiling, slowly stir in the cornstarch mixture.
-
Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
-
Let it cool and add it to a spray bottle.
-
Store in a cool, dark place.
-
Use within 2-4 months.
This method can be done without first boiling the water; however, you need to continuously shake the mixture in the spray bottle because it clogs the nozzle.
DIY Liquid Starch Recipe Spray With Vinegar
While you can make liquid starch with just cornstarch and water, you can add a bit of vinegar to the mix for a bit of extra disinfecting punch.
Instructions for White Vinegar Liquid Starch
-
Mix 2 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
-
Whisk it together in a pan.
-
Put the pan on the stove to boil.
-
Once boiling, remove from the heat.
-
Add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar.
-
Allow it to cool.
-
Add to a spray bottle.
-
Voila! You're ready for starching.
-
Store in a cool place for 2-4 months. Discard if you notice any discoloration.
Homemade Starch for Clothes Without Cornstarch
You might not like the thought of adding cornstarch to your clothing, or you just might not have any on hand. Not to worry, learn how to make liquid starch without cornstarch. For these recipes, you need:
-
Vodka
-
Flour
-
White glue
-
Rice
-
Pan
-
Water
-
Spray bottle
-
Whisk
-
Bowl
-
Strainer
-
Cheesecloth
Homemade Spray Starch With Vodka
If you're not to keen on putting cornstarch on your clothing, you can make a homemade starch spray with water and vodka. This works great for your dark clothing.
-
Make a 2:1 water for vodka mixture in a spray bottle.
-
Shake well.
-
Spray clothing to starch.
How to Make Homemade Starch With Flour
Flour might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to starching your clothing, but it can work to starch your clothing. For this recipe, you need to grab the flour.
-
Mix 1 cup of water and 2 tablespoons of flour in a bowl.
-
Whisk the two together until you have a smooth consistency.
-
Add to a pan and bring to a bowl, stirring frequently.
-
Allow it to cool.
-
Put a strainer over the mouth of the spray bottle.
-
Pour in your flour starch mixture.
-
Store this mixture in the refrigerator. It should keep for a few weeks.
How to Make Homemade Starch With Rice
Do you eat a lot of rice? Well, don't throw away that rice water. Instead, use it to create a perfect homemade starch spray.
-
Bring 6 cups of water to boil.
-
Add a cup of rice.
-
Boil until the rice is fully cooked.
-
Strain the rice water off the rice.
-
Allow the water to cool.
-
Double a cheesecloth and strain the rice water into the water bottle.
-
Like the flour recipe, store this starch in the refrigerator.
Homemade Heavy Starch With Glue
You wouldn't think that good old Elmer's glue would be good for starching, but you'd be wrong. This can make a great heavy-duty starch.
-
Add 4 cups of water to a water bottle.
-
Add 2 tablespoons of white all-purpose glue.
-
Shake vigorously.
-
And that's a wrap.
-
Store this concoction in a cool place for 2-4 months.
How to Use and Store Homemade Starch for Clothes
When it comes to using your homemade starch for projects, quilting, or even ironing your clothing, use it just as you would store-bought starch. Remember to follow the recommendations on your iron for heating and clean your iron regularly. Starch can build up after a while. Additionally, while most homemade starch solutions are completely fine stored in a cool, dry place for a few months, storing them in the refrigerator helps to ward off mold and fermentation.
