Crafting Your Own Liquid Starch

Buzz

Content

Using Vodka and Water

Utilizing Cornstarch and Water

Using Vodka and Water

Using Cornstarch

Liquid starch serves various purposes, including sewing, quilting, and arts and crafts. If you've run out or prefer a more natural option, consider making your own. It's a simple process, cost-effective in the long run, and doesn't contain the chemicals found in many commercial starches.

Steps

Using Vodka and Water

Fill a spray bottle with 24 ounces (950 milliliters) of water. Opt for distilled or filtered water, especially if adding essential oils for scent. For scented starch, glass bottles are preferable over plastic to prevent degradation from the oils.

Include 3 ounces (90 milliliters) of vodka. Any brand of vodka works well; in fact, many sewing enthusiasts advocate for inexpensive vodka as the optimal choice.

Add 2 to 3 drops of your preferred essential oil, if desired. While optional, it imparts a pleasant fragrance to your garments. Opt for refreshing scents like lavender or lemon for the best effect.

Seal the bottle and give it a good shake. This ensures thorough mixing of all ingredients. After a few shakes, your spray starch is ready for use!

Apply the spray starch. Lightly mist the fabric post-wash and allow it to air dry. Alternatively, use it prior to ironing for a crisp finish. Ensure the fabric is damp but not saturated.

If you have a large quantity of fabric to starch, pour the mixture into a container like a bucket or sink. Dip the fabric, wring out excess starch, then iron. You might need to scale up the recipe.
Vodka-based starch may not stiffen fabric as much as cornstarch-based options, but it's less likely to leave residue on clothing, unless your water is very hard. In such cases, opt for distilled water over tap water.

Utilizing Cornstarch and Water

Mix 1 tablespoon (7.5 grams) of cornstarch with ¼ cup (60 milliliters) of cold water. Start by pouring the water into a cup, then add the cornstarch. Stir until fully dissolved, then set aside.

If cornstarch is unavailable, opt for cornflour instead (avoid cornmeal).
It's advisable to prepare small batches to prevent spoilage.

Bring 3¾ cups (480 milliliters) of water to a boil. Transfer the water into a saucepan and place it on the stove. Heat over medium-high to high heat until boiling.

Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the boiling water. Ensure continuous stirring while adding the cornstarch water into the boiling water. Keep the saucepan on the burner throughout.

Include 2 to 3 drops of essential oil, if desired. While optional, it adds a pleasant scent to the starch. Opt for refreshing fragrances like lavender or lemon.

Simmer the mixture for 1 minute. Maintain stirring during the cooking process. Boiling the cornstarch helps maintain suspension in the water, reducing settling or clogging.

Let the cornstarch cool before transferring it to a spray bottle. Once the cooking time is complete, remove the saucepan from the heat source. Allow the mixture to reach room temperature before pouring it into a spray bottle. If essential oils were added, opt for a glass spray bottle to prevent degradation of the oils.

Apply the spray starch. Lightly mist the fabric after laundering and let it air dry. Alternatively, apply the starch just before ironing for a crisp finish. Ensure the fabric is damp but not dripping.

If you have a large amount of fabric to starch, pour the starch into a container like a bucket, tub, or sink. Submerge the fabric, wring it out, then iron. Adjust the recipe accordingly for larger quantities.
Note that cornstarch-based starch may leave white marks on dark fabrics.

Helpful Tips

Use a funnel in the spray bottle's opening to prevent spills while adding ingredients.
Vodka-based starch is suitable for dark fabrics, as it remains invisible. Cornstarch-based starch works better for light fabrics but may leave speckles on darker ones.
Adjust the amount of cornstarch for desired stiffness: more for a stiffer fabric, less for a lighter touch.

Warnings

If cornstarch-based starch appears or smells unusual, discard it as it may have expired.
Enhance the cornstarch recipe's shelf life by adding 1 tablespoon (7.5 grams) of borax or alum powder as a preservative. Alum also provides a brighter, crisper finish to fabrics.

Materials Needed

Using Vodka and Water

24 ounces (950 milliliters) of distilled water
3 ounces (90 milliliters) of vodka
Essential oil
Spray bottle

Using Cornstarch

¼ cup (60 milliliters) of cold water
1 tablespoon (7.5 grams) of cornstarch
3¾ cups (480 milliliters) of boiled water
Essential oil
Spray bottle
Saucepan
Spoon

The content is developed by the Mytour team with the aim of customer care and solely to inspire travel experiences. We do not take responsibility for or provide advice for other purposes.

If you find this article inappropriate or containing errors, please contact us via email at [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients are needed to make vodka-based spray starch?

To create vodka-based spray starch, you need 24 ounces of distilled water, 3 ounces of vodka, and optionally, 2 to 3 drops of essential oil for fragrance.

How do you apply the homemade spray starch to fabric?

You can apply the homemade spray starch by lightly misting the fabric after washing or before ironing. Ensure the fabric is damp but not soaking wet for the best results.

Can I use cornstarch instead of vodka to make starch?

Yes, you can use cornstarch to make starch. Simply mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with ¼ cup of cold water, then add to boiling water for a thicker solution.

What should I do if my cornstarch-based starch leaves white marks?

If your cornstarch-based starch leaves white marks, try reducing the amount of cornstarch in your mixture or avoid using it on dark fabrics to prevent visibility.

How can I enhance the shelf life of cornstarch-based starch?

You can enhance the shelf life of cornstarch-based starch by adding 1 tablespoon of borax or alum powder. This helps preserve the mixture and provides a crisper finish.