Starch - Liquid or spray

[travlnusa]

In my new job, I need to wear dress shirts. It has been years since I have had to wear them.

I bought a can of spray starch. I can see I will go broke burning though that much.

At the store they have gallon jugs of starch for much much less.

How do you use the stuff in the jug? Mix it in a spray bottle? Soak the shirts?

Help please.

[used2bcool13]

The liquid starch has directions on the back, but it really depends on how heavily you want your shirts starched. The back says if you want a heavier starch add more liquid starch.

I use the linit/blue jug. It lasts for ever, just get yourself a nice sprayer, that you're not killing your fingers squeezing a million times. You could definitely use a old windex sprayer that you rinsed out. Oh to answer your question you put the mixture of starch and water in a spray bottle and spray it on the area you are about to iron.

Another word on wrinkles and ironing is that steam seems to be the key. For cotton I always use the steam setting, some wrinkles don't come out without it. If you don't have steam on your iron, you can sprinkle or spray plain water on the stubborn wrinkles.

[travlnusa]

Exactly what I needed. Thanks

[MSMH]

Dear Mary,
I recently purchased your book Debt Proof Living, and I'm working to pay off debt. It's slow, but I am making progress. I used to buy liquid starch from the grocery store, and then water it down to make spray starch. It's better than the stuff in a can. To my dismay, the grocery store no longer carries this product. I would like to continue to make my own spray starch, but I have not been able to find a source for liquid starch. Do you have any ideas? Debra D., e-mail

Dear Debra,
Here is a simple recipe for homemade spray starch: Combine one heaping tablespoon cornstarch with one pint of cold water in a bowl. Stir until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and turns milky. Transfer to a spray bottle and use as you would any spray starch.

Hope this works for you. Congratulations on the new Job!

[Farmerwilly2]

I like spray sizing, doesn't clump up and get nasty. Dittos on the steam iron.

[Harry Chickpea]

Sizing, IIRC, is less likely to yellow than starch. Used to have to do that whole routine. The real key is to get the proper type of dress shirt. Some do much better than others at not needing starch or sizing. Stop in at a tailor shop or alteration shop and ask for suggestions.

[travlnusa]

Where do you buy Sizing? Is it less than starch? If not cheaper, does it do a better job that it is better to buy that instead?

[Harry Chickpea]

Sizing is usually next to the starch on shelves. I found it to be "softer" than starch. YMMV.

[cowcreekgeeks]

You can save a lot of time by using one of these. If you're planning on ironing your own shirts every day you'll spend less time doing it with the press.

When I was in the Army, I used both spray starch and liquid. For the liquid starch, I would make a weak solution of starch and water and soak my uniforms in a bucket. I'd let them hang dry and then I'd steam press them. They always came out looking crisp.

[Fae]

I usually use spray sizing or starch but I also keep a box of Argo Starch on hand. After clothes are clean and dry you mix the starch to the stiffness you prefer then sprinkle(i still have the bottle top sprinkler) the clothes and roll them up and put in a pillowcase and put in refrigerator till ready to iron. I learned to do this from my grandmother. Honestly though most of the time I use the spray.

[Bonnie L]

Originally Posted by cowcreekgeeks

When I was in the Army, I used both spray starch and liquid. For the liquid starch, I would make a weak solution of starch and water and soak my uniforms in a bucket. I'd let them hang dry and then I'd steam press them. They always came out looking crisp.

I remember doing that in basic training. Our skirts could stand up by themselves! Think we might have used too much starch?

[cowcreekgeeks]

Originally Posted by Bonnie L

I remember doing that in basic training. Our skirts could stand up by themselves! Think we might have used too much starch?

I'm 6'2" so naturally, I was put on the color guard. As I went through the ranks, I went from guard to colors bearer. I remember standing my uniform up by itself too......very starchy! It was okay as long as you didn't sweat a lot but if you did, you'd be wearing a sticky, almost slimy uniform!