Homemade Laundry Spray Starch: A Simple Cornstarch Recipe

Want crisp, professional-looking clothes without the harsh chemicals and high price tag of store-bought spray starch? You’re in luck! Making your own laundry spray starch at home is incredibly easy, cost-effective, and allows you to control the ingredients. This article will guide you through the process of creating a fantastic spray starch using a common kitchen staple: cornstarch.

## Why Make Your Own Laundry Spray Starch?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore the benefits of ditching the commercial sprays and embracing the DIY approach:

* **Cost-Effective:** Commercial spray starch can be surprisingly expensive, especially if you use it regularly. Cornstarch, on the other hand, is quite affordable and a little goes a long way.
* **Control Over Ingredients:** Many commercial spray starches contain chemicals and additives you might not want on your clothes or near your skin. Homemade starch allows you to avoid these potentially harmful substances.
* **Customizable Strength:** You can easily adjust the strength of your homemade starch to suit different fabrics and desired stiffness levels.
* **Eco-Friendly:** Making your own starch reduces waste from aerosol cans and plastic bottles.
* **Gentle on Fabrics:** Homemade starch is generally gentler on delicate fabrics compared to some commercial alternatives.
* **Allergy-Friendly:** If you have allergies or sensitivities to certain chemicals, homemade starch is a safe and reliable alternative.

## What You’ll Need

Making your own laundry spray starch requires only a few simple ingredients and supplies you likely already have:

* **Cornstarch:** This is the key ingredient that provides the stiffness. Any brand of cornstarch will work.
* **Water:** Use distilled water for the best results, as tap water can sometimes contain minerals that can leave residue on your clothes. If you don’t have distilled water, filtered water is a good second choice.
* **Spray Bottle:** A clean, empty spray bottle is essential for application. Make sure it’s one that produces a fine mist.
* **Optional: Essential Oils:** For a pleasant scent, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil, such as lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus. Be sure to use skin-safe essential oils.
* **Optional: Borax (Sodium Borate):** A very small amount of borax can act as a preservative and help prevent mold growth, extending the shelf life of your starch. *Use with caution and research safety guidelines before use.*
* **Saucepan:** To cook the cornstarch mixture.
* **Whisk:** To ensure the cornstarch dissolves properly without clumps.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measurements.

## The Basic Recipe

This is the foundational recipe for homemade laundry spray starch. You can adjust the cornstarch-to-water ratio to achieve your desired stiffness.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 2 cups (16 ounces) distilled or filtered water
* Optional: 5-10 drops of essential oil
* Optional: 1/8 teaspoon of Borax (use with caution, research before using)

**Instructions:**

1. **Combine Cornstarch and Water:** In a saucepan, combine the cornstarch and about ¼ cup of the water. Whisk thoroughly until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and there are no lumps. This is crucial for preventing a grainy starch.
2. **Add Remaining Water:** Gradually add the remaining water to the cornstarch mixture, whisking continuously. This helps ensure even distribution and prevents clumping.
3. **Cook the Mixture:** Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly with the whisk to prevent the cornstarch from settling and burning at the bottom. The mixture will start to thicken as it heats up.
4. **Simmer Until Clear:** Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens to a thin, translucent consistency, resembling a very light gel. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to overcook it, or it will become too thick.
5. **Remove From Heat:** Once the mixture is translucent, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let it cool slightly for a few minutes.
6. **Add Essential Oils (Optional):** If you’re using essential oils, add them now and stir well to combine. Choose scents that you enjoy and that are safe for use on fabrics.
7. **Strain the Mixture (Optional):** If you notice any small lumps or particles, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl. This will ensure a smooth and even spray.
8. **Cool Completely:** Allow the starch mixture to cool completely before transferring it to your spray bottle. This is important because hot starch can warp or damage the plastic bottle. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the bowl in an ice bath, stirring occasionally.
9. **Transfer to Spray Bottle:** Once the starch is completely cool, carefully pour it into your clean spray bottle. A funnel can be helpful to avoid spills.

## Adjusting the Strength of Your Starch

The key to achieving the perfect starch for your needs is adjusting the cornstarch-to-water ratio. Here’s a guide:

* **Light Starch:** Use ½ tablespoon of cornstarch per 2 cups of water. This is ideal for delicate fabrics and light ironing.
* **Medium Starch:** Use 1 tablespoon of cornstarch per 2 cups of water (the basic recipe). This provides a good balance of stiffness and flexibility for most fabrics.
* **Heavy Starch:** Use 1 ½ to 2 tablespoons of cornstarch per 2 cups of water. This is best for crisp collars, cuffs, and linens that require a more rigid finish. Use this with caution, as it can make fabric very stiff.

Remember to experiment to find the strength that works best for your fabrics and preferences.

## How to Use Homemade Laundry Spray Starch

Using your homemade laundry spray starch is similar to using commercial products, but with a few key differences:

1. **Shake Well Before Each Use:** Cornstarch can settle at the bottom of the bottle, so shake well before each use to ensure a consistent mixture.
2. **Test on an Inconspicuous Area:** Before spraying an entire garment, test the starch on a hidden area (like an inside seam) to ensure it doesn’t stain or discolor the fabric.
3. **Spray Lightly and Evenly:** Hold the spray bottle about 6-8 inches away from the fabric and spray lightly and evenly. Avoid oversaturating the fabric, as this can lead to stiffness and potential residue.
4. **Iron Immediately:** Iron the fabric immediately after spraying while it’s still damp. Use the appropriate heat setting for the fabric type.
5. **Iron in Sections:** For best results, iron in small sections, spraying each section before ironing. This allows the starch to penetrate the fabric evenly.
6. **Clean Your Iron Regularly:** Starch can build up on the soleplate of your iron over time. Clean your iron regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent residue from transferring to your clothes.

## Tips for Success

* **Use Distilled Water:** Distilled water is the best choice because it’s free of minerals that can cause discoloration or residue. If you don’t have distilled water, filtered water is a good substitute.
* **Dissolve Cornstarch Thoroughly:** Make sure the cornstarch is completely dissolved in the cold water before heating the mixture. This will prevent lumps and ensure a smooth starch.
* **Stir Constantly While Cooking:** Continuous stirring is essential to prevent the cornstarch from settling and burning. Use a whisk for best results.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooked starch can become too thick and difficult to spray. Simmer until the mixture is translucent and slightly thickened.
* **Cool Completely Before Transferring:** Allow the starch to cool completely before pouring it into the spray bottle to prevent warping or damage.
* **Store in a Cool, Dark Place:** Store your homemade laundry spray starch in a cool, dark place to extend its shelf life. Direct sunlight and heat can cause the starch to degrade.
* **Use Within a Few Weeks:** Homemade starch doesn’t contain preservatives, so it’s best to use it within a few weeks for optimal results. If you notice any mold or discoloration, discard the starch.
* **For Dark Fabrics:** Be extra cautious when using starch on dark fabrics, as it can sometimes leave a white residue. Always test on an inconspicuous area first and use a light hand when spraying.
* **Consider Adding Borax (With Caution):** As mentioned before, adding a very small amount of borax (Sodium Borate) can act as a preservative and help extend the shelf life of your starch. However, borax is a controversial ingredient, and you should research its safety and potential risks before using it. If you choose to use borax, add no more than 1/8 teaspoon to the recipe and mix thoroughly.

## Troubleshooting

* **Starch is Too Thick:** If your starch is too thick, you can dilute it by adding a small amount of water. Heat the mixture gently while stirring until it reaches the desired consistency.
* **Starch is Too Thin:** If your starch is too thin, you can thicken it by adding a small amount of cornstarch dissolved in cold water. Heat the mixture gently while stirring until it thickens to the desired consistency.
* **Starch Leaves a White Residue:** This can be caused by using too much starch or by not ironing the fabric thoroughly enough. Try using less starch and make sure to iron the fabric while it’s still damp.
* **Spray Bottle Clogs:** Starch can sometimes clog the spray nozzle. To prevent this, rinse the spray nozzle with warm water after each use. If the nozzle becomes clogged, try soaking it in warm water or vinegar.
* **Starch Smells Bad:** This is usually a sign that the starch has gone bad. Discard the starch and make a fresh batch.

## Essential Oil Blends for Laundry Spray Starch

If you’re adding essential oils to your laundry spray starch, consider these refreshing and fabric-friendly blends:

* **Lavender & Lemon:** A classic combination that provides a calming and uplifting scent. Use 3 drops of lavender and 3 drops of lemon essential oil.
* **Eucalyptus & Tea Tree:** A refreshing and antibacterial blend that’s great for linens and towels. Use 3 drops of eucalyptus and 2 drops of tea tree essential oil.
* **Rosemary & Peppermint:** An invigorating blend that can help boost your mood. Use 3 drops of rosemary and 2 drops of peppermint essential oil. *Avoid using on clothing for young children as peppermint can be too stimulating.*.
* **Citrus Burst:** Combine lemon, orange, and grapefruit essential oils for a bright and cheerful scent. Use 2 drops of each oil.
* **Calming Blend:** Combine lavender, chamomile, and cedarwood essential oils for a relaxing and soothing scent. Use 2 drops of each oil.

Always use pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils and be sure to test on an inconspicuous area of fabric before spraying an entire garment. Always research safety guidelines before using essential oils.

## Conclusion

Making your own laundry spray starch with cornstarch is a simple, affordable, and eco-friendly alternative to commercial products. By following these instructions and tips, you can create a customized starch that’s perfect for your fabrics and preferences. Enjoy crisp, wrinkle-free clothes without the harsh chemicals and high cost! Experiment with different cornstarch ratios and essential oil blends to create your perfect homemade laundry spray starch.