Starching Clothing | Why And How To Do It
Starching a shirt can give it a crisp, professional look that’s perfect for formal occasions or just to keep you looking sharp. While many people rely on professional services, you can achieve excellent results at home. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to starch a shirt, ensuring it looks as good as if it came straight from the dry cleaners.
Why Starch a Shirt?
Starching a shirt not only gives it a polished appearance but also helps it stay wrinkle-free and clean for longer. Starched shirts are more resistant to stains, as dirt and sweat adhere to the starch rather than the fabric itself. This means your shirts will stay fresh and sharp throughout the day.
What You’ll Need
Equipment/Tools:
Large sink or tub
Ironing board with a heat-reflective cover
Iron
Spray bottle
Clothes hanger
Materials:
Spray or liquid starch
Laundry sizing (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Select the Right Fabric
Ensure your shirt is made of a woven fabric like cotton or linen. Synthetic fabrics or blends may not hold starch as well and can result in a less crisp finish.
2. Prepare the Starch Solution
For a professional finish, use liquid starch. Mix 2 cups of liquid starch with 3 gallons of water in a large container or sink.
3. Dip the Shirt in the Solution
Submerge the shirt in the starch mixture, ensuring it is fully saturated.
4. Wring and Hang
Wring out the excess solution and hang the shirt to dry until it is slightly damp. This will make ironing more effective.
5. Set Up the Ironing Board
Use a sturdy ironing board with a heat-reflective cover. This helps achieve a crisp finish without unwanted creases.
6. Select the Ironing Temperature
Set your iron to the highest heat setting suitable for cotton or linen (around 400 degrees). Avoid using the steam setting.
7. Iron the Collar First
Start with the collar, ironing both sides flat. Move on to the shoulder area, ironing from one shoulder across the back to the other shoulder.
8. Iron the Sleeves
Lay one sleeve flat and iron from the armpit to the cuff, then iron a crease into the top of the sleeve. Repeat for the other sleeve.
9. Iron the Body of the Shirt
Finish by ironing the front and back of the shirt, taking care to avoid re-wrinkling areas you’ve already ironed.
10. Address Scorching Immediately
If you notice any scorch marks, attempt to remove them immediately to prevent permanent damage.
11. Hang the Shirt to Cool and Dry
Once ironing is complete, hang the shirt to dry fully before wearing it. A damp shirt can wrinkle more easily.
Tips for Starching Shirts Like a Pro
Always start with a freshly washed, stain-free shirt.
Avoid starching wool, wool blends, silks, and other delicate fabrics.
For black clothing, flip the garment inside out to prevent white flakes.
Do not starch items you plan to store away, as starch can attract insects.