A common question in ironing blogs is, “can I starch my clothes?” if you’re a newbie, you may not be familiar with starch. However, it’s one of the most common components in dry cleaning.
Is starch bad for your clothes? Yeah, starch can reduce lifespan of clothes. Starched garments can attract bugs, and storing them is a big problem. Moreover, wrongly keeping can turn them yellow.
Let’s explore why starch is bad for clothes.
Cons Of Using Starch On Clothes
Compromise lifespan of clothes
Starch is hugely used in dry cleaning of garments. Anyone will be amazed by the dashing look of starched clothes.
However, if you use starch in bulk amounts, starch residue may harm your dresses in the long run. It may forces fibers to break down. Resultantly, the lifespan of your garments may be compromised.
Bug problem
Imagine you open your closet, and suddenly find bugs (nasty bitch!) are sneaking into your favorite starched shirt. Does it sound horrible? Yeah, of course.
In most cases, bugs are attracted to starched items. Therefore, extra care should be given to them. Otherwise, bugs may create a big problem for you.
Storage problem
If you live in a small apartment and prefer to store clothes in a closet, starching may not be the perfect solution. There is a higher possibility that starched clothes may turn yellow, provided that you store them wrongly for a longer period.
Reduce tensile strength
Are you a science guy? If so, you can easily understand what tensile strength is. If not, don’t worry. Tensile strength of fabric means the highest load that particular fiber can support before breaking down.
When you regularly use an excessive amount of starch for garments, tensile strength may be reduced. What will be its consequences? Simple, your favorite dresses will be damaged very soon!
Why Starch Bad For Clothes
You may buy starch can from superstore or online. However, you shouldn’t use them as they contain chemicals. These chemicals may be harmful to your clothes.
Generally, this starch contains-
- Formaldehyde
- Alcohol
- Harmful fragrance
Therefore, I advise you to consult with your laundry service. Tell them not to use starch for your laundry.
Solve The Problem
You can solve the problem by making eco-friendly starch at home. This starch doesn’t contain any dangerous materials. Moreover, you can easily make them at your home.
Ingredients
- Cornstarch (1 teaspoon)
- Cold water (2 teaspoons)
- Essential oil (if needed)
- Spray bottle
Instructions:
- First, mix one teaspoon of cornstarch and two teaspoons of cold water in a cup.
- Stir them to make a milk-colored solution.
- If you like fragrance, add essential oil.
- Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
- Store it carefully in a cool and dark space.
However, you shouldn’t make this homemade starch in a bulk amount. It won’t work after a week.
One last thing, excessive use of these homemade items may harm your garments. Therefore, always use them in fair amounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does starch do to laundry?
Despite some bad effects, starch has some pros too. Starch can turn your shirt into a fabulous one. Take a look at what starch does to laundry-
- It keeps wrinkles away from clothes.
- Keeps garments fresh and crisp.
- Makes ironing easier and flexible.
- Best solution for clothes that can’t be washed.
- Removing stains from fabrics is super easy.
However, it’s not free from its side effects. For example, excess usage of starch may harm and reduce the lifespan of garments.
So, use starch carefully.
Will starch stain clothes?
Yeah, it can. If you don’t use starch in exact amount, garments may stain. However, it isn’t a big problem. You can get rid of this situation by following some simple steps. First, prepare the following ingredients.
Ingredients:
- Dishwashing liquid
- Water
- A white towel
Instructions:
- First, take dishwashing liquid and water in a bowl. Stir them to make a solution.
- Dip the white towel in the solution.
- Now, use this towel to rinse the stained spot carefully.
- Clean the area with water and dry.
Should I use starch on my shirts?
If your shirt is 100% cotton, you can starch it. However, never use it if your shirt is-
- Cotton-polyester blend
- Wool
- Wool-synthetic blend
- Silk
Why do cowboys starch their jeans?
Cowboys starch their jeans for several reasons. Basically, jeans are hugely popular among cowboys and cowgirls. They starch their jeans because-
- It adds a protective layer over the fabric.
- Dirts just slides away over jeans.
- Keep jeans well and crisp.
- It is perfect for traveling.
Bottom Line
Starch may be a big relief for many as some garments can’t be washed. That’s why during dry wash, starch is used to process them.
However, you should understand its pitfalls and prepare homemade starch for your clothes.
How do you starch your clothes? Please leave it in the comment section.
Goodbye!
