Need an easy, homemade liquid spray starch recipe that only costs pennies? Learn three simple ways to make non-toxic liquid spray starch and the pros/cons of each method.
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I avoid ironing at all costs, but when I want to look nicely put together or when I’m sewing I haul out the ironing board and the liquid spray starch. The spray starch is an extra step, but it gives laundry an extra crispness, makes ironing go much faster, and maintains that “freshly ironed” look longer.
Which all sounds great except for one big problem.
The Surprise Lurking In Your Laundry Room
The last time I was ironing I glanced at the can of spray starch -> in addition to the starch (modified cornstarch) my handy ironing helper contained butane, propane, isobutene, silicone, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium nitrite, polyethylene glycol, ammonium hydroxide, fragrance and preservative.
What the heck?!?
I didn't know what half of those things were, so I did some digging. What I found out shocked me.
- Butane, propane and isobutene are gases often used as fuel that can ignite and can also be explosive. Now I don’t know about you, but when ironing I am using an appliance called an IRON that heats up and plugs in. Maybe it's not the best idea to have flammable, explosive fuels nearby.
- Silicone is a synthetic compound that helps to smooth the fabric (it’s often used in hair products). However, silicone also attracts dust and other air pollutants (they stick to your starched item) and silicone is not water-soluble. So this ingredient makes your freshly ironed laundry dirtier AND you have to use a harsh detergent to remove it. No thank you!
- Several ingredients aren't even needed to starch your laundry — but are needed to make the product shelf stable for extended periods of time. These include sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, a synthetic skin conditioning agent; sodium nitrite, a corrosion inhibitor; polyethylene glycol, a solvent used to keep the solution moist; and ammonium hydroxide, a solution of ammonia in water used to adjust PH levels.
- I don't trust products that purposely choose to use non-specific ingredient labels (in this case “Fragrance” and “Preservative”). As I mentioned in Why I Use Natural Homemade Cleaning Products, the U.S. does not require manufactures to specifically label or disclose the full ingredient list in household and personal care products. This means that you often have absolutely no idea what you are inhaling or exposing your loved ones to when you use this commercial product.
The Liquid Spray Starch Experiment
I decided that I could figure out how make my own non-toxic spray starch and started digging…
Spray starch #1 –How to Starch a Shirt with Cornstarch
The first directions I found seemed impossibly simple:
- Mix 1 ½ Tbsp cornstarch with 2 cups of water (you can use distilled water if you have hard water, I used tap water since the starch doesn't go into the iron).
- Fill a glass spray bottle.
I mixed up a batch of recipe #1 and it worked well, except for the fact that it keep settling. I had to shake it before each spritz and it clogged my sprayer if I didn’t shake it up enough.
Back to the drawing board!
Spray Starch #2 – Water and Cornstarch, Heated
I knew there had to be a way to keep the starch suspended without adding chemicals. I decided to add heat:
- Mix together 2 ½ cups of tap water and 1 ½ tbsp cornstarch in a saucepan (make sure there are no lumps).
- Bring the mixture to a boil for 1 minute then cool to room temperature.
- Fill a glass spray bottle.
The heated starch stays suspended and works perfectly: no shaking, no clogging, and nicely starched clothes!
Success!
Spray starch #3 – Water and Vodka
My only concern with the cooked starch recipe was that it might show on dark colors. In the store you can buy spray starch made specifically for dark-colored items.
The DIY starch for darks solution? Vodka! I love cleaning windows, disinfecting bathrooms, freshening rooms, and cleaning floors with vodka. Turns out it makes a great fabric crisper too. It’s popular in quilting circles. Users claim it is the starch from the potatoes (vodka is made from potatoes) that stiffens the fabric.
- Mix one part vodka to two parts water in a glass spray bottle (I use 1/3 cup vodka and 2/3 cup water).
- Shake to combine.
Success!
The Cost Savings
Homemade liquid spray starch is CHEAP!
- The cornstarch starch version costs about $0.08 for the cornstarch and $0 for the water (about ½ a cent per ounce).
- The cooked cornstarch starch version is $0.08 for the cornstarch, $0 for the water and maybe a cent for using the stove (about ½ a cent per ounce).
- The vodka starch version costs $0.70 for the vodka and and $0 for the water (about $0.09 per ounce). Buy the cheapest vodka available, about $9 a liter.
- You can even make your own glass spray bottle for free!
Prices for commercial spray starch range from $2 to more than $15 for a 12-20 oz aerosol can ($0.08-$0.75 cents an ounce). I love the saving, but I love knowing that my spray starch is free of toxic chemicals even more!
How to Customize Your DIY Spray Starch
You can customize your homemade spray starch a few different ways:
- Add a few drops of essential oil to scent it. However, be sure to test your homemade spray starch on a rag or kitchen towel before using it on an expensive piece of clothing. The essential oil could darken with heat. (Use a dark spray bottle if using essential oils.)
- Add extra water to make the starch less stiff.
- Add more cornstarch to give your laundry a stiffer finish.
Storing Liquid Spray Starch
I keep my liquid spray starch in the laundry room cupboard for several weeks with no problems. I suggest making small batches as it contains no artificial preservatives and could eventually go bad. Throw it out and make a new batch if the mixture begins to darken or mold.
I store my starch in a glass spray bottle. Check out this DIY glass spray bottle tutorial (Hint, It’s super easy!).
Free Printable Label
If you like my starch label you can grab a printable PDF in my free printable library. I print mine on full sheet label paper for easy application.
If you're like me and you try your best not to iron, try making your own homemade spray starch to speed up the ironing process and maintain the effects longer. It's cheap, it's easy, and it will remove some shocking chemicals from your home and away from your loved ones' bodies.
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I enjoyed your recipes. Thanks.
Thanks Beverly!
Hi Bren! Thank you for actually trying these out and sharing your experiences. I was wondering why some people boil the water and others do not. It’s kind of a peeve of mine when people post recipes and it isn’t obvious (or likely) the person bothered to try it out. I really appreciate what you’ve done here! Kind regards, Elaine
Thanks Elaine! I appreciate your comment. I agree, I like to actually try the project before posting . Hope the recipe works for you!
I tried the boiling version and I only have one problem/question. After putting starch into spray bottle the only way I can get it to come out of the bottle is to open it wide for it to stream out instead of misting. Is there a special kind of bottle I need to use to get it to mist? I made it for my quilting fabric- but I don’t want to drown my pieces and my ironing board to starch them. Help?
Brian, good question! You may have to experiment with spray tops or thin down the mixture a bit to get a fine mist. My bottle tops mists, but it is not a super fine mist like a aerosol bottle (it is definitely not a stream). Once you have boiled the original water/starch you can thin it by just shaking or stirring in a few extra tablespoons of water. Hope this helps!
I’ve never liked store-bought starch because it makes me itchy… But those chemicals, wow! I’ve tried the classic recipe of plain cornstarch and water, and ended up with a separated mix that clogs my sprayer. Tried #2 and it works. Thanks!
I’m so glad the recipe worked for you! I agree, the store bought version can make me itchy!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I came across your blog in search of a good recipe for homemade starch and I found not only a great recipe for that, but also a like-minded person.
I grew up in a very holistic home (without realizing it) and have spent the last twenty-eight years getting back to that lifestyle. Discovering like-minded people in suburban Texas is harder than anyone can believe. Most people around here think you’re a raving tree-hugger if you’re committed to recycling, forget about using natural, homemade products in lieu of chemicals!
Thanks once again.
Oh Odalys, be still my heart! I am so glad found my little blog too! I also grew up in a natural home and I am finding my way back. I love finding like minded people, it is nice to be inspired to be healthy and green. PS – I like to call myself “chewy” ’cause I’m not 100% crunchy just yet… but I am definitely on my way! Hee, hee! Welcome, welcome!
This is a great share – thank you. Just one quick question – with the vodka added does it eliminate the chance of white streaks on blues & darker fabrics?
Great question Sheryl, the vodka and water mix does not leave white marks on dark fabric. Hope you give it a try! -Bren
Hello ! thanks for the tips for home made starch. I touch up or iron shirts only when I have to ! Wouldn’t the vodka / water mix NOT go bad as you thought the cornstarch would?
You are correct Gordon, the vodka water mix does not spoil like the cornstarch eventuality does. I still make the cooked cornstarch/water version for items I want to be more crisp. The vodka/water version works great an stores well.
Oh awesome, cant wait to try this for my husband’s work shirts! Thanks
I hope you like the recipe!
Geeze! Vodka is not made of potatoes. Even if it were, wouldn’t contain any starch at all. Distillation, you know! Your method is really a bad kind of vodka abuse!
You are correct, not all vodka is made from potatoes today. Many kinds are now made from grains. You’ll also note I recommend using the cheapest kind of vodka available, it’s not a kind I would drink! It woks great in the spray starch and it also woks great as a room freshener and glass cleaner. Thanks for stopping by the blog!
Did you ever try saving the water from boiled potatoes and mixing it with more water for a free homemade spray starch? I remember reading that recipe in a children’s book when I was maybe 8 years old. Let me know if you try it and how that works.
Deborah, I have never tried the potato water method but will add it to my “test” list! Thanks for commenting.
Hi Bren, am grateful you to share such the useful tips for the betterment and saving money and the health of people, and allow me to please congratulate you on your intent and your precious time which you spare for people like us, thank you and thank you again,
one question please, can we store cornstarch with water heated after preparation and how? as I have tried it stinks after some time, coz its a bit hard in shortage of time to always spare for the same process. thanks a lot.
Tahir, I store the cooked cornstarch spray starch for several weeks in a cool, dark cabinet. It can start to smell because it does not contain any preservatives. You should get rid of it if the odor changes and make a new batch. You could also store it in the refrigerator to prolong its shelf life.
Thanks for the starch recipe and the trial and error process you went through. I look forward to seeing your other natural ideas.
Thank you for the lovely comment, Lisa! I hope the spray starch works well for you.
Great post Bren! I do part time ironing for private households and from time to time they ask if I have any tips on matters of laundry. Yesterday one of my clients asked if i use spray starch as she was sending some curtains she had try to iron without success.
Normally I don’t , as my ironing sysyem is a powerful one and usually gets the creases out first time, plus aerosol spray starch can leave a residue you have to spend time flicking off every verse end.
However I deducted that her question was more because she wanted a little more “oompff” in terms of rigidity.
Anyway, not wanting to say wholly I couldn’t or wouldn’t , I thought i would do a little research and voila ! found your post, I made it , tested on something of mine and pleased to say just finished the curtains using method #2 and it worked perfectly!
So thank you I am sure my client will be over the moon 🙂 and I will be keeping method #3 in the bank for a later date!
Rachelle, I am delighted to hear that you were pleased with the homemade spray starch. I love having an endorsement from a true professional! Please let me know if you try method #3 and like it. It is my go-to since it is the easiest to make and store.
ps I should have mentioned I am from the Uk so cornstarch is called cornflour for those trying the recipe in the Uk 🙂
Excellent tip Rachelle, thanks for sharing!
I have been looking for a way to stiffen the brim of a hat and I came across this page. The hat is 90% paper 10% polyester. It is white and came a cropper on a muddy lawn! I managed to wash off the mud stains, but the result was that the brim went floppy. My question about these starches is this: as the hat will not be washed again, will the starch on the hat go mouldy in time? Also, (and please excuse my ignorance), do you iron the ‘garment’ before or after spraying with the starch? And as I probably cannot iron the hat, will it work? Thanks.
Val, I don’t know much about hat starching so please take that into consideration. The starch should not go mouldy once it is completely dry. When using starch you spray and then iron. I wonder if you should seek out a hat shop for the repair?
Thanks Bren. The hat was not expensive so I think if the worst came to the worst it would be cheaper to buy a new one! I might give it a go. Thanks again.
Ok good! I don’t want to destroy an expensive hat!
Can you use the water/vodka mix on whites also?
Yes, it works great on all colors!
Hi Bren,
I’m going to try #3, but according to your mixture 1/3 cup of vodka 2/3 cup of water. …that’s such a small amount. …..can you give a mixture for a larger amount. …thanks
You can double the recipe by mixing 2/3 cup vodka with 1 1/3 cup of water or triple the recipe by using 1 cup vodka and 2 cups of water. Hope you enjoy.
Thank you for this and for having tried them beforehand. I made the 2nd. recipe and it works great!!
I had stop using store-bought starch because of the chemicals. Now, I have my homemade version!
Cheers!!
I’m so glad it worked for you, Marisol! I love having a homemade version.
Love these recipes!! Which of the 3 gives you the stiffest hold?
Thanks Karolin! The cooked cornstarch/water has the stiffest hold. You can adjust the stiffness by adding more or less water.
Ok Bren, I know this is an old post, but what if you took it one step farther. What if… mix cornstarch with the vodka? The alcohol would make for a much longer shelf life, and probably would fall into the “heavier” starch category for those that want a little more crispness.
That’s a great idea, Bob! I will give it a try. You would not be able to cook the vodka with the cornstarch (the alcohol would evaporate) but you could probably mix an extra-thick batch of cornstarch and water with vodka and have good results. I can’t wait to give it a try!
Hi Bren,
Happy New Year!
Did you try the combination that Bob suggested about mixing the Vodka and the cornstarch? I tried the Vodka and it does work it gives a light starch appearance and I would like the starch a little stiffer…I also use it to freshen linens on the bed…..But I have used the cornstarch long ago before, but because I don’t iron often it went bad so that’s why I stopped using starch. So I’m excited to know what the outcome was with the Vodka/cornstarch mix.
Thanks!
Hi Bren, Can I soak a shirt in one of your mixtures to make it more like the “sizing” that was in the fabric when new?
Eileen, I’ve never tried it but the boiled cornstarch mixture might work. Let me know if you try it! I would do a test on a small piece of your fabric to be safe.
Thanks for this post, I really enjoyed it.
Thanks, Chris!
I made your heated spray sarch recipe, except I made it slightly thicker & added vodka. I’m still finding it settles & clumps. It’s already completely plugged up one spray nozzle. I store it in the fridge due to souring if not kept cold. What the heck am I doing wrong?
I’m sorry to hear that you’re having trouble with clumping. I have never used both vodka and cornstarch when making it, so I am not sure what that does to the cornstarch. I would start with just one of the original recipes then modify it to what works best for you. You will need a strong spray nozzle, not one meant for perfume or light sprays. Good luck!
Hi Bren. I was very happy to find your easy liquid starch solutions because I’m having a lot of trouble finding any locally other than the big name aerosols. But I did have a question, my daughter makes DIYslime and there are many recipes using liquid fabric starch, I really don’t want her to use those chemical laden sprays. Do you have any idea if the homemade version will work in the slime recipes?
Excellent question, Leslie! I have never made the DIY Slime with this liquid fabric starch so I am not sure how it would work. I am with you, I would not want my kids playing with slime made with toxic chemicals…. it would be all over their hands/skin. Yuck! I just did a quick youtube search and found a bunch of DIY slime recipes there that did not use starch, borax, etc. I would take a quick look there with your daughter. I bet you could find a non-toxic slime recipe! Good luck! Let me know how it turns out.
Hey Bren, sweet blog! What if you substitute a portion of the water with vodka in the starch mix? Wouldn’t the vodka act as a preservative to keep the starch from going bad?
It just might work, Dan. I haven’t tried it yet. Let me know if it works for you.
THANK YOU, the vodka worked like magic, I am quilting on not so expencive material, which are in the archives, I am nou seriously trying to make the years of staching mountains flater before 80 so in the following 3 years quilting will be my middel name. Thanks again for sharing.
I’m happy the starch recipe worked for you!