One of the most effective methods of making a shirt look sleek and clean is to use starch. In addition to reducing wrinkles and providing a smoother look, starch can also help protect the fibers of the fabric so that the shirt lasts longer. The key to success for getting maximum sizing results is knowing how to prepare the clothes, making the starch mixture in the right proportions, and applying the right amount to the fabric surface. You can buy ready-made starch at the store, or make your own cornstarch or vodka mixture.
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Method 1 of 3: Using Commercial Products
Step 1. Purchase ready-made starch products
If you don't want to go through the hassle of preparing your own starch mixture, you can buy ready-made products at the store. You can find this product in the laundry supply aisle at the supermarket or online. You can buy it in liquid or powder form. Some brands that you can get are Astonish Spray Starch, Easy On or Dylon Spray Starch.
Step 2. Mix the starch
If you are using a powdered starch product, you should mix it with water before applying it. Mix 4 tablespoons of starch with 500 ml of hot water in a bowl or basin. Stir until the mixture turns milky. Then, pour the mixture into a spray bottle. You are ready to use it.
You can use the water-to-starch ratio above, but read the directions on the package before making the solution
Step 3. Start with a clean shirt
Prepare the shirt by unbuttoning all buttons, including the collar and cuff buttons. Treat stains before washing by scrubbing them with a small amount of detergent, or using a stain remover pen. Then, wash the shirt on a normal wash cycle or for delicate clothing, depending on the label directions, stain condition, and fabric resistance. Next, hang the shirt on a hanger and let it dry on its own.
Don't use a tumble dryer unless you have no other choice. If you must use it, set it to a low temperature
Step 4. Place the shirt on the ironing board
When the shirt is dry, place it on the ironing board with the two fronts hanging off the sides of the table, while the back is spread across the tabletop. You can start by spraying starch on the front of the shirt.
Step 5. Spray the starch on the front of the shirt
Spray the starch thinly and evenly over the front of the shirt. Wait a few seconds for the starch solution to soak into the fabric fibers. Then, gently iron on the recommended heat setting for the fabric type.
If you don't find a recommended temperature, use a high temperature so the heat generated will cook the starch
Step 6. Repeat the same procedure on the back of the shirt
Turn the shirt over so the back is facing up. Iron the back of the shirt carefully. Continue the kneading process by spraying and ironing each sleeve, and finish your job by working on the collar.
Step 7. Hang the shirt when you're done
Place the shirt on a hanger and let it air out for a while before storing it in the closet. This will allow the starch to adhere more tightly to the fibers and hold it in better, giving the shirt the slightly stiff appearance and texture you want.
Method 2 of 3: Using Cornstarch
Step 1. Make a mixture
You can make your own starch solution by mixing cornstarch and water. Mix 1½ tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 cups of water. Stir until the solution looks like milk. Pour the starch solution into a basin or sink. Add warm water until the basin or bowl is almost full.
- You should use enough water so that the shirt can move easily in the basin or sink. If there is too little water, the shirt will be too stiff.
- Use distilled water if the tap water is high in minerals. Otherwise, tap water is safe to use.
Step 2. Soak the shirt in the basin
For a colored shirt, flip it over so the inside is outside. Then, dip the shirt in the water. Make sure the water covers the entire surface of the shirt, then wring it out to remove any excess water. Don't dip more than one shirt at a time. Do it one by one.
Step 3. Put the shirt in the washing machine
You can also do the starching process in the washing machine if you don't want to do it manually. Run the washing machine as usual, then stop at the last rinse. Pour the starch solution into the fabric softener compartment, or directly into the running water.
Do not pour the starch solution into the compartment at the beginning of the washing process as this may cause clogging
Step 4. Hang the shirt so it can be ventilated
Place the shirt on a hanger, then let it air dry (still a little damp). Once dry, remove the shirt from the hanger and iron it. This way, the shirt will be smooth and wrinkle-free.
If the shirt is made of a delicate material, do not use high temperatures when ironing
Method 3 of 3: Using Vodka
Step 1. Prepare the shirt in advance
For best results, wash and dry the shirt before kneading it with any method. Washing will clean dirt or dust that can interfere with the recitation process and make the product unable to protect the fabric fibers optimally.
Step 2. Make a vodka solution
Vodka is great for cleaning, disinfecting, and refreshing a room. You can also use it to make the fabric stiffer. Mix cup of vodka and cup of water. Shake until the ingredients are well blended, then pour the solution into a spray bottle.
You can use any type of unflavored vodka
Step 3. Place the shirt on the ironing board
You should place it with the front facing up. Turn on the iron and set it to the maximum temperature suitable for the shirt material. Spray the vodka solution evenly throughout the shirt. Iron the inside of the shirt first. Continue with the collar, cuffs, sleeves, and all the rest. Turn the shirt over and repeat the same process with the back of the shirt.
The back of the shirt wrinkle more easily than the front. Make sure you iron the entire back until it's smooth, so you don't miss anything
Step 4. Hang the shirt
Place the shirt carefully on the hanger. It's a good idea to hang your shirt in a wide area so it doesn't come in contact with other objects or clothing. Hang the shirt overnight, then you can store it in the closet.
