Getting starch out of clothes can be an important task, especially when dealing with accidental spills or over-starched laundry. Starch can give a crisp, professional look to fabrics, but it can also create stiff and uncomfortable clothing if used in excess. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to remove starch from your clothes effectively:
Step 1: Shake Out Excess Starch
Before you begin the washing process, give the garment a good shake. This can dislodge loose starch particles and make the rest of the cleaning process more effective.
Step 2: Soak in Warm Water
Fill a basin or sink with warm water. Submerge the starched garment and let it soak for 15-30 minutes. Warm water will help loosen the starch from the fabric fibers, making it easier to wash away.
Step 3: Apply Liquid Detergent
After soaking, gently rub liquid laundry detergent into the fabric, concentrating on areas that feel particularly stiff. You don’t need a lot of detergent; a small amount should suffice. The detergent helps break down the starch.
Step 4: Wash as Usual
Place the garment in the washing machine and wash it according to the fabric’s care instructions. Use the usual amount of laundry soap, and choose a warm water cycle if the fabric care instructions permit. If the garment is delicate, hand wash it instead to prevent damage.
Step 5: Vinegar Rinse (Optional)
If you find that the fabric still feels overly stiff after washing, you can use vinegar as a natural fabric softener. Add a half cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle of the wash. Vinegar is excellent for breaking down residues without leaving any smell once the garment is dry.
Step 6: Check for Starchiness
After the wash cycle is complete, check the garment for starchiness while it is still wet. If it still feels stiff, repeat the washing process.
Step 7: Air Dry
Avoid using the dryer as heat can sometimes set starch further into the fabric. Instead, air dry the garment by hanging it or laying it out flat. Once the item is dry, check again for any signs of stiffness.
Step 8: Ironing (If Necessary)
If after air drying the garment still feels a little stiff, you can use ironing as a final step to relax the fibers. Use a steam iron on the appropriate setting for the type of fabric you’re working with. The heat and moisture from the steam can help remove any lingering stiffness.
Prevention Tips:
To prevent having to remove excess starch in the future, consider the following tips:
- Use less starch during your ironing or spray-starching process.
- Apply starch more evenly by holding the can at the recommended distance from the fabric.
- Test spray a small section of the garment first to ensure it’s not too much.
- Regularly clean and maintain your iron to ensure it’s not contributing to starch build-up.
By following these steps, you can effectively remove excess starch from your clothes and restore them to a comfortable and wearable condition. Remember to always check the care label on your clothing for any specific washing or drying instructions that could impact the de-starching process.