cheap spray starch or make your own?

[riley2008]

Ever since we stopped the weekly dry cleaning, we've saved a bundle! Woohoo!

On the other hand, I hate ironing and spray starches! I finally found Niagara non-aerosol spray starch and love it, but I go through a bottle a week to 10 days. Ideally, Niagara would make a refill, but alas - no such luck.

I know my mom used a powder that she would mix with water and dip clothes or doilies. I don't really want to "dip" clothes, but maybe I can put it in the Niagara spray bottle.

I also just use plain water in a spray bottle for some items or iron while the item is damp, but that isn't always enough - or the clothes wrinkle too quickly.

I'm hesitant to use the on-line recipes of cornstarch and water, unless someone has some personal experiences.

 

[riley2008]

anyone?

(You guys have great tips for laundry detergent and fabric softner, certainly someone irons on a budget too.)

 

[becky1960]

The last time we bought some it was at Walmart, they have a liquid concentrate. The best we ever used was a concentrate from Amway..

 

[scrapquitler]

The simplest solution would be to stop ironing.

Water and your iron should be enough on most things, except maybe the cuffs, collar and button plackets of dress shirts.

I quilt, a LOT and I starch all my quilting fabrics when I'm sewing, and I don't use anywhere near as much spray starch as you are using.

 

[Fly4free]

Have you tried "Magic Sizing"? I like that and a can costs about $1 @ the Family Dollar store. Smells nice and fresh too

 

[cjnix29]

I second Magic Sizing. Works great, and it's cheap! For a buck a can, I would rather just stock up than try to make something. If you figure $4 a month, compared to your drycleaning bill!

 

[riley2008]

The simplest solution would be to stop ironing.

Water and your iron should be enough on most things, except maybe the cuffs, collar and button plackets of dress shirts.

I quilt, a LOT and I starch all my quilting fabrics when I'm sewing, and I don't use anywhere near as much spray starch as you are using.

For most things like sweaters, tees blend fabrics, water and a quick iron is fine. I live in linen or cotton capris or khakis all year. I also love crisp cotton shirts. It was an easy professional "look". Now that I'm ironing, there is nothing "easy" about it. My DH, although wears a uniform every third day, loves his cotton or linen pants/shorts, and cotton or silk Hawaiian shirts. (I am trying to convince him that gym shorts and tees are good too.) Without a little starch, most things just don't keep a good finished look.

(So between lots of ironing for everyday wear and sewing, it's a lot of ironing.)

I think I'll try checking out our Wal-mart and a friend sells Amway and another Melaluna(?) products. A concentrated liquid starch will be what I'm looking for. I'm trying to stay away from aerosol cans if possible, too.

And yes, we've saved a fortune by ironing, but I think I may start "charging" my husband - you know, to add to the vacation fund (aka large pink pig bank near the door of the laundry room).

Thanks for all the suggestions.

 

[bnf2]

Sta-Flo concentrated liquid starch. Lasts forever!
http://www.staflostarch.com/