Get Perfectly Crisp Shirts With This DIY Starch Spray Made From Pantry Essentials

If you have ever tried to iron an incredibly wrinkled shirt, you know how tedious it can be. Fortunately, starching your clothing can help make the job easier. Starch spray works by stiffening the fabric of the item you're ironing to help give it shape. It also sets it to stop further wrinkles. While there are starch sprays on the market, you can just as easily create your own DIY spray that will transform a crinkled shirt into a fresh and crisp one. Aside from how quick it is to make, the best thing about this spray is that it only requires three ingredients: water, cornstarch, and an essential oil (or plural) of your choice.

Perhaps you're experimenting with using natural ingredients in a bid to avoid chemicals, or perhaps you're trying to be more eco-friendly. Either way, this DIY made from pantry essentials ticks the boxes for being chemical-free and easy to make. This spray is perfect for those days when you want to look extra smart and is an excellent item to take on vacation for when your clothes inevitably emerge from your suitcase looking like they have been folded a million times.

All that's necessary to make the base combination for this starch spray is to mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with 20 ounces of water. Mix thoroughly until the cornstarch has dissolved into the water and then dispense into a spray bottle before shaking to combine once more. If you do want to add fragrance, essential oils are a good, natural way to do so. There are heaps of fragrances to pick from, but a relaxing scent like lavender would be ideal for clothing.

Keep in mind that undiluted essential oils are strong, so you only need a few drops. Otherwise, your clothes could smell overly synthetic when you spritz them. Additionally, some essential oils can be harmful if ingested, especially to pets, per the ASPCA. Always keep essential oil bottles out of the reach of animals and small children to stop them from ingesting or getting any of the oil on their skin.

Once made, this homemade starch spray will last for around two weeks. You can also put it in the fridge to extend its lifespan. Due to the thickness of cornstarch and the fact it settles, you may find that the spray gets stuck within the bottle. To solve this, it's best to make a fresh batch each time. However, for convenience, you could also just remember to shake the bottle well before each use (and perhaps check if there is any starch near the nozzle so you can manually dislodge it). 

Before using this spray starch on your expensive shirts, always patch test on a small area or a less expensive item. Starching is not meant for all clothing, as delicate fabrics like silk and cashmere can easily be ruined. It's especially important to test first when ironing a garment that is not easily replaceable or made from thin fabric.