Starching white clothes gives them a crisp, professional finish, especially for items like shirts, blouses, or linens. While the process involves applying starch (like spray starch or liquid starch), achieving the desired crispness largely depends on the subsequent ironing technique.
Key Steps for Ironing Starched White Clothes
After applying your preferred starch product according to its instructions (whether it's a spray lightly misted onto specific areas or a dip into a liquid solution), the crucial step is ironing. Proper ironing sets the starch and smooths the fabric.
Selecting the Correct Iron Temperature
Ironing white fabrics requires care to prevent scorching or yellowing. The temperature setting is vital when working with starch.
- Use a medium to low heat setting. High heat can cause starch to scorch, leaving brown marks, particularly noticeable on white fabric.
- Ensure your heat setting is compatible with your fabric. Always check the care label on your garment and match the iron's temperature setting to the fabric type (e.g., cotton, linen, polyester blend). Using a heat too high for the material can damage it, regardless of starch.
Ironing Techniques with Starch
Effective ironing technique helps distribute the starch evenly and create crisp lines. Work methodically over the garment sections.
- For specific areas like collars that require maximum crispness, the reference suggests: Starch and press across the inside of the collar from tip. This technique, often done after applying starch to the area, involves smoothly pressing the iron from one point of the collar across to the other on the inside, helping it lie flat and hold its shape.
- Iron large, flat areas like sleeves and shirt bodies smoothly, moving the iron consistently to avoid leaving starch residue streaks.
- Avoid letting the hot iron sit in one spot for too long, especially on starched areas, as this can also lead to scorching.
Tips for Working with White Fabric and Starch
To maintain the pristine look of white clothes:
- Ensure your iron's soleplate is clean before you begin. Any residue can transfer onto the white fabric.
- If trying a new starch or technique, test it on an inconspicuous area of the garment first.
By carefully controlling the iron's temperature and using smooth, deliberate pressing techniques, especially on areas like collars, you can effectively starch your white clothes for a sharp, crisp appearance.
