Wash and rinse the clothes as usual. After the first rinse cycle, add some liquid starch into the detergent compartment. Powder starch can work too. Leave it to mix in well, then run the second rinse cycle. Spin dry the clothes, air dry them, and you’re done.
Most people only starch their clothes after they’ve washed them. But it is far better to add the starch while the clothes are being washed. It is better for the clothes itself, but it also saves you time and energy. You won’t have to dedicate another part of your day to pressing and starching them. Moreover, starching clothes while washing them helps to eliminate the crease and wrinkles that come with tumbling fabric.
Adding starch to the washing machine ensures even distribution to all garments. Liquid starch is most preferable for this process; however, powdered starch will work just fine if that’s what you have.
If you’re ready to starch clothes the right way, then we’re on the same page. We’ll explore the simple 3-step process for how to starch clothes in washing machines.
How Starch Clothes In Washing Machines. The 3 Steps
Step 1: Wash And Rinse Cloth
- Feed the machine with dirty garments and run the full course of the washing process.
- Prewash really dirty garments if necessary.
- After the washing phase, rinse the clothes for a full course
Stage 2: Add Starch At The Rising Stage
- Once the first rinse cycle has been done, set the machine for the second rinse cycle. Adjust the load and water level to ensure it is the right amount.
- Add liquid starch into the detergent compartment and leave to distribute.
- Shake the bottle of liquid starch vigorously to ensure even concentration. Mix the right proportion as directed by the manufacturer for powdered starch and stir properly for powdered starch.
- The thickness of the starch mixture determines how stiff the clothes will become.
- Let the rinse run for the second cycle to completion.
Stage 3: Remove The Cloth And Dry It
- Spin and remove the clothes from the machine.
- Air dry or spin in the machine. You may iron the clothes when they are dried or damp.
- Wipe the detergent tray clean of starch residue and open the machine for air.
Things To Note When Starching Clothes In The Washing Machine
To avoid uneven distribution of starch to garments, it’s important to note the following:
- Make sure that the water level completely submerges the clothes. This will help the clothes roll effectively inside the tub.
- It is important to keep track of the rinsing cycle. Starch should be added in the last rinse cycle for effectiveness.
- If possible, set your machine’s spinning speed to low rolls per minute (RPM). This will ensure the even distribution of the starch, giving it more time to be assimilated into the garments.
- Read and follow the instructions on the starch. This will avoid overstarching the clothes. When overstarching happens, it leads to scorching of the garments during ironing and reduces the durability of the clothes.
- It is advisable to turn colored garments inside out before starching them.
- Ensure that stains have been removed from the clothes before applying starch. It is harder for water to reach stains in starched garments.
- Starching clothes change the heat resistance. It is advisable to iron starched clothes in low heat to reduce the chances of scorching.
- There are commercially available detergents that give a starch effect. This reduces the need for starch and makes the process easier.
- Many people believe that starch leads to the early degradation of fabric, but this is inaccurate.
Benefits Of Starching Clothes In Washing Machine
Starch gives a crisp effect to clothes and makes them look smarter. Starch has been used on clothes since ancient times to elevate their appearance. Here are some reasons why we starch clothes:
It Makes Clothes Easy To Iron.
Starch naturally gets rid of wrinkles in garments. It makes ironing smooth and easy and reduces wrinkles with little effort. This saves time, effort, and power for laundry activities.
It Gives A Polished Appearance.
Starching gives clothes an elegant professional look. Because it keeps garments wrinkle-free and in their best shape, it elevates the appearance of the clothes.
Easy To Wash
When a garment is starched, the stain that would have stuck to the fabric will be stuck to starch. Starch forms an outer layer over the clothes, thereby protecting them from direct stains. This means that clothes can be cleaner and fresher for longer. When stained, they are easier to wash as the starch comes off with the stain.
Increases Durability
The protective layer that starch creates on a garment increases the fabric’s lifespan. It keeps it in good shape and helps it to last longer. Starch protects the garment from harsh detergents and vigorous washing that may cause the onset of wear and tear. This layer protects the garments from bodily stain, which means they can be worn more times before needing to be washed.
FAQs On How Starch Clothes In Washing Machine
Does It Matter If My Machine Is Top Load Or Front Load?
The process works for both loading types of machines. There may be variations in the individual settings, but this process works best for all types of machines.
What Measurement Of Starch Should I Use?
Measurements vary based on the thickness and quality of starch. For the average starch, ¼ cup can be added to a water bowl and stirred vigorously till even.
Is Adding Starch During Laundry Better After?
This is a matter of preference. Post laundry starching requires application mechanically to all garments, while starching in the laundry reduces the stress. The effect of post laundry starching can be more pronounced, but for mild crisp starching, laundry starching is appropriate.
