Wrinkled collars, limp hems, and fabric that refuses to hold a crisp crease can make freshly washed clothes look half-finished. This easy laundry starch spray fixes that with a simple dry mix you keep on hand and use when you need it. It takes about a minute to make the base blend, which is faster than running out to buy another bottle (because of course it always happens then).
A store bottle of spray starch usually costs several dollars, while this dry mix uses pantry-style starches and makes each batch for pennies based on current ingredient pricing. Making your own also lets you skip added fragrance and mix only as much strength as you want for a spray bottle or a full starch bath.
You only need 2 materials for the dry mix, and the finished concentrate stores in a labeled zip-top sandwich bag until you need it. For use, you’ll just need water plus a spray bottle or another container for a starch bath.
- 🧰 Materials You'll Need
- 🔧 Tools & Equipment
- 🛠️ How to Make Laundry Starch Spray
- 🛠️ How to Use It
- 🎨 Customization Ideas
- 🛡️ Safety and Care
- 📦 Storage
- 💸 Estimated Cost
- 🛍️ Need Help Finding Everything?
- ❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Laundry Starch Spray
- 📌 Love this Laundry Starch Spray? Pin it!
- 🖨️ Print-Friendly How-To: Laundry Starch Spray
Materials You’ll Need
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup wheat starch
- Water, for mixing the spray solution or starch bath
Tools & Equipment
- Ziploc sandwich bag
- Label
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Spray bottle, if using as a spray starch
- Container or basin, if using as a starch bath
How to Make Laundry Starch Spray
- Measure 1 cup cornstarch and 1/2 cup wheat starch.
- Combine both starches in a ziploc sandwich bag.
- Seal the bag tightly.
- Label the bag so it’s ready to grab when you need a quick batch.
How to Use It
- Dissolve 2 teaspoons of the dry starch mix in 1 cup water.
- Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and shake well.
- Apply it to damp fabric with the spray bottle before ironing.
- If you want a lighter finish or need to treat larger pieces, dilute with more water and moisten fabrics in a starch bath instead.
If you handle a lot of ironing, you might also like this MYO Heavy Spray Starch or browse more make-your-own laundry helpers here.
Customization Ideas
- For everyday shirts and blouses: Use the standard ratio and apply lightly to damp fabric.
- For a lighter finish: Add more water to the mixed solution.
- For larger items: Skip the spray bottle and use a starch bath to moisten the fabric evenly.
- For a firmer finish: Use less additional dilution so the mixed starch stays closer to the base ratio.
Safety and Care
Shake the mixed solution before each use since starch settles. If the spray nozzle clogs or your iron picks up residue, clean it before the next pressing session. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach notes that starch residue can build up on an iron soleplate, and they recommend cleaning it off before ironing clothing again. See their guidance here: Cleaning Your Iron.
Use the spray on damp fabric as directed rather than soaking garments heavily in one spot. If you notice flakes or buildup, mix a lighter batch next time or apply a lighter coat.
Storage
Keep the dry starch mix sealed in its labeled sandwich bag in a cool, dry place. Mix the spray solution as needed rather than making a large bottle far ahead, since this version contains only starch and water with no preservative system.
Estimated Cost
This dry mix costs about $0.36 per batch based on current retail pricing for basic cornstarch and wheat starch, though your actual cost will vary by brand and package size. That makes each 1-cup mixed spray solution just a few cents.
🛍️ Need Help Finding Everything?
- Cornstarch at Walmart
- Wheat starch on Amazon
- Empty spray bottles on Amazon
- MYO Heavy Spray Starch
- Make Your Own Laundry Detergents, Stain Removers, Pre-Wash Sprays and More!
Frequently Asked Questions about Laundry Starch Spray
Yes. That is the easiest way to use this recipe. Keep the cornstarch and wheat starch blended in a sealed, labeled bag, then dissolve just 2 teaspoons in 1 cup of water when you need a fresh batch.
Use 2 teaspoons of the prepared dry mix for every 1 cup of water. Shake or stir it well so the starch disperses before you apply it to fabric.
Use it on damp fabric. This recipe is written to be applied to damp fabric with a spray bottle, or you can moisten fabric in a diluted starch bath if that works better for the item you’re pressing.
Yes. Just dilute it with more water. The original directions already allow for that, which gives you a lighter finish or lets you use it in a starch bath.
Rinse the nozzle well with warm water and shake the bottle before each use next time. Starch settles, so a clogged sprayer usually means the mixture sat too long or wasn’t mixed well before spraying.
Yes. The directions specifically say you can dilute it with more water and moisten fabrics in a starch bath if desired. That’s handy for larger pieces that are awkward to spray evenly.
This version works best mixed as needed. Since it’s just starch and water, make small amounts so you use them up promptly instead of storing a large bottle for a long stretch.
It can, depending on how strongly you mix or apply it. For a crisper finish, use the standard mix as directed. For a softer finish, dilute it further or use a lighter application.
No. This is a basic homemade starch mix meant to add body and crispness. It does not include added fragrance, so it’s a good fit if you want simple ingredient control.
📌 Love this Laundry Starch Spray? Pin it!
Did you try this project? Tell us whether you used it as a spray or a starch bath, and what gave you the best crisp finish.
🖨️ Print-Friendly How-To: Laundry Starch Spray
Laundry Starch Spray
Equipment
Materials
- 1 cup cornstarch
- ½ cup wheat starch
- Water for mixing before use
Instructions
- Measure 1 cup cornstarch.
- Measure 1/2 cup wheat starch.
- Combine both starches in a ziploc sandwich bag.
- Seal and label the bag.
- To use, dissolve 2 teaspoons of the mix in 1 cup water.
- Apply to damp fabric with a spray bottle.
- Dilute with more water and moisten fabrics in a starch bath, if desired.
- Homemade Laundry Starch Spray image: https://www.budget101.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/homemade-laundry-starch-spray-recipe-1.jpg
- This estimated cost covers consumable materials only and will vary by brand and package size.
- Shake the mixed solution before use because starch settles.
- Clean the spray nozzle and iron if starch residue builds up.
- Mix small amounts as needed rather than storing a large prepared bottle for long periods.
