Can one use corn starch for starching a shirt?

Corn starch can indeed be used for starching a shirt. It's a common and natural alternative to commercial starch products. Here's how you can use corn starch to starch a shirt:

1. Prepare the Starch Solution:

- In a medium saucepan, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 cup of cold water until the cornstarch is dissolved.

- Gradually add 2 cups of boiling water while continuing to whisk.

- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. It will start to thicken into a clear starch solution.

- Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool completely.

2. Prepare the Shirt:

- Wash and iron the shirt to remove any wrinkles.

- Make sure the shirt is completely dry before starching.

3. Apply the Starch Solution:

- Place the shirt on an ironing board or a flat surface.

- Dip a sponge or a clean cloth in the cooled starch solution.

- Apply the starch solution evenly to the shirt, paying attention to the collar, cuffs, and areas that need stiffening.

- Avoid applying too much starch, as it can make the fabric feel stiff and unnatural.

4. Drying:

- Allow the shirt to dry completely before ironing.

- You can hang it to dry or use a hair dryer on a cool setting to speed up the drying process.

5. Ironing:

- Once the shirt is dry, iron it on a low heat setting.

- Iron in the direction of the fabric grain to achieve a crisp and polished look.

Remember that corn starch can leave a slight residue on the fabric, so it's always a good idea to test the starch solution on a small inconspicuous area of the shirt before applying it to the entire garment.