How to Starch Silk Clothes at Home

by Elizabeth / Friday, 30 December 2016 / Published in Silk Care & Wash

Starching silk garments at home can restore their crispness and shape, providing a more polished appearance; here’s a comprehensive guide to help you do it effectively.

1. Understanding the Nature of Silk and Starching

Silk is a delicate natural fiber known for its smooth texture and lustrous sheen. Unlike cotton or linen, silk doesn’t naturally hold stiffness well. Starching helps to temporarily add that desired crispness, but it’s essential to approach this process with care to avoid damaging the fabric. The key is to use a light starch solution and to test a small, inconspicuous area first.

Aspect	Description
Silk’s Nature	Delicate, natural protein fiber; smooth and lustrous; doesn’t naturally hold stiffness.
Purpose of Starch	Temporarily adds stiffness and shape to garments; makes ironing easier and helps maintain form.
Cautions	Avoid overly concentrated solutions and excessive heat; always test a small area first.

2. Preparing Your Silk Garment for Starching

Before you begin, it’s vital to ensure that your silk garment is clean. Any dirt or stains can become more noticeable once starch is applied and heat is used to set it.

Wash the Silk: Gently hand wash the silk garment in lukewarm water using a mild detergent formulated for delicate fabrics. Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach.
Rinse Thoroughly: Ensure all traces of detergent are removed by rinsing several times in clean, lukewarm water.
Gently Squeeze Out Excess Water: Do not wring or twist the garment, as this can damage the delicate fibers. Instead, gently press out excess water.
Air Dry Partially: Allow the silk garment to air dry partially. It should be damp but not dripping wet before the starching process.

3. Choosing the Right Starch Solution

The type of starch you use will impact the end result. It’s advisable to use a light starch solution specifically designed for delicate fabrics. A homemade solution is often preferred for silk due to its gentler nature.

Starch Type	Description	Suitability for Silk
Commercial Starch Sprays	Ready-to-use spray; can be convenient but may contain harsh chemicals.	Use with caution, test first; can be too heavy.
Powdered Cornstarch	Mix with water to create a solution; offers control over concentration; gentler on delicate fabrics.	Highly suitable; preferred for homemade starch.
Rice Starch	Similar to cornstarch but may offer a slightly softer hold; ideal for very delicate or sheer silk.	Very suitable; especially good for light hold.
Potato Starch	Also can be used, with similar performance to cornstarch.	Suitable, but test first; not as commonly used.

Homemade Light Starch Solution Recipe:

Ingredients: 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (or rice starch), 2 cups of cool water.
Instructions: Dissolve the starch completely in a small amount of cool water to form a paste. Then, slowly add the rest of the cool water while stirring continuously. Heat this mixture over a low flame until it just starts to thicken, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat and let it cool completely. The starch is ready when it’s smooth and slightly viscous, with a milky appearance. If the solution is too thick, add a small amount of cool water to thin it out.

4. Applying the Starch Solution

When starching silk, the method of application is critical to avoid saturating the fabric unevenly. Using a spray bottle allows for a light, even mist, which is less likely to create stiff or sticky spots.

Test the Solution: Before applying the starch to the entire garment, test the solution on a small, hidden area of the silk fabric, such as an inside seam or hem. Wait to see how the fabric reacts.
Prepare the Spray Bottle: Pour your cooled and diluted starch solution into a clean spray bottle.
Lightly Mist the Fabric: Hold the spray bottle about 8-10 inches away from the garment and lightly mist the fabric. Aim for an even, damp coating—do not soak the material.
Ironing Prep: Lay the garment flat on an ironing board and allow the starch solution to sit for a minute or two, so it can penetrate the fabric slightly. It should still be damp but not dripping wet.

5. Ironing the Starched Silk

Proper ironing is vital to ensure the starch adheres evenly and gives the desired stiffness without damaging the silk. The key is to use a low heat setting and a pressing cloth.

Set Your Iron to a Low Heat Setting: Silk is highly sensitive to heat. Set your iron to the lowest setting, or the silk/delicates setting if available.
Use a Pressing Cloth: Place a clean cotton or linen cloth between the iron and the silk to prevent direct heat contact. This pressing cloth protects the fabric from scorching and helps prevent the shine that can result from direct ironing of silk.
Iron in Sections: Work in small sections, using gentle, sweeping motions. Avoid pressing the iron directly onto one spot for an extended period.
Consistent Strokes: Keep moving the iron smoothly and evenly over the cloth covered fabric to avoid uneven stiffness.
Turn the Garment: When ironing is complete on one side, carefully turn the garment and repeat the process.
Check for Stiffness: If the desired stiffness isn’t achieved on the first pass, allow the garment to cool completely, and you can carefully reapply a very light starch and iron it again. It’s crucial to not over-starch the fabric.

6. Post-Starching Care

After starching and ironing, it’s important to handle your silk garment carefully to maintain its enhanced shape and crispness.

Air Dry Completely: Ensure the garment is completely dry before wearing or storing.
Store Properly: Hang the starched silk garment on padded hangers to prevent wrinkles and preserve its shape.
Avoid Over-Starching: Frequent starching can eventually cause some natural fibers like silk to weaken, so avoid starching the garment too often.
Re-apply as Needed: You may need to re-starch and iron the garment after washing, depending on how well the starch held up.

By following these steps, you can effectively starch silk clothes at home, adding a touch of crispness and elegance while ensuring the delicate fabric is treated with the care it deserves.