Starch... How do I Overcome the Fustration?

[356cadet]

I've been using starch for quite a while now, both on my BDUs and Blues. It's recently occured to me that starch + uniform = trouble.

Every time, I spray that starch on my uniform. I wait a couple to a few minutes for it to soak in, to avoid flaking, as it says on the bottle. BUT!... when I go to iron it, it flakes nonetheless. This is extremely fustrating, especially on my Blues pants.

Is there an alternative or easier way to give the uniform a starched look, without starching, leaving excellent creases down the middle and everything?

Open for suggestions, not comments. Thank you.

[Eclipse]

Have the nice lady on your corner do it...

[356cadet]

Neighbors aren't that nice... 

[IceNine]

Don't put some much on at a time.

thin layers just like shoe polish

[356cadet]

^ That's what I do. I make a quick sweep over what I'm ironing. An added bonus, that starch bottle says that, too. I read up on things.    Good suggestion, though.

[MIKE]

How do you overcome the frustration... Stop using.  Starch is so 20th century.

[356cadet]

^ Any alternatives, sir... that are cheap or free?

[DC]

What type of starch are you using? Like in an aerosol can, or a spray bottle?

I've been using the aerosol stuff for years with no problems, pretty much in the manner you described. A light coat of starch, let it sit for a few minutes, then iron it in. The only side effect I have noted is a slight build up on my iron over time, but it cleans off with a little scrubbing...

I use Faultless Heavy Starch, it comes in a blue can...

[Pumbaa]

Your iron might be on too hot of a setting.

I iron a shirt every AM for work.  Make sure you match the temp setting to the materials you iron.  I also add water to my iron to actually steam it too.

[Rotorhead]

Didn't we just go round and round on this board elsewhere re: "no starch to be used on BDUs"?

[IceNine]

Your iron might be on too hot of a setting.

I iron a shirt every AM for work.  Make sure you match the temp setting to the materials you iron.  I also add water to my iron to actually steam it too.

Very valid point.  I always use steam for my uniforms.

You may also try a pressing cloth, cheap and I think they still have them at Wal-Mart

[♠SARKID♠]

THE EASY ANSWER TO AVOIDING STARCH FLAKES
Iron your uniform from the inside, then any flakes be inside your blouse and not visible on the outside.

[IceNine]

Can't do the pockets that way.

[lordmonar]

Take your uniform to the dry cleaners.

[Eclipse]

Didn't we just go round and round on this board elsewhere re: "no starch to be used on BDUs"?

The discussion has been had a number of times.

The manufacturer indicates not to starch BDUs because:

The starch (along with some detergents with "whitening" agents) may fluoresce in infrared light.
     Not an issue in CAP.

Under "normal" wear conditions (i.e. 24x7) starch may reduce the life of the material.
     Not an issue in CAP.

There are several camps - those that starch, those that think its unnecessary for a field uniform, and those that have several uniforms - some for garrison wear that are starched sharp, and some for field wear that are pressed w/o starch.

Members of both the compensated services and CAP weighed-in with arguments on both sides, neither negating the other to a conclusion.

This "Eternal September Moment" brought to you by the lack of use of the SEARCH key...

[jimmydeanno]

Easiest way is to turn the heat down on the iron. 

[Slim]

I use Sta Flo liquid starch, mix it with water, in a spray bottle, to suit your needs.  I prefer heavy starch, so I mix the starch and water about 1.5:1.

I take my BDUs, turn them inside out, then spray them with starch, just about to the point of soaking them.  Then, turn them right side out and spray the pockets, collar, and the areas of reinforcement on the arms and legs.

Then, hang them up and let them air dry (overnight usually works for me).  This will mean rigging the waist of the pants on a hanger so they hang straight (don't fold them over).  Once dry, steam iron or spritz with water and iron.

I use the same method on my aviator shirts with great success, and no flaking.

I would not suggest starching service dress pants as they're either 100% polyester or a polyester/wool blend.  For these, just use a press cloth (a wet, white washcloth works well).  Without a press cloth, you'll essentially burn the fabric, which will give it a shiny appearance.

I've used the same method with Faultless spray starch, and it works the same way.  Only problem is that it takes a lot of spray starch to get the same results, about half a can to do one set of BDUs.

[CadetProgramGuy]

I use Sta Flo liquid starch, mix it with water, in a spray bottle, to suit your needs.  I prefer heavy starch, so I mix the starch and water about 1.5:1.

I take my BDUs, turn them inside out, then spray them with starch, just about to the point of soaking them.  Then, turn them right side out and spray the pockets, collar, and the areas of reinforcement on the arms and legs.

Then, hang them up and let them air dry (overnight usually works for me).  This will mean rigging the waist of the pants on a hanger so they hang straight (don't fold them over).  Once dry, steam iron or spritz with water and iron.

I use the same method on my aviator shirts with great success, and no flaking.

I would not suggest starching service dress pants as they're either 100% polyester or a polyester/wool blend.  For these, just use a press cloth (a wet, white washcloth works well).  Without a press cloth, you'll essentially burn the fabric, which will give it a shiny appearance.

I've used the same method with Faultless spray starch, and it works the same way.  Only problem is that it takes a lot of spray starch to get the same results, about half a can to do one set of BDUs.

I've done pretty much the same thing, except I use the starch on the outside and then hang overnight to dry.  For my cover (hat) i use a coffee can, and soak the cover (hat) until it drips, it takes about 2 days to dry, but I like the look.  And no I don't put it in my cargo pocket either......

[356cadet]

Wow, alot of suggestion during my three-hour absense. Very nice suggestions  :clap:. I thank you all and I will take most of these into practice, especially the last two (starch, hang over night, iron). Again, thank you for supporting, yet, another cadet! 

[hatentx]

I have done Staflow for years.  I have done it the way described or have placed the starch in the washer while washing the on a medium heat in the dryer.  Then pull them out to iron.  This keeps you from having to hang them over night or two.  Inside out or not never really noticed a difference.  I am now lazy and just give them to the cleaners.