The way to Make Sheer Curtains Stiff Again

Few things are as refreshingly homey as sharp, clean sheer drapes. But, time, wear, dust and repeated washing might take the starch from your drapes, leaving them lifeless and limp. Many commercial starches contain formaldehyde, which makes them unsuitable for a few residences. Fortunately, cornstarch works as well at giving your old drapes new life.

Clean your drapes on the gentle cycle with a mild soap to remove any dust. Leave them damp.

Fill a big pot like a Dutch oven nearly filled with water. The precise number doesn’t matter as long as you’re able to lift the pot without undermining the water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.

Step 2 cups of cold water and pour it into a bowl.

Add 4 teaspoons of cornstarch to the chilly water, and it whisk it thoroughly until all the lumps have been removed.

Slowly whisk the dissolved cornstarch into the boiling water, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot using the whisk so the cornstarch doesn’t have sufficient time to adhere to it. Turn down the heat to medium high and boil the cornstarch mixture for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often. Remove the pot from the heat.

Close your sink using its plug, and fill it a little more than halfway complete with warm water from the faucet. Pour the starch mixture from the pot into the sink, being careful not to splash any on yourself. Whisk the starch mixture into the warm water.

Lower your drapes into the warm, starchy water. Poke them below the surface, and gently stir them around with a wooden spoon to make sure they are thoroughly soaked.

Allow the water from the sink when it’s cool enough for you to reach into it. Squeeze as much water as you can from the soaked drapes, and set them in the washing machine.

Spin the drapes in the drier without rinsing them to eliminate the extra water.

Place the drapes in the dryer on its lowest setting, and allow them to dry for three to five minutes.

Hang the curtains, and allow them to air dry the rest of the method to avoid over-drying them. Iron them if needed to eliminate any remaining wrinkles.

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