Starch - the benefits ......

Have you ever wondered what the benefits are of using starch on your clothes? Using starch on your dress shirts has its advantages and some disadvantages.

Starch is a complex carbohydrate found in plants. Starch has been used for a few centuries to stiffen fabrics. Not much has changed in the manufacturing process of the starch we use today compared to the one used over a hundred years ago. Over 80% of all commercial starch used today is derived from corn. Dried corn is ground into a fine powder, which is then mixed with water into a pulp. After removing impurities, this solution is filled into aerosol and cans together with light fragrances.

Starch will give your clothes a nice, crisp look, also starch makes ironing a little easier since it will reduce "iron drag". Another advantage of using starch is that most people don't know is that starch protects fabrics from stains. The starch seals the individual fibres making it more difficult for stains to penetrate through the fabric.

The main disadvantage of using starch is fraying. Heavy starch will reduce the lifetime of your clothes. Over time, residue of starch will remain in the collar and cuffs. The starch eventually dries out the fabric, causing individual threads to break or fray. Since starch will reduce the life of a dress shirt, use starch sparingly.

 If you prefer a heavier starched look then use more durable clothes made from a thicker fabric. Perfectly suited are white shirts made from a thicker oxford cotton fabric. If you want to have a stiffer looking shirt, it is recommended to apply two or even three layers of starch instead of one heavy layer.

A more environmentally friendly and cheaper option is to mix your own starch. To do this use one table spoon of regular cornstarch with one pint of water. Mix them both together and fill the solution into a spray bottle.

To find out more or to book in with Iron Maids just e-mail us on www.iron-maids.co.uk or call 01622 870111 or 01233 779009.

Iron Maids exciting new purchase.

With the constant onslaught of new technology being released on what seems a daily basis, it’s always good to see that the less pleasurable and mundane tasks are also suitably catered for in the modern world.

When we think of new technology we can all be forgiven for immediately conjuring up images of computers, entertainment systems and mobile communications. Over the years our domestic chores have been hugely lightened by developments in the home, with the advent of newer and more compact components.

Even the most basic jobs such as the vacuuming can now be done by a robot that will navigate its way around your home and complete the vacuuming whilst you are out at work! Irons are no exception to this either. In recent years they have become packed with microchip technology with fast water heaters and temperature controlled auto steamers.

Now ironing has taken another step up the evolutionary ladder with a device called Easyform. This essentially is a manikin torso which will inflate your shirt or blouse with steam whilst at the same time a heater bar is placed along the button line. Further heated clamps are also placed on the collar and cuffs to produce a very quick steam inflation of the garment. The whole process takes under a minute and is guaranteed to produce a great result pretty much every time.

 No more bending over a hot ironing board with a jug of water one side and a trailing electrical cable the other for hours on a Sunday morning just give us your ironing so that we can simply place the garment on the machine, clamp it in place and press a button and within a few seconds your beautifully pressed clothes are ready for be hung or worn.

Isn’t technology great.

Why not check out our services on iron-maids.co.uk or call  us on 01622 8780111 or 01233 779009