Few things beat slipping into bed beneath freshly laundered sheets. But if you want that crisp, just-washed feeling to last longer, laundry experts say there's one unexpected pantry staple that can help: cornstarch.
Affordable, versatile, and probably already in your kitchen cupboard, cornstarch can help keep your bed sheets looking crisp and feeling fresher for longer, giving them that luxurious, hotel-quality finish without the hefty price tag.
Here's why it's what's missing from your routine when it comes to washing, drying, and caring for your bed linen.
Why Does Corn Starch Work to Make Bed Sheets Crisper and Fresher
As Rechelle Balanzat, Laundry Expert and Founder of Juliette, a New York-based premium laundry service, explains, this old-school DIY trick works by leaving a very thin layer of cornstarch on the fabric. This creates a light structure, giving sheets a crisper appearance while helping to minimize wrinkles.
'As cleaning sheets dry, this layer helps sheet fabric maintain its shape by holding a crisper finish and a cleaner appearance,' she says. According to Parima Ijaz, Textile Expert and Founder of Pure Parimaa, this technique works especially well on percale sheets (a closely woven fabric commonly used for the best cooling sheets), as their naturally matte, crisp weave complements the added structure from the starch. 'The result is an even more tailored look and feel,' she explains.
There are a few important caveats to keep in mind, though. 'Remember that cornstarch is not for cleaning sheets,' Rechelle warns. 'It enhances the look and feel of bedding that has already been freshly cleaned and pressed. Think of it as the finishing touch that gives your bedding a polished, hotel-quality look.'
Parima also cautions against overusing the technique. Frequent or excessive starching can gradually build up on fabric fibers, reducing softness over time and potentially affecting the material's long-term performance. 'For best results, use this technique occasionally when you want an extra-crisp finish,' she advises. It's an easy way to elevate luxury bedroom ideas or make a bed look more expensive without investing in new bedding.
How to Use Corn Starch In Your Bedding Laundry Routine
It couldn't be simpler to use this trick to keep sheets fresher between washes.
'Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch (available at Walmart) with two cups of water, and add the solution during the rinse cycle,' advises Parima. Use a measuring spoon and cup from Amazon for accurate measurements.
'If possible, pour it into your washer's fabric softener compartment to ensure it disperses evenly and avoids direct contact with your linens. Once washed, tumble dry on low heat and remove promptly. Your sheets should emerge feeling smoother, crisper, and more refined.'
What to Shop
If you're interested in giving this secret laundry ingredient a go yourself, below, you can browse everything you'll need, along with a selection of my favorite bedding and accessories for the ultimate hotel experience at home.
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
While you can obviously use this corn starch for cooking and laundry, you can also use it to remove grease and stains from fabric, upholstery, and leather furniture, to deodorize carpets, clean windows and stainless steel, and so much more.
There's no reason that your measuring cups, whether using them for cooking, baking, or laundry, need to look plain and boring. This 24k gold-decaled glazed stoneware set from Anthropologie is chic and fun.
Le Creuset is always a Homes & Gardens favorite, and these stainless steel measuring spoons with a brushed gold finish are no exception. Along with being handy for measuring corn starch for laundry, they're also bread-making essentials.
Since Rechelle and Parima most recommended that this method works best with percale bedding, this is my top pick. With a smooth, cooling finish, it's breathable, temperature-regulating, and perfect for hot sleepers.
No hotel-look bed is complete without a silk pillowcase. I've tested and love this one from Slip, which is made from one hundred percent Mulberry silk for an unparalleled luxury finish, yet is conveniently machine washable.
A beautiful blanket always adds the perfect personal touch to any sleep setup. This one is lightweight enough to use in spring and summer, and will add a cozy layer of warmth with the sherpa fleece in winter.
Meet the Experts
Rechelle concludes, 'It is not a suggestion for every wash, but it is a great option for you if you love the smooth and structured feel of freshly pressed sheets.' Pair it with airing your bedding every morning to avoid trapping bacteria.
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