How to Remove Starch Buildup from the Laundry Area

It’s hard to control the overspray when you use starch, so it’s common to have a buildup near your laundry area or ironing board. Fortunately, there’s a relatively simple solution. Follow the steps below.

• Clean spray bottle
• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Dish soap
• Cloth scouring pad
• Washcloths
• Towels

1. Mix one cup of vinegar, one cup of water, three tablespoons of baking soda, and a few drops of dish soap in the spray bottle. Make sure the bottle is in the sink when you add the baking soda because a fizzy foam will form and likely pour out over the sides of the bottle. This foam forms as the acid in the vinegar becomes neutralized by the alkalinity of the baking soda. The result will be a neutral pH cleaning solution that is safe for most surfaces.
2. When the foaming has subsided, put the lid on the bottle and shake it well.
3. Spray directly onto water-safe surfaces. Allow the solution to sit a few moments, then begin to scrub with the cloth scouring pad. Repeat as needed.
4. For areas you should not soak, such as wallpaper, spray the cleaning solution on a washcloth. Use the wet washcloth to gently wipe the starch away. Dry these areas immediately with a towel.
5. For stubborn spots, sprinkle baking soda over the wet surface. Apply a thick layer and more water if needed to create a paste.
6. Scrub the paste with the scouring pad. Rinse the pad frequently, and repeat until the starch has come up.
7. Clean any remaining residue with clean water and the washcloth and/or towels.

• Keep the bottle with the solution handy and wipe the area after each use of spray starch. This will prevent future buildup.