You can give your garments a fresh, crisp look by applying starch to your garments. There are two basic starch application methods. The traditional method is to add concentrated liquid starch during the washing process. You can apply aerosol starch to dry garments, making it a more time-sensitive option.

Starch comes in two forms: aerosol spray and concentrated liquid. Adding liquid starch while washing clothing, either by hand or in a washing machine, is the traditional way to starch fabric, and can make it easier to iron. Aerosol starch, which you can apply without washing, produces varying levels of rigidity, and you can use it with more discretion than liquid starch. Depending on the fabric of the pants, both forms of starch are appropriate. For dress slacks, one or two applications of aerosol starch is sufficient. For a tough pair of jeans, combine liquid and concentrated starch for maximum rigidity.

Place the pants in the washing machine as you would to do a load of laundry. Add the liquid starch in the rinse cycle. When the washer stops, remove the pants, hang them and allow them to air dry. Work out folds and wrinkles by hand until the pants are slightly damp. Remove the pants and iron on medium heat to finish drying.

You can use aerosol starch in conjunction with liquid starch as it increases the rigidity of dry garments. Hang the dry pants and spray starch on both sides. After the fabric absorbs the starch, use an iron to remove the wrinkles. If you iron the pants before the starch is absorbed, you will have unwanted white streaks on your pants. To increase the rigidity, turn the pants inside out and apply starch to the inside.

Frequently applying starch to a garment will damage the fibers and can result in frail clothing. Over time, heavy starch will dry out the fabric, which can cause the threads to break and fray. Starch residue can build up in seams and in belt loops, creating an unsightly appearance. To improve the life of your pants, decrease the amount of starch you use and the frequency with which you apply it.