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Mary Ellens Best Press--Experience

Mary Ellens Best Press--Experience

Old 08-16-2011, 04:31 PM
  #11  
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Anything that contains alcohol has to be used within a short period of time or the alcohol evaporates. I got it once and forgot it by a window and found it few weeks later, cloudy and all that was left was water. Now I use the bottle to mix my own.
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Old 08-16-2011, 04:38 PM
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i have to ask---why would you add any oils to your starch???i would think an oil would leave spots on the fabric-
seems like vodka would be an expensive alternative- my grandmother used niagra starch- i've been using it for over 45 years- and it is inexpensive..i don't quite get looking for more expensive alternatives i guess- and i really don't get adding oil to a starch???
i hate it when i receive any fabrics that have a perfumy stench to them- firs thing i have to do is wash them to get rid of it before i can do anything with them.
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Old 08-16-2011, 04:46 PM
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Originally Posted by ckcowl
i have to ask---why would you add any oils to your starch???i would think an oil would leave spots on the fabric-
seems like vodka would be an expensive alternative- my grandmother used niagra starch- i've been using it for over 45 years- and it is inexpensive..i don't quite get looking for more expensive alternatives i guess- and i really don't get adding oil to a starch???
i hate it when i receive any fabrics that have a perfumy stench to them- firs thing i have to do is wash them to get rid of it before i can do anything with them.
I put essential oil in my mix once and didn't have a problem but I still worried about it (oil spots on fabric) so I stopped doing it. As far as the vodka goes, if you don't want stiff fabric then thats the way to go because it gets ALL wrinkles out! It's wonderful for that and the cheaper the vodka the better.
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Old 08-16-2011, 04:48 PM
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I have been using the "recipe". Works just like ME. I have found it works better in an old ME spray bottle as it has a super fine spray which helps. I like it with 2 small drops of lavender essence. No it does not spot. the vodka, for some unknown reason, gives it the crispness. Vodka comes from potatoes and that would be the starch. Love it!
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Old 08-16-2011, 04:56 PM
  #15  
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Originally Posted by lindasidlow
I started using the Niagara nin aerosol starch. Much cheaper than best press and the same results. $1.87 at Walmart
Me too. I liked Mary Ellen's, but can't afford it. I like Niagara's non aerosol and it's price. I've made my own and no it does not smell and I have not had a problem with silverfish.
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Old 08-16-2011, 04:56 PM
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The essential oil are used for fragrance..they will NOT make spots if you do the recipe correctly..the vodka breaks down the oils...they also do not change the color...ie: lavender essential oil is actually yellow, not purple!
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Old 08-17-2011, 03:58 AM
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What is the recipe for making your own?
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Old 08-17-2011, 04:04 AM
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I would also like to know the recipe.
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Old 08-17-2011, 04:04 AM
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Made my own with, water, liquid starch and a little febreze for the scent. Love it and it last forever.
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Old 08-17-2011, 04:53 AM
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The recipe I use is 2 cups of distilled water (I have used tap water) 2 ounces of Vodka, 2 drops of essential oil (I have left out the oil).
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