I use the vodka and distilled water with a drop of scent. It doesn't matter if it is grain vodka or potato vodka. It has made a good substitute for me. I tried sta flo or other starches and if you let it sit it becomes rancid. The vodka substitute does not make the fabric stiff as starch does, but it does allow to iron out wrinkles and flatten seams. It works for me. Give it a try.