I use Mary Ellen's Best Press (unscented) instead of starch. I've been told that starch invites "critters", which I'd rather avoid. It's available at JoAnn. I spread a sheet under my ironing board and over the counter behind it to avoid getting it on other surfaces, shake the spray bottle, hold it about 8" from the fabric, spray, wait a moment then steam iron. I like it. It doesn't make the fabric too stiff, but gives it a little extra body and helps get rid of all of the wrinkles. I've never had a problem with my iron getting gunky.