Yukky homemade "best press"
 

After reviewing a few "recipes" for homemade "Best Press," I whipped up a batch using just water and vodka (no scent). I stored it in a clean, recycled plastic jar and put some in a spray bottle. It worked great, no issues there. However, over time I found dark gunk in the bottom of both the jar and the bottle. It also showed up in the tube leading up to the spray nozzle. Yuk!

Have you had this experience? Do you know what causes it? How it can be prevented? I didn't use the stuff everyday, but certainly frequently.

mold maybe??

I made mine using vodka, distilled water & a few drops of essential oil in October. I is still fine, I actually want to dump it because I didn't like the scent I used but nothing funky floating around.

I made some homemade spray but it's too easy to buy the ready made and I don't have to go to the liquor store which is one store I do not like, for some reason I think liquor stores are creepy. I do like the homemade basting spray because no fumes and it works.

Homemade basting spray??? I will need to search that. Thanks.

I'm guessing it molded as well. I've got a spray bottle still full from a few months ago, when I decided to try this out...it's still looking fine. I started with a new bottle (so no residue) and used distilled water so less particulates as well to begin with. Maybe give it another try?

I had a batch go moldy on me. I washed out the bottle with hot water. I use the stayflo starch concentrate, hot water and vodka. I think the vodka keeps the mold at bay. I use a lot of vodka in my mixture now, about 1/4

Mine is fine. I don't think I even washed the plastic spray bottle between batches (just added to the existing bottle, as I wanted to get rid of the vodka). I used 1 part vodka (cheapest brand) and 3 parts tap water.

bkay

edit: I didn't put starch in mine. The recipe I had didn't call for it.

I've never had a problem with my homemade "best press".

Can't image what the gunk might be. I add more StaFlo starch to mine vodka mixture as I want lots of stiffness to my fabrics. Because of that I keep my mixture in the fridge as the starch will go moldy on you if it gets a bit warm. Found that out the hard way. Anyway, now I make up a gallon at a time as I normally will starch a bunch of fabrics at one time, hang them up to dry and then press them at one time.

I know if I don't boil the water for hummingbird feeder syrup it goes moldy in no time at all...I pour the boiling water over the sugar so the mix all gets hot. Might be that?

For hummingbirds, I make 4 cups at a time and microwave it for 8 minutes. (dunno why 8 mins but it works). the best press: never had a problem. water, vodka and a bit of Sta Flo. Again, I make 4 cups and put in small drink bottles. It is then kept in fridge....no mold or anything! I pour some in small mist bottles to use.

What is the recipe? Water, vodka and Sta Flo? Where do you get Sta Flo? I am about to use a lot and it might be good to make my own. Thanks for your help.

Here is the recipe for quilters starch I use: 1 gal distilled water, 1 c. vodka, and 3/4 c. liquid starch (Sta Flo). Sta Flo should be at your local grocery store. It comes in a blue plastic bottle or jug. Mix and put in a spray bottle. I have some made up for about a year, and have no mold.

Could the brand of vodka matter? Isn't some vodka made with potato? Or barley??

Are you using well water? Maybe if you don't use distilled water this happens. Just a guess on my part.

Cheap vodka, and DISTILLED water, not water from the tap unless you boil it first to remove any impurities. I use the water from my dehumidifier, which is the same as distilled water. I make mine with just a few drops of lavender oil in it, have had it in a gallon jug for a year and no problems with "gunk" in it.

Sorry, Learning2Quilt, I didn't see your post before I typed mine.

Vodka is made with potatoes, and that is why it works as a starch alternative. I live in "buggy" PA, so I don't use regular starch because of it attracting critters.

Sta-Flo liquid starch is normally in regular grocery stores. It is made by Purex and mostly found in the laundry detergent area.

My recipe: = 1/3 cup Vodka (doesn't matter if its made with grain or with potatoes) , 3 cups water.
Shake (no heat needed). Add 1/2 cup liquid starch if desired. Good luck!
Oh, you are in Portland - I'm up in Battle Ground, WA and shop at Fred Meyers!

We are on a well, no problems.

Vodka (less expensive) is made with grain, too. Starch is starch!

You do know that there is no starch left in the vodka once it has been distilled!
Not sure where this myth came from.

I’m going to use POTATO vodka. I was told it will make a better product.

I use rubbing alcohol instead of vodka. Much cheaper and no need to go to the liquor store. I used 90 percent for this first batch but in thinking it through, 50 percent would work too because vodka is 40 percent alcohol.

I use the sta-flo mixed with water and added essential oils for smell. I haven't had a problem with that mix. I like my fabrics stiff so I do a 50/50 mix.