Company Response re: Alternatives to Starch Products
 

There were several discussions in the past several weeks regarding Mary Ellen Best Press and starch. One of the issues was the cost of the Best Press. I posted that I preferred not to use starch because I had read that stored starched fabric could attract silverfish. Yuck!!

Well, I went to Walmart a few weeks ago and picked up Magic Sizing Light Body. I noticed on the ingredients list on the internet that it contained cellulose which I believed to be plant material. So I contacted the company that makes the product. I thought I would share their response. This product might be a good and more cost-effective solution to Best Press in cases where you want to avoid starch.
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Dear Ms. ___,

Thank you for your recent email regarding your interest in our Magic Sizing fabric finish. We always appreciate consumer correspondence.

Some of our ironing aids DO contain natural corn starch and (when use on items stored over long periods) are more likely to attract insects and rodents. These products all contain natural corn starch: Faultless Regular Spray Starch, Faultless Heavy Spray Starch, Heavy Lemon, Magic Starch, and Faultless Sizing.

The Magic Sizing contains a synthetic film forming ingredient called CMC: Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose. This compound is derived from plant material, but the end product does not really physically or chemically resemble the original cellulose. Some critters can derive nutrition from almost ANYthing, but ironing aids without natural corn starch are less likely to attract pests. These ironing aids do NOT contain natural corn starch: Magic Sizing Light Body, Magic Sizing Extra Crisp, Magic and Faultless Premium Starches, and Faultless MAXX Starch.

Again, thank you for taking the time to email us. Should you have any other questions, we are always happy to help.

Thank you for the information.

Really good to know, thanks

Good to know -- thanks for sharing.

Interesting as I just killed a silverfish on the floor yesterday.

Interesting. Now, I have a question. Once fabric is starched how long are you letting it set before using? I pretty much starch just before cutting and sewing. Once quilt is finished, I wash it. Doesn't that wash the starch out? I never starch and then store my fabric. I have not had any problems(yet).

the time between sewing a quilt top and actually making the top into a quilt can be years. so those who use starch as many quilters do are more likely to experience the insects. i am sure those starched tops are stored somewhere waiting on the day when its their turn to be a quilt. sometimes they may not even see the insects to know they could possibly have them.

hmmmm....how interesting! Thanks for sharing!

Great information. Thanks!

Would you believe I have every brand listed? LOL I sure do. I like options.