has to be taken when applying the starch solution that the correct consistency of the starch is taken and the fabric is in a thoroughly wet (but not dripping) condition. The fabric is kneaded well in the solution, excess squeezed out and dried. When starching dark coloured cottons a small amount of blue or tea concoction can be added to the starch solution so that it does not show up as white patches. (e) Drying: After the clothes have been washed, blued and starched, they have to be dried, before they can be ironed or stored.
The best way of drying is to hang the fabrics outside in the sun with the wrong side facing out. Sun not only dries the clothes faster but also acts as an antiseptic, and also as a bleaching agent for white fabrics. Delicate fabrics like silk and woolens cannot be hung for too long in the sun, as strong sunlight damages these fabrics. Synthetic fibres lose their strength when exposed to sunlight.
These fabrics also tend to turn yellow, which is irreversible. So, it is best to dry these fabrics indoors.