A tie is an important neckpiece especially when dressed in an official ensemble. It stands out from the rest of the outfit and catches the attention of onlookers effortlessly. Accordingly, it is important to ensure that it looks clean and sleek at all times.
To begin with, the cleaning measures deployed depend on the material and the kind of dirt to be removed. Stains, grease and other forms of resistant dirt pose a more serious challenge compared to mere dust or discoloration.
How to Wash a Silk Tie
Silk ties are the most difficult to wash. The material is highly sensitive and the situation gets worse if there are stains to be removed.
Firstly, using water or any harsh chemicals destroys the material. Water is bad on silk because it leads to shrinkage, misshaping and rippling. On the other hand, harsh chemicals destroy the shinny appearance that makes your tie look as good as new.
For these and other reasons, your tie cannot go to the washing machine. You have to deal with every form of dirt by hand, or seek the help of professional drycleaners. Eliminating the thought of machine washing should go hand in hand with avoiding tumble drying. The method only does more harm than good.
Method 1: Stain Treatment
Tools and Supplies
- Blow Dryer/Clothes iron
- Club Soda
- Talcum powder, borax, cornstarch or baking soda
- Stain Remover
- Ice
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Microfiber cloth
Instructions
The resting position of ties makes them prone to staining. No mater the amount of care, sometimes a drop of coffee, juice, yoghurt or food will find its way to your neck accessory and leave a stain. The method used to remove a stain depends on the type of stain and period that it has been left on the tie.
Step 1: Firstly, use an object such as a spoon or blunt knife to scrap of spilled food or yoghurt and use a damp microfiber cloth or paper towel to dab the excesses. Do not rub because you might spread the stain by pushing more of the substances into the satin fiber.
Step 2: If you have chewing gum stuck on your tie, put ice in a zip lock bag and place it on top of the gum. Let the gum harden completely and use a blunt knife to get rid of it.
Step 3: Use club soda to treat water-based stains. Dampen a white microfiber cloth or cotton wool with club soda and use it to dab the stain until it clears completely. Follow the same procedure but replace club soda with rubbing alcohol if your tie has ink or greasy stains.
Step 4: Lay the tie on a flat surface and spread a pinch of talcum powder, borax, baking soda or cornstarch on the stained area to clear any residue. Let the powder sit for several hours before dusting off. Repeat this step if need be until the stain clears completely.
Step 5: If the stain(s) on your tie clears before you get to step 4, use a blow-dryer or iron box to quick dry the cleared area so that the solution used may not form a ring around the cleaned area.
Method 2: Drycleaner
If more work is needed for your silk tie to get clean, consider a drycleaner. Be careful who you hire because your tie might come back ruined.
How to Clean a Polyester Tie
Unlike silk ties, polyester ones are much easier to clean. The material can be grouped together with cotton, linen, microfiber and other fabrics that are water and detergent friendly.
Method 1: Handwashing
Tools and Supplies
- Stain remover or natural cleaning agents that serve the same purpose
- Microfiber cloth or cotton wool
- Liquid detergent
Instructions
Step 1: Examine your tie thoroughly to identify and treat stains.
Step 2: Mix a small amount of liquid detergent with cold or warm water and soak the tie for about 10-15 minutes.
Step 3: Wash gently to remove all the dirt.
Step 4: Rinse with cold water and hang to dry.
Method 2: Machine washing
Tools and Supplies
- Stain Remover
- Liquid detergent
- Microfiber cloth
- Mesh laundry bag
Instructions
Step 1: Dampen a microfiber cloth with stain remover and use it to dab the stained areas gently.
Step 2: Transfer the tie into a laundry bag and load the bag into the machine
Step 3: Machine was in cold or warm water on a gentle cycle
Step 4: Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
Step 5: Hang to dry.
How to Maintain and Store Ties Appropriately
Maintaining and storing ties appropriately allows them to last for a long time. Below are some important tips to follow.
- Avoid staining your tie as much as possible. One way to achieve this is by removing the tie while eating. Although some stains might be easy to remove, constant stain treatment can cause discoloration and fading in some of the affected areas.
- Clean your tie only when necessary. Cleaning ties regularly damages the quality and shape of the material.
- Hang your ties on a ties rack or keep them rolled well in an organizer at all times.
- Choose the right settings depending in the material of your tie when ironing.
- Choose a reputable service provider when taking your ties for dry-cleaning.
Do you have other ideas on how to wash a tie? Kindly share them with our readers in the comments section.
