Various Ties.com Neckties

How to Clean a Tie: Everything You Need to Know A complete guide to caring for, silk, wool, cotton, microfiber and more

The right necktie can elevate your look.

But a stained or otherwise disheveled tie will make you look sloppy, no matter how formal the rest of your look may be.

If you want to learn how to clean a tie and have your tie to perform at its best and last you through the years, it must be cared for properly.

There’s a lot of speculation on how to best to care for ties, but we’ve pulled together the definitive list of everything you must know to give you ties a long and happy life.

[Still confused about tie knots? Read – How to Tie a Tie: Step by Step Videos for 6 Necktie Knots

Everyday Maintenance

Every evening when you get home from work, though you probably want to get your tie off as quickly as possible, taking a minute to remove your tie properly can make all the difference.

If you forcefully yank your tie through the knot, you run the risk of ruining the tie’s shape.

Instead, loosen the knot before removing and consider reversing the steps you took when tying it. Another no-no is leaving the knots in your ties when not in use.

This is a sure way to create permanent creases in your tie that will leave your tie looking rumpled and limp.

Storing Your Ties

Ties are delicate and easily disfigured.

After you’ve gently removed your tie, hang it up immediately to help the creases from your knot fall out.

Though rolling your ties and placing them in a drawer doesn’t necessarily damage them, in the long term, draping your ties on a tie rack or hanger will better retain its form and reduce wrinkling.

Investing in a tie rack will make your tie storing and organizing much easier, and your ties will last longer too.

The exception to this rule is square-tipped knit ties.

These ties fare better being rolled up loosely and stored. This will ensure that your tie won’t stretch out or lose its shape.

Cleaning Your Ties

Unlike the rest of your laundry, it’s best to avoid cleaning a tie unless you have no other option.

Washing ties is a risky game due to the delicate fabrics and meticulous stitching. But if you are careful and attentive to your ties needs, everything should go smoothly.

While some people will tell you that some ties can be machine washed and machine dried, we have found this to be nothing more than wishful thinking.

Ties should be either hand washed or dry cleaned, depending on the material.

We also recommend air drying your ties in all cases — do not tumble dry or you may damage the integrity of the shell or lining. Follow the information below for best results.

Necktie Cleaning Infographic

Silk

One of the world’s most luxurious materials, silk is a natural protein fiber produced by insects and cultivated most commonly in China and India.

It is one of the most coveted fabrics in the world, and also one of the most difficult to clean. But, that doesn’t mean all is lost for your silk tie.

Sale

Zebra Print Black Tie

Silk Tie

Zebra Print Black Tie E1656315378989


Silk pocket square that compliments this tie perfectly!

Wool

Wool is a natural fiber produced by sheep, goats, llamas, and alpacas.

Wool is very soft and highly insulating, but it requires a decent amount of care to keep your wool tie in mint condition.

Sale

Burgundy Vienna Plaid Tie

Wool Tie

Burgundy Vienna Plaid Tie E1656315711466


This stark plaid print is definitely not your father’s plaid, featuring a modern striped pattern that stands out from the rest.

Linen

Linen is a fiber made from the flax plant.

Though labor-intensive to make, the fabric is extremely light and breathable. Linen is a go-to fabric for hot weather, and are an ideal choice for spring and summer. Linen is extremely susceptible to wrinkles, so extra care should be taken to hang linen ties on a tie rack whenever they are not being cleaned or worn.

Sale

Tan Brussels Plaid Tan/taupe Tie

Linen Tie

Tan Brussels Plaid Tantaupe Tie E1656390014648


The Brussels Plaid by Brent Morgan features a striped plaid pattern of tan and brown.

Cotton

Cotton fibers are derived from the cotton plant. Cotton is very durable and dries quickly. However, it also wrinkles easily and will shrink when introduced to heat, so be careful with your cotton tie.

Sale

Kirkland Yellow Tie

Cotton Tie

Kirkland Yellow Tie E1656390187705


It’s hard to go wrong with a classic plaid tie.

Seersucker

Seersucker is a fabric that was originally created in India and named for its unique texture, said to resemble the smoothness of milk and the roughness of sugar. The fabric is lightweight, typically made from cotton, and is easy to care for.

Sale

Cheviot Red Tie

Seersucker Tie

Cheviot Red Tie E1656390346504


The Cheviot is guaranteed to take your look beyond the basics.

Knit

Knit ties are crafted with 100% durable microfibers, and give any outfit a unique, contemporary, and classic edge.

Sale

Roman Stripe Teal Knit Tie

Kint Tie

Roman Stripe Teal Knit Tie E1656390484761


Roman tie, a perfect blend of classic and cool.

Microfiber

Microfiber is a synthetic fiber that is very elastic and known for its moisture-wicking capabilities. Microfiber ties are very soft to the touch and similar to silk–but much easier to clean.

Sale

Onyx Tie

microfiber Tie

Onyx Microfiber E1656390712693


Suit up to perfection with the beautiful solid ties by Peter Hayer.

Polyester

Polyester is a synthetic material that is similar to cotton but even more durable. Polyester ties are wrinkle-resistant, water-resistant, quick to dry, and will not shrink.

Sale

Camouflage Green Tie

Polyester Tie

Camouflage Green Tie E1656390898165


Early warfare did not include the utilization of camouflage.

Faux Leather

Faux leather is cheaper, more durable, and more versatile than genuine leather. It provides a very similar texture to that of real leather, making it a more cost-effective alternative.

Sale

Hello Tie Men’s Skinny Tie Handmade
PU Leather Black Narrow Necktie

Leather Skinny ties

Hello Tie Mens Skinny Tie Handmade PU Leather Black Narrow Necktie


Handmade all PU leather black color necktie women tie mens tie dance party skinny tie.

Removing Wrinkles and Stains

Cleaning a stain from a tie is neither fun nor easy.

Our first advice would be to exercise caution when wearing a tie to avoid accidents in the first place. If you do get a stain, act as quickly as possible.

Blot the stain on your tie with a cloth or handkerchief immediately — never try to rub it out, though, as that will make the stain harder to remove. If the stain is water-soluble, use seltzer water or club soda on the tie as you are blotting.

If the stain is oil-based, apply talcum powder or cornstarch immediately to lift the stain off of the tie. Let the powder sit for a few hours and then brush it off and clean with a soft cloth.

Depending on the stain, you may need to repeat this process one or two more times to completely lift the stain. If you have tried all of these steps and the pesky stain is still hanging around, then take it to the dry cleaners.

Be sure to specifically ask that they do not press your ties, which can cause their rolled edges to flatten and lose shape.

Packing Ties For Travel

When traveling with ties, always pack them by rolling, not folding.

Roll your ties starting with the small end first and individually bag them with Ziploc bags. Then, place them in packed shoes so that they are safe and sound for the journey.

An alternative to this method is to purchase a hard shell travel tie case or a nylon accessories case.

These tend to take up more room but are very effective for keeping your ties safe and sound. When you arrive at your destination and if the ties are wrinkled, just hang them in your bathroom and run a hot shower–steam and gravity work wonders.

When properly cared for, a quality necktie can last a lifetime. Follow these steps, take all the necessary precautions, and you’ll be looking your best for years to come. For more info about how to remove stains from your favorite ties and shoes, check out our Ultimate Guide to Caring for Your Ties and Shoes .

Fde4039fc28ae39bc80f652ded0ea45c?s=250&d=retro&r=g
Latest posts by omarsayyed (see all)
You May Also Like