You’re getting ready for an important meeting, and the perfect tie completes your look. But halfway through your day, you spill coffee on it. Now what? Don’t worry, you can hand wash or machine wash your ties at home with a mild detergent and a gentle wash.
Whether it's an unexpected spill or just routine maintenance, knowing how to clean your tie (and your collar stains) can make you look sharp at work.
What’s the Best Method: Handwashing, Machine Cleaning, or Dry Cleaning?
When it comes to cleaning neckties, the fabric and construction play a crucial role in determining the best method. Each cleaning technique—handwashing, machine washing, and dry cleaning—has its advantages and challenges, depending on the material of your tie.
Understanding these nuances ensures that your tie not only remains clean but also retains its original texture, shape, and color.
Handwashing
Best for: Hand wash your silk, wool, linen ties.
Handwashing is considered the safest way to clean delicate neckties, especially those made from natural fibers like silk or wool. They are prone to water damage if handled roughly, and the agitation of a washing machine can easily cause them to fray or lose their shape.
Silk can also easily lose its sheen and softness if exposed to harsh detergents or vigorous scrubbing. Wool ties can shrink or lose its shape if exposed to excessive moisture.
Machine Washing
Best for: Machine wash your ties made from cotton and polyester. Some synthetic blends are generally safe for machine washing or dry cleaning. Always check the manufacturer’s care label for specific instructions.
While handwashing is the go-to for delicate materials, machine washing can be an option for more durable ties, such as those made from polyester, cotton, or certain synthetic blends. These fabrics are generally more resistant to wear and tear, but they still require careful preparation to avoid damage.
Polyester or cotton ties are often less prone to shrinking or fraying, making them more compatible with machine washing.
Dry Cleaning
Best for: Most tie fabrics, including delicate silk and cashmere, can be dry cleaned.
Dry cleaning is often the preferred method for high-end ties. This process involves the use of chemical solvents rather than water, making it ideal for fabrics that are not water-safe.
Silk ties, for example, are susceptible to water spots and may lose their luster if washed improperly.
Cashmere ties, known for their softness and warmth, also benefit from dry cleaning, as it avoids the risk of shrinking or felting.
However, dry cleaning can be more expensive and less accessible than other methods.
Tip: Skip the machine drying method and just air it out.
A Guide to Handwashing Your Neckties
We’ll tackle hand washing in detail since it’s the safest method for most types of types, including the delicate ones. Before anything else, examine the care label to confirm whether machine washing is safe for your tie. Ignoring this step could lead to unwanted surprises.
What you’ll need:
- Small basin with cold water
- Natural Laundry Detergent
- Stain Remover (for pre-treating stains)
- Towel
What to do:
Use a Stain Remover with a color-safe formula to tackle any stains before washing. Apply it directly to the stain, let it sit for about 15 minutes, and gently blot with a clean cloth. This step ensures the stain is dealt with without excessive rubbing that could damage the tie.
Don’t leave on any stain removers for more than the recommended time, especially on delicate items.
Fill a basin with cold water and add a small amount of Laundry Detergent. Mix the water to dissolve the detergent.
Pro tip: Maytag has a cheat sheet if you need to wash the item in cold or hot water, depending on the stain.
Place the tie in the water and lightly agitate without wringing or twisting it. Rinse the tie under cold running water until all soap is removed. Handle it carefully to maintain its shape.
Place the tie on a clean towel, roll it up to squeeze out excess water, then unroll and let it dry flat. This method prevents stretching or wrinkling.
Want to Machine Wash? Do this.
When you’re pressed for time or just want the convenience of it, a machine wash is not a bad idea. Just make sure to check this handy guide for laundry symbols.
First, pre-treat any stains as you would with laundry detergent or stain remover. Place your tie in a laundry mesh or garment bag to protect it. Add it to a small load of laundry and use the gentle or delicate setting only.
Do not tumble dry it. If it comes out of the laundry really wet, you can roll it on a clean towel then hang it to dry.
Easy Maintenance Tips for Longevity
Here are a few things to keep in mind to extend the life of your ties.
- Avoid over-tightening the knot or pulling the knot too tight to avoid permanent creases.
- Keep them properly stored, either flat or rolled in a drawer to prevent creases.
- Steam out wrinkles instead of ironing them.
- Address any spills or stains as soon as they happen to avoid them setting on the fabric.
- Wash them only when necessary as frequent washing can weaken the material and cause fading.
