How to Wash Silk Ties

Justin Timberlake sported a silk tie at a 2011 movie premiere.

The first rule of washing a silk tie is do not wash a silk tie in a washing machine. The expensive fabric will not hold up to the pressure. There are several ways to try to clean the tie at home, but only a dry cleaner can handle the most serious stains.

Things You'll Need

• Stain remover
• Talcum powder or corn starch
• Rubbing alcohol
• Blow dryer
• Gentle soap
• Soft, dry towel

Instructions

1. Remove any stain as soon as possible. Use a stain-removing pen if possible, or dab the stain with a dry napkin. Use a clean knife to scratch off as much of the stain as possible. Do not use water, which will ruin the silk. Rub lightly so the stain does not go deeper into the silk.

2. For a grease stain, lay the tie out on a flat surface and sprinkle talcum powder or corn starch liberally on the stain. Leave the tie alone for a few hours, which will give the substance time to absorb the grease. Repeat if necessary.

3. For a non-grease stain, spray rubbing alcohol on the stain and rub gently. Blow dry the tie immediately to keep the silk from wrinkling.

4. If no other methods work, put a little soap on a clean cloth and rub the cloth gently on the stain. Keep rubbing until the stain comes out, or stop if it appears to have no immediate effect.

5. Take the tie to a dry cleaner as a last resort. Look for a specialist used to working with ties as some dry cleaners may use methods that will damage the silk.

References

• Ties-Necktie: Silk Tie Care