Cleaning Heavy Stained Silk Ties

How to Clean Heavy Stains on a Silk Tie

Silk is a very delicate, natural protein fiber. It is one of the most delicate fabrics used in fashion and it therefore requires special care and attention for cleaning. While silk garments can be hand washed using special soaps and cleaners, a necktie cannot. When a tie is made, a lining is sown into the necktie guaranteeing a perfect looking tie knot, a nice feel, and a perfect drape - even after tying hundreds of tie knots over a several years of wearing. When washing, dry cleaning, or ironing a necktie this inner lining can loose its shape ruining the look of the tie. Therefore, a mens tie is one of the hardest clothing pieces to clean. Nevertheless, there are some tips and trick for removing even stubborn stains on a silk tie without damaging it.

Simple Stains
When a tie is stained it is important to act fast. Take a dull object (the back of a spoon works excellent) and remove the excess dirt for the tie. Then take a clean linen napkin or cotton towel and dip it into some clean and luke-warm soda water. Dap the moist linen onto the stain without rubbing it in. Press down onto the stain and soak it up with the towel. Most stains can be removed this way.

Stubborn Stains
If the stain has soaked further into the silk fabric and does not disappear after following the instructions above, then do the following two steps: 1. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of baby shampoo or alkaline free soap with 1 cup of lukewarm water and apply to a clean linen. Dap the linen onto the stain several times and apply some pressure until the stain disappears. Then let the tie dry by hanging it onto a tie rack out of direct sunlight. Once the tie is dry remove the soap stains with distilled white vinegar. To do this mix vinegar with cold distilled (50/50 solution) water and apply this solution onto a clean linen. Dap the linen onto the tie and press down. Do this several times and let the tie dry again by hanging it in a well ventilated area out of direct sunlight.


Your Bows-n-Ties.com Team