How To Clean A Silk Tie: Washing, Drying, Pressing

Silk is one of nature’s most beautiful textiles. And wearing a silk tie definitely adds a special touch to any outfit. From a silk regimental stripe business tie to an upbeat floral silk necktie, no other fabric matches the remarkable texture and color of silk.

A silk tie can easily elevate your wardrobe, but not if the tie is stained or dirty. A few splashes of bolognese sauce, or a dribble of shrimp curry will quickly stain silk. Also, any silk tie will eventually get dirty from regular wear. Either way, stains, oils, and grime should and can be removed so that you can enjoy your beautiful silk tie.

A silk tie will last indefinitely when correctly cared for. Since it’s a delicate fabric, knowledgeable care is required to preserve silk’s appearance and lifespan. If you’re curious about how to clean a silk tie, The Tie Bar provides step-by-step instructions on how to wash, dry, and press silk neckties.

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How to Wash A Silk Tie

Stains and spills are inevitable. After all, that tie sits in a target position right under your chin. When your silk tie is the recipient of food and drink, you’ll want to get those stains removed pronto.

Spot Cleaning a Silk Tie

The best method for removing minor stains without damaging the tie is with spot cleaning. There are several ways to do this. But before you start, remove all residue sitting on the silk with a butter knife or a spoon.

• Silk Stain Remover: These handy products are available in small aerosols. Keep one at home and another in your desk drawer at work. Be sure to follow the product instructions.
• Silk Wipes: Super-convenient, individually wrapped towelettes are easy to pop into your briefcase for on-the-go stain removal.
• Homemade Spot Remover
  • Dilute a drop or two of mild detergent, like Woolite, in a cup of cool distilled water. Then dab the stain with a clean lint-free cloth dipped in the mixture.
  • Or . . . mix 1 part lemon juice or white vinegar with 1 part distilled water. Dab the spot and leave it for several minutes.
  • Gently rinse with clean cool water and then blot out the moisture with a clean dry cloth.

Dry Cleaning for Silk Ties

When it seems that stains are too much for spot cleaning, your best bet is to take your silk tie to a professional dry cleaner. Dry cleaning is the safest option for ensuring the spot will be removed without damaging the fabric.

How to Clean a Silk Tie Without Dry Cleaning

If spot cleaning and dry cleaning aren’t viable options, can you wash a silk tie? When we say “wash” we don’t mean you should just toss your tie in the washing machine. You need to know how to wash a silk tie with care so that the fabric isn’t damaged and the tie regains a fresh and beautiful appearance.

1. Here’s how to clean a silk tie without dry cleaning:
2. Fill a basin with lukewarm water and a small amount of silk-friendly detergent.
3. Submerge the tie and gently agitate it; avoid wringing or scrubbing.
4. Let the tie rest in the water for five to ten minutes.
5. Rinse in cool water until all of the soap is removed.
6. Pat the tie with a clean towel to remove excess water.
7. Lay the tie on a clean dry towel. Smooth out wrinkles.

How to Dry a Silk Necktie

Now that you know how to wash silk ties, the drying method is just as important.

Air Drying a Silk Tie

A silk tie must be air-dried. Never put your tie in the dryer. To properly air dry your silk tie, follow these steps:

1. Lay the tie flat on a clean towel.
2. Pat the tie to remove excess moisture.
3. Reshape the tie to avoid wrinkles.
4. After an hour, place the tie on a new dry clean towel.
5. Change to a dry clean towel until the tie is thoroughly dry.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

A silk tie should be dried in a cool, shaded area to prevent color fading. Direct sunlight will fade and alter the color in the silk.

How to Press a Silk Necktie

You can steam the tie to get rid of wrinkles, but because heat will set a stain, be sure to remove any stains first.

How to Get Wrinkles Out of a Silk Tie

Steaming is the safest way to remove wrinkles from a silk tie. When using a handheld steamer,

1. Place a clean cloth over the bar of a hanger.
2. Hang the tie over the cloth on the hanger bar.
3. Maintaining a safe distance from the silk fabric, allow several passes of steam until all wrinkles are removed.
4. Alternatively, you can steam from a distance with your iron on the steam setting.

Pressing With a Low-Heat Iron (With a Cloth Barrier)

1. Place your silk tie on an ironing board.
2. Do not double, but ensure the tie is laid out completely in one layer.
3. Place a clean cotton cloth on the tie.
4. Never allow the iron to directly touch the silk fabric. With the iron on the lowest setting, set the iron on the cloth for a few seconds, then remove.
5. Repeat along the length of the tie.
6. Never drag the iron back and forth, but press down gently.

How to Store Your Silk Necktie

Both rolling and hanging are popular tie storage methods. Whichever method you use, always unknot the tie first.

• Rolling: Once your silk tie is clean and dry, wrap the tie loosely around your fist, then place it on a clean cloth in a drawer or tie box.
• Hanging: You can hang silk ties on a tie rack but after time, the weight of the silk may distort the shape of the tie.

Key Points of Keeping Your Silk Tie Clean

It’s hard to beat the organic beauty of a silk tie. Keeping your silk ties beautiful and clean is definitely worth the effort. When you maintain your silk ties in primo condition, you showcase their quality and assure their longevity.

Dry cleaning will be the safest method of maintaining your silk ties when they get dirty. However, careful washing can remove stains if you take care to do it right. Don’t forget that how to press a silk necktie is as important as how you wash it.

Use whichever cleaning method you’re most comfortable with to keep your silk ties in top-notch shape. And when it’s time to update your silk tie wardrobe, explore The Tie Bar’s collection of silk ties in beautiful colors, patterns, and designs.

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