Some ties are pretreated with a stain-blocking finish, however, that finish won’t stop every stain.

Instead, follow the process described below as soon as possible to clean stained ties.

How Often to Clean Ties

You do not need to wash ties often or after every wearing.

Blue striped necktie laying on white marbled surface next to glass container of baking soda and box of rolled neckties

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

Cleaning a tie too often can damage the shell, lining, and overall shape of the tie.

you’re able to hand-wash ties at home.

Cleaning a tie in a washing machine can ruin it.

Materials and tools to clean, iron and store neckties

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

Tossing a tie in the dryer can cause shrinkage to the shell or lining, as well.

If hand-washing, air-dry a tie thoroughly before storing or wearing.

Then, dip a clean white napkin into plain water and dab away the stain.

Wet napkin pressing against necktie to remove solids next to spoon and glass bowl of water

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

you could even use a slice of white bread to absorb the oil.

This step will make additional cleaning easier by absorbing the excess grease as quickly as possible.

For liquid spills, blot with a plain white paper towel or napkin.

Baking soda poured by spoon on sticky solid on blue striped necktie

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

Colored napkins can leave dye stains.

The agitation is too strong and the stitching and interfacings may be damaged.

Pretreat the stains as directed and then use a gentle soap such as Woolite to hand-wash the tie.

Blue striped necktie hand washed in white bowl with water and pretreater

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

If silk fibers are pressed too hard, they will break and cannot be repaired.

If you hand-wash the tie, air-dry it completely.

Tie fabrics must be ironed using thecorrect temperatures.

Blue necktie being ironed with teal colored steam iron with pressing cloth in between

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

Check the tag on your tie to determine the fabric content.

Begin on the wrong side of the tie, pressing lightly.

Thispressing clothwill prevent scorch marks and shiny streaks.

Neckties rolled and stored in white drawer

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

Never iron a tie that has stains because the heat may permanently set the stain.

Never let the iron rest too long in one spot.

Lift the pressing cloth often to check your progress.

If the tie shows any color changes, lower the iron’s temperature.

Next, turn over the tie and press the front side still using the pressing cloth.

The steam will soften the fibers.

Tips to Keep Ties Clean Longer

To help your ties last longer, use these tips: