How to Clean a Tie

The right necktie can add a dynamic punch to your business attire, especially when coupled with power of colors research, but displaying parts of your lunch on it will not send the message you want your contacts to receive. Yet, no matter how careful you are, it's possible your tie will end up with a stain. Fortunately, knowing how to clean a tie can rejuvenate your favorite accessory. Check the label to determine the fabric content of the ties in your collection, so that you are prepared for any contingency.

Steps

 

1

Address the spill and resulting stain immediately when considering how to clean a tie. The longer you allow the food to remain on the tie, the more likely it is that you will not be able to remove the stain completely.

2

Blot the stain immediately with a clean cloth. Do not rub the spot, as that will embed and possibly spread it.

3

Sprinkle baby powder on a tie with an oil-based stain. Allow it to set for a couple hours, and then brush the spot. The talc in the powder will absorb any grease to prevent it from setting in the fabric permanently.

4

Dampen a cloth with club soda or tonic water; do not saturate the cloth. Dab the stain, again taking care not to rub it further into the fabric. You can apply a slight pressure as you brush lightly across the stained area. If you do not have access to club soda or seltzer, you can use water on the cloth.

5

Use an "on the go" instant stain remover pen if a stubborn stain still mars your neck wear. Test it first on an area that will not show, such as the back of the tie, to be sure that it is not going to lift the color along with the food spot. Also, be sure that you are using a spot remover, rather than a pen that contains bleach.

6

Find a dry cleaner who knows specifically how to clean a tie, but only if all else fails. A regular cleaning service may be able to remove the stain, but it will also press the tie flat, altering its appearance dramatically. The specialist will be able to remove the offending marks without changing its shape, although it might require the disassembly and reconstruction of the tie. At that point, you will have to decide if the purchase of a new tie might be more cost-effective.

7

Finished.