How To Wash A Silk Tie

Since you probably invested a bit of money into it, it's a good idea to know how to wash a silk tie. Silk ties are made of a delicate material, so follow these tips to ensure that you properly wash your silk ties.

1. Get a gentle detergent. You will want to get a detergent that is gentle and doesn't have a lot of additives. There are detergents that are specifically designed just for delicate clothing. A detergent that is clear in color will usually work the best for washing your silk tie. Use only a small amount of detergent when washing your silk tie to prevent having to do several rinses.
2. Wash your tie by hand. For the best results, you should wash your silk tie by hand. You can use any sink in your home, just be sure it is clean. Fill the sink with cold water and add the detergent to the running water. Let the silk tie soak in the water for about ten minutes before you begin washing. If there are any stains, soaking the silk tie will help break up the stain so it washes out easier. Once you are done soaking, gently wash the tie for about five minutes, or until any odors or stains are out of the silk tie.
3. Wash on the gentle cycle. If you don't want to wash your silk tie by hand, you can attempt to wash it in your washing machine on the gentle cycle. Use the same amount and type of detergent as if you were washing by hand. You will want to wash the tie alone and on the lowest water setting your machine allows. Machine washing should be used as a last resort since your tie is more likely to be ruined this way.

Remember, no matter what method you use to wash a silk tie, always let the tie air dry, since putting it in the dryer can cause it to shrink.