How to wash ties at home

Your family's busy lifestyle means that even formal garments like ties can become stained or dirty over time. When properly cared for, neckties are a trusted staple in any wardrobe that you can keep clean with gentle washer cycles, hand washing before air drying or by getting them dry cleaned.

Keep your ties ready for any special event with this helpful guide on how to clean ties at home depending on material type.

Can you wash and dry ties?

You can wash and dry neckties at home by using a gentle or delicate cycle on your washing machine or by cleaning the ties by hand with a mild detergent. It’s recommended to air dry after washing, as tumble drying can damage the lining or fabric of the tie.

Before washing your ties, be sure to check the item’s use and care tag for specific instructions.

Should ties be washed or dry cleaned?

Depending on the fabric, neckties can either be machine washed, hand washed or dry cleaned. While dry cleaning is an excellent option for ensuring your ties recieve professional care, washing ties at home can help save you time and a trip to the cleaner’s.

What type of ties can go in the washing machine?

Silk ties should be dry cleaned instead of machine washed, as well as ties made from wool, unless labeled as machine washable.

Before washing any tie, always check the care tag for specific care instructions meant to help keep your accessories looking great. If you have one labeled machine-washable, you can put your tie through the washing machine using a gentle cycle with low temperatures and spinning.

How to wash a tie

To keep your neckties looking great at home, you’ll need to decide whether the tie should be machine washed or hand washed before hanging them up to air dry on a clothesline or drying rack. If machine washing, it’s usually best to stick to gentle wash cycles.

Follow these steps to learn how to clean ties depending on their fabric.

Step 1: Consult the care label

Check the care label on the tie for specific washing instructions. Determine whether the item can be put in the washing machine or if it should be hand washed. The care label may also indicate whether the tie is dry-clean-only. If your tie is missing the care tag, here are some general guidelines to follow:

Step 2: Wash the tie

The process for washing your tie will depend on the type of fabric.

If using a washing machine like these models by Whirlpool brand, place the ties inside as a small load with similar materials and pour a bit of mild detergent into the dispenser. Consider placing one to three ties in a garment bag prior to washing to help reduce snagging and tangling. Set the washer to a gentle or delicate cycle with low temp and spin. If desired, you can use a stain treatment prior to washing for heavily soiled ties.

To hand wash ties, fill a sink or basin with cool or warm water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Let the ties soak for about 10 minutes before gently scrubbing remaining stained areas with a soft cleaning brush. Rinse the ties thoroughly in clean, cool water and gently press out excess moisture with a towel.

How to dry ties at home

Once your ties are clean, you may want to take some extra steps to keep them looking their best. To help remove wrinkles, consider techniques like steaming, either with a garment steamer or placing the tie in a steamy bathroom.

For deeper wrinkles, you may be able to iron the tie using the lowest possible heat settings the fabric can stand. Always be sure to check the care label before ironing or applying any sort of heat to the tie to protect them against damage. 

Tools

• Clothesline or drying rack

• Clothing steamer

• Iron and ironing board

• Cloth or piece of fabric

Step 3: Dry the tie

After washing, hang the tie up to dry on a clothesline or drying rack. Avoid tumble drying to protect the fabric and maintain the shape of the tie.

Step 4: Steam the tie

If desired, you can use a garment steamer to help remove wrinkles from your tie. Hold the steamer a few inches away from the tie, moving the steamer back and forth until the fabric is wrinkle-free.

How do you clean stained ties?

If the stain is recent, blot the tie quickly with a clean napkin to avoid setting. Never rub the stain, which can cause the discoloration to spread or embed itself deeper into the fabric of the tie. For more stubborn stains, you may want to use a stain remover or pre-treatment before washing.

Shop Whirlpool^® washers and dryers

From gentle cycles to heavy-duty options, you can trust Whirlpool^® washers and dryers to help make laundry day a breeze. Keep your entire family's wardrobe looking its best by browsing the entire selection of washers, dryers and sets by Whirlpool brand and find the appliance that’s right for your home.