Necktie Questions

Neckties

“Can Anton’s clean neckties successfully? I have taken several to other cleaners and have been disappointed in the results.”

A. Proper necktie cleaning takes special care. We give neckties extra attention, blocking them carefully, while making the edges look as soft as possible. Our customers seem pleased with the way we handle their neckties.

It isn’t just stains that soil a tie. Every time you tie a knot, soil and oils from your fingers are left on the tie. A good practice is to wash your hands before handling a necktie.

“How can I be sure that the dyes in a necktie won’t run? I have had this happen several times when trying to take out a spot with water.”

A. Many neckties contain water-soluble dyes. They bleed when they come in contact with moisture. Unfortunately, there is no way to know how a dye will react to water before you purchase a necktie. Most people find it out only when trying to remove a food or beverage stain.

“I have become quite attached to two of my neckties and wear them frequently. They are stained, but I hesitate to clean them. What do you recommend?”

A. It happens to all of us. We have a favorite tie and no matter how careful we are we spill food or a drink on it. And you are correct–the bias cut and delicate fabrics (most ties are silk) make ties difficult to clean and properly pressing ties is an art. Unfortunately, not all stains can be removed. But here are a few suggestions to help you extend the life of your favorite ties.

1. When you remove your tie, don’t pull it off, but remove it gently. If you loosen the knot enough to slip the tie over your head, you avoid pulling the tie around your shirt collar. Each time you pull it around the collar, the bias cut weakens, the material is stressed and the interlining can separate from the shell. Over time, your tie will become uneven or rippled.
2. When shopping for new ties, remember ties that are the same color as the lining provide the easiest care. Although dark ties may hide more stains at first, as the stains age they become darker and more obvious. A yellow tie with any shade of red or dark blue is more likely to bleed when it gets wet than other color combinations.
3. If you get a stain on the tie, immediately blot with a clean dry cloth. Do not use a napkin and do not rub. Don’t apply water or liquid to the stain–it may set the stain or cause the colors to bleed. Bring it to a drycleaner as soon as possible–the longer a stain remains, the tougher it is to treat and remove.
4. Discuss your ties with the drycleaner. If the tip has become uneven, the edges frayed or a stain has set, ask what the results of cleaning will be. If the tie can’t be restored to your satisfaction, it may be time to retire the old favorite.

“Ties are not my favorite piece of clothing, but I have to go to some formal events this summer. Can you give me some hints about selecting the best ties that will wear well?”

A. Ties, like all clothing, are a personal decision. Your selection should suit your taste in order for you to feel comfortable. But there are some factors that can prolong the life of a tie:

1. When shopping for new ties, remember the lining should be lighter or the same color as the tie. Dark linings behind light colors, solid or printed, may bleed through during stain removal.
2. Although dark ties may hide more stains at first, as the stains age they become darker and more obvious.
3. A yellow tie with any shade of red or dark blue is more likely to bleed when it gets wet than other color combinations.
4. If you get a stain on the tie, immediately blot with a clean dry cloth. Do not use a napkin and do not rub. Don’t apply water or liquid to the stain–it may set the stain or cause the colors to bleed. Bring it to a drycleaner as soon as possible the longer a stain remains, the tougher it is to treat and remove.