The Silk Tie
Don't Cry Over Soiled Silk
Silk ties cannot be ironed so you may want to consider rolling them for storage instead of using a tie rack which could cause a crease. Silk ties may be treated with special fabric protector, but nothing is guaranteed. Since cleaning a silk tie is not recommended, it is wise to consider the occasion before selecting a silk tie. A silk tie is probably safe for the symphony or opera and even some situations that require eating. If you expect to be eating soup or buttery popcorn or using ketchup though, you may want to select a non-silk tie. And you certainly don't want to wear a silk tie to a baptism if you plan on holding the baby that might spit up.
No doubt, mishaps happen, and if you should get a foreign substance on your tie, do NOT try to rinse it off with water. Instead, just use a white towel or napkin to dab off as much of the substance as possible. If you need something stronger, try a mild stain remover by first testing it in an inconspicuous place on the tie, such as the part that goes under your collar or the back of the tie. Some dry cleaners will attempt to service your tie, but others may just say "bye-bye, time to buy a new tie". This is caused largely because the material used to make a tie is not washed before the tie is crafted. Because it's not washed, it's not "pre-shrunk" and any subsequent washing runs the risk of shrinkage leading to deformities. If it's a choice between a large price tag on a new tie and a few dollars on a dry cleaner, it may be worth the risk to try it. If the tie doesn't survive the cleaning process, it was only a few dollars gambled.
Other options include an old wive's tale for grease spots. The reported antidote is talcum (baby) powder or corn starch. Lay the greasy silk tie out flat and sprinkle with the powder. Let it sit over night and brush off the powder in the morning. The idea is that the powder will absorb the grease. Large spots may require two or three applications.
Also see; Designer Ties.
