Q. I have a big ol' stain on one of my favorite ties. This tie makes my favorite tie-shirt combo (even though they are both now 3 years old). Is it doomed or is there any way to really get a spot out of a tie? Do I need to dryclean it or would that be even worse?
I'm worried that when a shirt and tie are more than two seasons old, the stain is a message from Sartorialis, the goddess of fashion and threads, that it's time to say farewell and head to Men's Wearhouse.
A. No, it should not be necessary to toss your tie. We all have certain favorite clothes in our wardrobes that we hate to lose. Usually they are the ones we wear often and are, therefore, most likely to damage.
Don't despair. You have a few options. You should know that good cotton shirts and quality silk ties are designed to last for a great many more years than two or three.
First, I understand why you do not want to dry-clean your tie. Your neighborhood professional cleaner is not equipped to deal with cleaning, and especially pressing, delicate necktie fabrics. He can remove spots, but then he will press the tie so that ridges from the lining show through. Sometimes a tie that is soiled, spotted or horribly wrinkled has had it. You may have to assume that you have had your money's worth from it and put it out to pasture.
However, if the spot is a small one and the rest of the tie is in good condition, there is a solution -- an inexpensive spot-lifting compound that comes in an aerosol can. In recent years, several of these products were removed from the market because they were judged to be carcinogenic. But one of the older ones, K2r, with a somewhat different formula, is safe (for silk and for you) and is still around. You can find it in better hardware stores, some large box stores, and online for less than $8. It works on many types of stains, but is most effective on grease-based spots, such as soup or salad dressing splashes.
Here's how it works: Shake the can well; spot spray directly onto the tie's stain until the area is wet; allow it to dry thoroughly to a powder (let it sit for a good while, perhaps an hour). The powder absorbs the grease. Then smack the powder off with a clean cloth. Do not rub or brush it off as the directions suggest, because the abrasion could mar the fabric's smooth surface. Usually, one application is enough. If not, try repeating the whole process a second time. It almost always works, and does not leave a ring on the tie. Oh, and it can also be used on cotton shirts, wool suits, and upholstery as well.
If this simple method is not effective, there is another not-widely-known solution for your tie. TieCrafters, a highly professional shop in New York that I have written of before, specializes in cleaning ties and narrowing them when fashions change. People send them ties from all across the country. When they clean a tie, they open it up so the pressing process leaves no ridges. They can be contacted at (212) 629-5800 or at CustomerService@TieCrafters.com. They charge $12.75 per tie to clean four or more, and $16 per tie for fewer than four. The cost makes a lot of sense, especially with a favorite tie.
One more option, maybe not the perfect solution, but a good possibility. If the spot appears to be at exactly the place on the tie that would be covered if you wore a tie clasp or tie bar, you could cover it up. After years of being out of style, tie clasps and bars are popular again and very stylish. You might try that first, and see if it covers the stain. If so, you are in business. Just don't do too much moving about or dancing while the clasp is in place.
Send men's fashion queries to Male Call:
Lois.Fenton@prodigy.net
High Profile on 06/28/2015