Ties are a staple accessory in any professional wardrobe and if you have them, you’ll need to do special care to maintain their appearance and longevity. If you have accidentally put your tie in the washing machine, this guide is for you.
One of the most common questions people have is whether or not it’s safe to put a tie in the washing machine. Let’s explore the answers to that question and more.
If your tie is not machine washable, it will probably lose its material quality and shape when accidentally or intentionally put in the washing machine. And also there is a chance that it may tear. If it’s machine washable, no need to worry. So, you will need to immediately remove your tie and dry it.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Ties should not be put in the washing machine unless the care tag specifies that it is machine washable.
- Ties made of delicate materials such as silk, wool, cashmere, and leather should not be washed in a washing machine, but instead, should be hand washed or dry cleaned.
- If a tie is accidentally washed in a washing machine, the result can be damaging depending on the material of the tie.
- To minimize the risk of damage to a tie in the washing machine, use cold water, a gentle detergent, and a protective bag, and air dry the tie.
Let’s understand more about what you should do when you accidentally put a tie in the washing machine.
Table of Contents
Can You Put Ties in the Washing Machine?
The short answer is no, you should not put ties in the washing machine. However, if the tie’s care tag describes that it is machine-washable, then you can wash it in the washing machine.
Generally, Ties are delicate and can easily be damaged by the agitation and heat of the washing machine. Additionally, many ties are made of materials that require special care, such as silk or wool. You will always need to check the care tag of your tie before putting it in your machine.
If there is no care tag given with it, you can check the material of the tie to identify whether it is okay or not to wash it in the washing machine.
For example, ties made of Silk, Wool, Cashmere, and Leather material are non-machine washable. This is because these materials are delicate and can be easily damaged by the mechanical action of a washing machine or dryer. Instead, you can hand wash or dry clean them using gentle detergents and methods.
On the other hand, your machine will work fine as it is working currently if you wash any tie into it. Tie will not affect the working of the washing machine. It acts like a regular load.
What Happens If You Put a Tie in the Washing Machine?
If you accidentally put a tie in the washing machine, the result can be fine or not good. Actually, it depends on the material of your tie. Some material-made ties may shrink, warp, or become misshapen.
Moreover, Their colors may fade, bleed, or run, leaving the tie looking dull and faded. If the tie is made of delicate fibers, then it may also become frayed or damaged, making it difficult to repair or restore.
However, If a tie is labeled as machine washable, it can generally be safely washed in a washing machine. Still, it is important to follow the tie’s manufacturer’s instructions and take some precautions to prevent negative results.
We test whether the tie is machine washable or non-machine washable, special care for it is still a necessary concern.
We’ve seen that putting a tie in the washing machine can cause it to become tangled or stretched. But not to all types of ties.
If the tie was not recommended to be washed in the washer, but you’ve put it in there, there will probably be an effect on its shape and fabric.
Typically most of the ties are not good to wash with hot water. If the drum of the washer is filled with hot water, The tie will be exposed to high heat and rough agitation. Hot water can also fade and shrink the fabric of the tie. It could also lose its texture.
How to Wash a Tie in the Washing Machine?
Practically, there are some steps you can take to minimize the risk of damage to your tie. First of all, always check the care label on your tie to see if it can be washed at all.
If the label says dry clean only, then you should take it to a professional cleaner instead.
In case the label on the tie indicates that it can be hand-washed or machine-washed, then you can proceed with caution.
Here’s how to wash it:
- Use a gentle detergent
You must Avoid using harsh detergents or bleach. These cleaning solutions can damage the fibers of the tie. It is best to use any high-quality mild detergent that is designed for delicate fabrics.
- Wash in cold water:
Hot water can shrink and warp the tie. Always use cold water to wash it. You must Avoid using the spin cycle or a dryer. Choose a dedicated cycle for tie washing.
- Use a protective bag:
You should place your tie in a mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase to protect it from getting tangled during the wash cycle.
- Air dry:
Once your tie is washed, gently reshape it and hang it to dry. Keep in mind that don’t use a clothes dryer, as this can shrink or warp the tie.
Here are steps to wash a dedicated tie such as made of silk:
- Use a mild detergent suitable for delicate fabrics.
- Fill a basin with cold water.
- Place the silk tie in a laundry bag or pillowcase to protect it.
- Submerge the tie in the water and gently swirl it for a few minutes.
- Allow the tie to soak for up to 30 minutes.
- Rinse the tie thoroughly with cold water.
- Gently squeeze out excess water and lay the tie flat on a towel.
- Roll the towel to remove the remaining water.
- Hang the tie to air dry, away from sunlight and heat.
Can You Put a Silk Tie in the Washing Machine?
No, Silk ties require extra care, and it’s not recommended to put them in the washing machine. As we described before, Silk is a delicate fabric that can easily be torn by the agitation of the washing machine.
It sounds like you want to wash your silk tie, right? If yes, the best is to have it dry cleaned or to hand wash it using a gentle detergent and cold water.
If your hand washes it, be sure to avoid twisting or wringing the tie. Twisting and wringing can cause tears to the fabric. You can gently squeeze out any excess water and lay the tie flat to air dry rather than twisting or wringing.
In short, If you want to wash or clean your silk tie, you should spot clean silk ties using a mild detergent and water, or take them to a professional cleaner.
To Summarize
If the tie someone accidentally put in the washing machine is machine washable, its fabric remains the same. But, if it was non-machine washable, then they should take it out as soon as possible as it can tear the dedicated fabric of your tie.
You should always consider checking the care tag given for the tie before washing it with the help of a washer.