Silk ties are stylish and attractive, but they are also difficult to adequately clean once they're stained with food, water or oil. Keeping the tie well out of the way when it might become stained--such as when eating--is the best way to keep a silk tie clean, but if the worst has happened, prompt attention to the stain is your best bet at retaining the look of the tie.

Step 1
Blot the stain immediately with a soft, dry cloth, a paper towel or tissue. Remove as much of the staining substance as possible.

Step 2
Pour approximately 4 oz. of rubbing alcohol into a bowl and moisten the corner of a small, clean cloth with the alcohol. Squeeze all excess alcohol out of the cloth. Use the moistened portion of the cloth to gently scrub at the stain. Dry the tie off immediately with a hairdryer.

Step 3
Repeat small applications of the rubbing alcohol. It may take several cycles of gentle scrubbing and drying to see any difference in the stain. If you do not have rubbing alcohol, you can use club soda instead.

Step 4
Apply a very small amount of stain remover to an inconspicuous area on the back of the tie to make certain that it will not change the tie's color. If it does not, put a small amount of stain remover directly on the stain, then blot the area dry with a clean paper towel.

Step 5
Sprinkle a thin layer of cornstarch, talcum powder, or Borax over oil or grease stains. Leave the tie undisturbed for several hours, then use a dry towel to wipe off the powder. Repeat these applications of powder for a minimum of three times.

Ingredients
Soft cloths
Paper towels
Tissue
Rubbing alcohol
Stain remover
Cornstarch, talcum powder, or Borax

Tips
Be careful about taking silk ties to professional dry cleaners for cleaning. Silk ties are too delicate for the dry cleaning process and can be easily ruined by the chemicals and process used.

Warning
Never try to remove a stain on a silk tie with water.