How to Wash & Iron a Bow Tie

Bow ties should never be washed or submerged in water. With careful spot-cleaning, gentle steaming, and proper storage, you can remove stains and wrinkles without damaging the fabric or structure. A thoughtful care routine will keep your bow tie looking sharp for years to come.

------------------

A common question gentlemen ask is: “Can you wash a tie or bow tie?” The short answer is no. Unlike shirts or everyday apparel, neckties and bow ties are not designed to withstand washing machines, soaking, or aggressive cleaning treatments. Water and heat can distort their shape, weaken stitching, and dull the luster of fine silk. 

But that doesn’t mean you’re without options. With the right techniques, you can remove spots, refresh the fabric, and keep your accessories looking crisp.

In this article, we’ll answer several more frequently asked questions as we walk through how to clean, de-wrinkle, steam, and gently press a bow tie so it remains as sharp and elegant as the day you first wore it. 

What Makes Bow Ties Different – Materials, Construction & Why Washing Is Risky

R. Hanauer bow ties begin with fine fabrics such as silk, cotton, wool, or linen. Silk is prized, in particular, for its drape, sheen, and color saturation – all qualities that can be permanently altered by moisture or harsh detergents. Even a brief soak can cause dyes to bleed, fabric to ripple, or the surface to lose its smooth hand. Washing silk bow ties is an absolute no-go.

Just as important is the construction. R. Hanauer bow ties are cut on the bias, then carefully sewn with a woven cotton blend interior and structured neckband – these components are not meant to be submerged or agitated. When exposed to washing or machine drying, they can shrink, distort, or separate, leaving the bow tie misshapen.

In short: a bow tie is far more delicate than it appears. Its elegance is the result of thoughtful craftsmanship – and that means it must be cleaned and handled with equal care. This is why full washing, whether by hand or machine, is strongly discouraged.

But with the right methods, you can safely maintain its appearance without putting craftsmanship at risk. 

Bow ties should never be washed or submerged in water. 

How to Clean a Bow Tie: Safe Spot-Cleaning & Stain Removal

Because bow ties can’t be washed the way garments can, proper cleaning comes down to gentle, strategic spot-treatment. Whether you’re dealing with a small spill or a stubborn stain, the goal is to refresh the fabric without disturbing its shape, lining, or delicate fibers.

1. Start With Immediate, Gentle Action

If a spill happens – wine, coffee, sauce – your first step is the simplest: blot, don’t rub.

Rubbing pushes the stain deeper into the fibers and can disrupt the weave, especially in silk. Instead, use a clean napkin or cloth to lightly press and absorb as much as possible. If you’re out and about, a tiny amount of cool water on a napkin can help lift surface residue – but use it sparingly, and avoid saturating the fabric. Excess moisture can cause rings or puckering as the bow tie dries.

2. Use Only Silk-Safe Cleaners (and Test First)

For lingering marks, turn to products specifically made for delicate fabrics – silk-safe stain-removal wipes or gentle spot-cleaning formulas. Before applying anything to the visible front, test it on the inner neckband. This protects you from color lift, dye bleed, or unexpected reactions.

Apply sparingly and work slowly. A careful approach is always better than trying to “fix” a stain with force.

3. When to Consider Professional Dry Cleaning

Dry cleaning can help with some stains – but it should be a last resort, especially for silk. Professional pressing can flatten the bow tie, alter its body, or introduce creases that weren’t intended. If you choose this route:

• Choose a cleaner experienced with fine menswear

• Ask them not to aggressively press the bow tie

• Understand that results can vary based on stain type and fabric

4. Why You Should Never Machine-Wash or Soak a Bow Tie

This is the golden rule: never submerge a bow tie in water, and never wash it in a machine – even on delicate or hand-wash cycles. Doing so can:

• Distort the bow tie’s shape

• Cause silk to wrinkle or pucker

• Shrink internal linings

• Weaken or warp stitching

• Lead to dye bleeding or fading

How to Remove Wrinkles From a Bow Tie: Steaming & Ironing the Right Way

Even with proper storage, bow ties can develop creases or soften at the edges after repeated tying. The key to restoring crispness is using low heat, light pressure, and the right technique. Heavy ironing or aggressive steaming will do more harm than good.

1. Start With Steam – the Safest First Option

Can you steam a bow tie? If your bow tie has mild wrinkles, steam may do the trick. A small handheld steamer or the steam setting on an iron (held away from the fabric) can relax creases without flattening the bow tie’s natural body.

How to steam safely:

• Hang the bow tie or lay it flat on a clean towel

• Hold the steamer or steam-iron 2–3 inches away from the fabric

• Let the steam do the work, avoid pressing or pulling on the tie

• Allow it to air-dry completely before tying to maintain shape

Steam is particularly effective on silk, where direct heat can sometimes create shine or impressions.

2. Ironing a Bow Tie (If Steaming Isn’t Enough)

Can you iron a bow tie? For more stubborn wrinkles, ironing may be appropriate – but it must be done carefully. The goal is to smooth the fabric without crushing the lining or altering the bow tie’s structure.

• Test the heat on the neckband first: Before touching the visible front, iron a small section of the neckband to make sure the fabric tolerates the temperature and doesn’t react (such as dye lift or sheen).

• Iron silk and woven fabrics differently: How do you iron a silk bow tie? Very carefully! Different weaves react differently to heat, so adjust accordingly:

• • Printed silk: A warm iron with gentle steam can work, as long as you avoid too much pressure.

  • Woven silk (such as repp): Use heat without steam, as moisture can distort the weave or leave water marks.

  • Cotton or linen: These can tolerate slightly higher temperatures, but still place a protective cloth over the tie.

• Use a pressing cloth for protection: Place a clean, thin cotton cloth (like a handkerchief or T-shirt) between the iron and the bow tie. This prevents direct contact and protects against shine, scorching, or imprint marks from the iron’s plate.

• Apply minimal pressure: Never “press down” on a bow tie as you would on a dress shirt. Let the weight of the iron and the warmth do the work. Too much pressure can flatten the tie’s shape or affect the knot area’s natural roll.

3. How to Un-Wrinkle a Bow Tie Without an Iron

To get wrinkles out of a bow tie while on the go, consider these methods – they won’t reshape deeply set wrinkles, but they work beautifully for everyday touch-ups.

• Hang the tie in the bathroom during a hot shower

• Lay it under a light towel and press gently with your hands

• Store bow ties flat rather than rolled to let minor creases soften naturally

Proper Storage & Handling to Keep Your Bow Tie Looking Its Best

Thoughtful storage and handling play a major role in preserving the shape, drape, and longevity of a well-crafted tie – the way you put them away matters just as much as how you wear them.

• Untie after every wear: Leaving a bow tie knotted puts strain on the fabric and lining. Gently untie, smooth with your fingers, and let it relax back into shape.

• Store flat or hang: Lay bow ties flat in a drawer or hang them from a tie rack. Avoid tight folds or rolling, which can create permanent creases.

• Shield from sunlight and humidity: Direct light can fade silk, while humidity can soften the lining and encourage wrinkles. Keep your bow ties in a cool, dry space.

• Rotate your collection: Giving each bow tie time to rest allows the fibers to recover from knotting and helps maintain long-term structure.

• Use a travel case: When on the move, pack bow ties in a hard-sided or padded case to prevent crushing or accidental contact with liquids or toiletries.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Caring for a Bow Tie

Keep this simple do-not-do list in mind when caring for your bow ties:

• Do not soak or wash bow ties: Submerging a bow tie in water – whether handwashing or machine washing – can distort its shape, shrink internal linings, and damage delicate fabrics like silk.

• Do not use harsh stain removers: Strong chemicals, vigorous scrubbing, or abrasive cleaners can break down fibers and cause dye bleed. Always spot-treat gently with silk-safe products.

• Do not apply direct, heavy heat when ironing: Pressing too firmly or using high heat can create shine, flatten the bow tie’s natural body, or imprint the iron plate onto the fabric.

• Do not store bow ties knotted or tightly folded: Leaving them tied or compressing them in small spaces encourages permanent creasing, fabric stress, and distortion.

• Do not expose the bow tie to moisture and humidity: Damp environments can cause puckering, soften the lining, and encourage wrinkles.

• Do not clean or iron without first testing a patch: Always test spot-cleaners and heat settings on the neckband or an inconspicuous area to avoid unwanted reactions.

Need care or restoration advice for your fine accessories? We’re here to help whenever you need us. And should you have an R. Hanauer piece you’ve brought back to life with a bit of careful attention, we’d enjoy seeing the result! Tag your photos with #RHanauer on Instagram and Facebook.