Neckties and food stains



Ah, the necktie, symbol of civilized man. Lovely fabric in patterns and prints ranging from the tastefully subdued to the loutishly loud.


And as you proudly wear this symbol of virility, it is hanging right where food stains are sure to mar its loveliness sooner or later. Take heart, though. Foodstained neckties can often be cleaned up and returned to service using this simple trick.

Lay the necktie, stained side up, on a flat surface. Press a slightly damp paper towel over the stain. Let the damp towel dry and you will find the stain has been drawn up into the paper. It works because paper is more absorbent than silk and thus tends to wick the moisture, and the stain, up into itself. You may have to repeat the treatment several times for stubborn stains.

The procedure does not always work, but it often does, and it beats shelling out money for a new tie every time the gravy does not stay where it belongs.

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