A Guide to Preserving Your Investment
Daily Care (The “End of Day” Routine)
- Untie properly: Never pull the small end through the knot. Always untie it by reversing the steps you took to tie it to avoid stretching the silk fibers.
- Inspection: Check for any “invisible” stains (like champagne or oils) that could oxidize over time.
- The 72-Hour Rest: Immediately set the tie aside. Never wear the same tie two days in a row: the interlining needs time to recover its shape.
Long-Term Storage
- The Roll Test: If the tie is a lightweight silk (like Hermès or Ferragamo), roll it loosely from the small end.
- Drawer Layout: Store rolled ties in a shallow drawer or a divider box. Ensure there is enough space, so they aren’t compressed.
- Avoid the “Hook”: Ensure no ties are hanging from narrow pegs or sharp hooks that create a single pressure point.
- Climate Control: Store in a cool, dry place. Silk is a natural protein fiber and is susceptible to fading from UV light and damage from high humidity.
What to Watch For (Signs it’s time for Margaret’s)
- The “Twist”: When held up, does the tie spiral or fail to hang straight? (Indicates the interlining has shifted).
- Setting Creases: Are there horizontal lines across the “knot area” that haven’t disappeared after 3 days of rest?
- Flattened Edges: Do the edges of the tie look sharp/creased instead of softly rolled?
- Pilling or Snags: Are there tiny loose threads or a “fuzzy” texture developing on the silk?
The Ascot Tie Service: Beyond Typical Dry Cleaning
Unlike standard cleaners who use “hard pressing” that flattens hand-rolled edges and ruins the tie’s 3D profile, our prestigious Ascot Tie Service uses an entirely different philosophy. We treat every piece—from a delicate Hermès scarf to a vintage Zegna tie—with an “impressionless finish.”
- Labor-Intensive Care: We utilize gentle soaking procedures and specialized stain removal treatments that protect color luster without aggressive chemicals.
- Restoration Techniques: For distressed or high-value pieces, we employ advanced oil baths, and when necessary, full disassembly and reconstruction to salvage your favorite accessory.
- Travel-Ready Packaging: Every tie is returned in our proprietary see-through cover, designed to keep your collection protected and ready for travel or shipping.
- Nationwide Access: Not in San Diego? Our CleanByMail Service allows you to send your fine neckwear to us from anywhere in the world.