Pocket Square Cleaning And Care

Your pocket square not only complements your outfit but also reflects your attention to detail. Neglecting its care can lead to stains, fading, and fabric damage. By following fabric-specific cleaning tips, you’ll extend the life of your pocket squares and keep them looking crisp for every occasion.

Silk pocket squares, while fantastic looking, are more of a challenge to care for. Silk is a delicate fabric and should never be machine washed or dried. For best results they should be taken to the dry cleaner.

If you want to clean silk pocket squares yourself, they’ll need to be hand washed and dried. Wash them in cold to lukewarm water and only use a little bit of soap.

To dry, roll your pocket squares in a towel, pressing them gently to soak up the water. Then, lay them out to air dry, making sure they are not exposed to a direct heat source or sunlight.

It’s ok to iron your silk pocket squares on low heat, but it’s smart to take special precautions when you do. Your best bet is to cover the pocket square you’re ironing with another piece of fabric so it doesn’t make direct contact with the iron.

Best care method: Dry clean for the best results. Iron, covered, on low heat.

Polyester is a very durable fabric making cleaning not too much of a chore. It’s safe to be machine washed and dried, though some prefer hand washing and air drying to avoid shrinkage.

Use the permanent press cycle when machine washing polyester and never use bleach. Machine dry polyester pocket squares at a low temperature to avoid shrinking.

Polyester is a convenient fabric in that it doesn’t usually require ironing. If you have to iron it, be sure to use a warm iron but not one that is extremely hot. Polyester can scorch and melt when exposed to very high temperatures.

Best care method: Machine wash on permanent press and tumble dry low or air dry.

Cotton is the easiest fabric to wash because it can withstand high temperatures making it safe to throw in the washer. Plain white cotton squares should be washed at around 140°F and colored squares at about 104°F.

White cotton can be bleached, which gives you another stain fighting option. Bleaching is riskier with colored pocket squares and should be avoided or done with caution.

Cotton is also dryer safe, but squares that aren’t plain white should be dried at lower temperatures.

Cotton does have a tendency to wrinkle but luckily can be ironed at a high temperature.

Best care method: Machine wash, tumble dry low.

Cleaning wool pocket squares is very similar to silk. Proceed with the same caution, and consider a dry cleaner just as you would a wool sweater. To clean your pocket square at home, hand wash, reshape and air dry flat, and iron at a medium temperature.

One unique aspect of wool is that it is particularly vulnerable to the common clothing moth. Applying moth proofer to the area where your wool pocket squares are stored is a smart decision if you want them to last.

Best care method: Dry clean or hand wash and air dry; use moth repellent when storing.

Linen is also a fairly simple fabric to clean. It can be washed following the same guidelines as cotton.

Unlike cotton, linen squares shouldn’t be put in the dryer. You’re better off letting them air dry. Plain white linen can be dried outdoors in the sun.

As a very light fabric, linen easily creases and wrinkles, meaning it will need to be ironed frequently. Linen can be ironed at high temperatures, much like cotton. Iron your linen pocket squares while they are still damp, using plenty of steam.

Best care method: Machine wash, air dry only; iron while damp with steam.

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• Always store pocket squares in a clean, dry place.
• Use gentle detergent or soap suited to the fabric type.
• Avoid direct sunlight during drying to prevent fading.
• Consider fabric-specific stain removers for tough spots.

Always iron with care. Use low heat and a cloth barrier when pressing delicate fabrics like silk.

When it comes to cleaning and caring for your pocket squares, it’s always best to proceed with caution, especially the first time. Some pocket squares are made from fabric blends, like silk and linen, which require extra attention. In those cases, always follow the care instructions for the most delicate fabric in the blend. Taking a careful, gentle approach will help preserve the look and feel of your pocket square, so it stays sharp wear after wear.

At TieMart, we carry a wide selection of pocket squares in fabrics like silk, polyester, cotton, wool, and linen. Most designs have matching ties and bow ties available, and we stock large quantities, perfect for wedding parties, school uniforms, or corporate attire. TieMart pocket squares are affordable and ship quickly from our Midwest location.