Have not used ties before but that off putting odor may be from the different men's cologne that was worn. Many men use cologne as a last step before they went out the door and it drips on the cologne or they touch it to straighten it up. The oils have a tendency to build up in the fabric. That stuff is hard to get out. When I go to estate sales I try to avoid the heavy smelling clothes but what I do get goes straight into the washer in hot water sometimes twice with ammonia or vinegar in the wash. That happens often with men's dress shirts an ladies dresses and blouses.