Washing your abaya doesn’t have to be a chore. In fact, with the right techniques, washing your abaya can be a straightforward task that helps keep it looking beautiful for years to come.
Whether you’ve just invested in your first abaya or you’re looking to better care for your current collection, knowing how to wash an abaya properly is key.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the essentials of cleaning your beautiful abayas, no matter what the material – velvet, silk, linen or chiffon.
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How to Wash a Velvet Abaya
Muslim women usually reserve their velvet abayas for special occasions or formal events. After all, velvet is a luxurious and delicate fabric.
Unfortunately, velvet abayas are the hardest to wash, dry, and iron – their intricate embellishment and the unforgiving abaya fabric are to blame.
Let’s see what you can do to properly maintain your velvet abayas:
- Wash inside out: Turn the abaya inside out and put it in a mesh washing bag.
- Run a delicate cycle: The water should be cold and you should select the least number of spins.
- Use a delicate detergent and add the appropriate amount.
If there’s a stain on the outside of your abaya, then spot cleaning is best before you machine wash it. Wet the stain with cold water first, then apply a mix of baking soda and lemon juice. Rinse with cold water afterward.
NB: If your abaya has intricate beading or delicate embroidery, it’s best to hand wash it rather than using a washing machine, or send to a specialized dry cleaners.
How to Iron and Dry a Velvet Abaya
Dry cleaning is the safest route with velvet abayas. You don’t want to crush or wrinkle the delicate fabric so simply hanging it out to dry is ideal.
Pro tip: Avoid laundry pegs. They can easily mark your abaya. Don’t leave it in the sun for too long either as direct sunlight has been known to fade a fabric’s color.
When it comes to ironing, it’s best to turn the abaya inside out and use a thin barrier between the iron and the velvet. Ideally, opt for a clothes steamer.
How to Wash a Silk Abaya
Silk abayas are always popular for the breathable fabric and the way it drapes. They make a grand statement at weddings and Islamic holidays, like Eid Al-Adha.
But, since silk is highly delicate and lightweight, extra caution when washing your abaya is vital. For silk abaya care, here’s what to do:
- Hand washing is best: Anyone would tell you that hand-washing silk in cold or lukewarm water is ideal. Use minimal cleaning products and lightly pet the fabric to clean it.
- Consult the washing instructions: Sometimes the manufacturer will recommend machine washing instead. Read the care label (found on the inside) before doing this to ensure it’s safe.
- Wash with other soft fabrics: If you must machine wash your silk abaya, throw in other delicate fabrics. Select a low-spin, delicate cycle and use a mild detergent.
How to Iron and Dry a Silk Abaya
Use velvet hangers to drip-dry your silk abaya away from heat or direct sunlight. Wire hangers are a little harsh and can misshape your abaya.
When ironing, place a safety barrier between the iron and your abaya and iron on top of it.
Pro tip: Never put silk in a tumble dryer or wring it out by hand.
How to Wash a Linen Abaya
Linen has an elegant and flowy silhouette that makes it a staple in any woman’s wardrobe. This breathable fabric is also practical and ideal for both formal and casual occasions.
Luckily, linen is more forgiving than silk and velvet. Cleaning it is less of a hassle—if anything, washing linen softens the fabric over time. Here’s how you do that:
- Choose a cold-water, gentle cycle: Linen will need all the water it can get, so don’t wash it with too many clothes. Select the fastest spin cycle.
- Skip washing if you can: If your abaya isn’t too dirty, then use a steamer to freshen the abaya up and restore its shine.
Note: Never use hot water to wash linen. The material will shrink immediately.
How to Iron and Dry a Linen Abaya
Air-drying linen is best. If you must use the dryer, don’t run a full cycle on your abaya. The heat will shrink the fabric and damage it.
Iron your linen abaya the same way you’d iron your silk or velvet one. Remember that linen wrinkles fast so you may need to iron it more often.
How to Wash a Chiffon Abaya
Abayas are commonly made from chiffon. It’s a sophisticated fabric that’s lightweight and often transparent. These qualities also make it a popular choice in hijabs.
You should only hand wash chiffon. A washing machine cycle can seriously damage the fabric, stretching and/or possibly tearing it.
Here’s how to safely hand wash your chiffon abaya:
- Avoid buckets or sinks: Wash normally under running water. Submerging the fabric makes it harder to work with.
- Use delicate detergents: Abaya detergents help preserve the chiffon’s dye and fabric quality.
- Don’t hand wash for long: Keep it simple as constant washing will ruin the abaya in the long run.
How to Iron and Dry a Chiffon Abaya
Use padded hangers to air-dry your chiffon abaya. Put it someplace away from direct sunlight and extreme heat sources.
Be careful not to hand ring or squeeze the water out after washing. Use hand towels and gently blot away the water before hanging the abaya.
Iron chiffon from the fabric’s backside and use a clean towel to separate the iron from the delicate material.
SAVE FOR LATER!
Caring for your abaya properly will help to keep it in great condition, retaining its elegance and durability over time.
Whether it’s linen or chiffon, understanding and applying the right washing, drying, and ironing techniques can make all the difference. Remember, the key to extending the life of your abaya lies in handling it gently and using the appropriate methods for its specific fabric.
By following these guidelines, you’ll keep your abaya looking beautiful and graceful for every occasion.
