The abaya, a traditional and classic attire worn by many muslim women, represents both religious significance and personal elegance. A good-looking and neat abaya can project confidence and authority, which can enhance your credibility and influence. But hold on a second: How do you figure out what’s the right way to wash your abayas? 

The fact is, many of us face the same challenge. However, washing your abaya can be a breeze if you know the right approach. 

So, if you are someone who is passionate about abaya care, especially maintaining neat and clean abaya clothing, but struggles with the washing, folding, and hanging process, let us help in simplifying your laundry routine. With a team of professionals who chimed in their secrets of abaya maintenance, Malbus jots down these pro-tips to guide you through the process. 

Let's begin!

 

 

Understanding your abaya

Before diving into the washing process, it’s important to understand the type of your abaya fabric. Common materials for an abaya include nida, silk, chiffon, and crepe, each requiring specific care which is usually mentioned on the care label to ensure its premium look. 

To understand your abaya fabric, check the care label inside your abaya. Care labels provide crucial information about the fabrics that tells you how to wash and maintain them. Every fabric is different from the other, and requires a different treatment. The care labels are the best way to know which method is ideal for a specific fabric. For some fabrics, a simple machine wash would be enough; while for others, a hand wash, air dry, cold water soaks, and dry cleaning would be a recommended procedure. These care labels contain do's and don'ts for your abaya clothing to ensure proper cleaning, avoiding damage, and preventing accidents. 

Pre-treating stains without washing abaya

It’s not a wise choice to wash your abaya every time you get a few stains. Although abayas are often dark in color, which makes the stains even more noticeable, you can treat these instantly from setting in by using natural stain removers.

 

Natural stain removers are made from everyday household ingredients and are usually quite friendly with all sorts of clothing material like velvet, silk, linen or chiffon. Here’s how you can make your own natural stain remover: 

 

As soon as you immediately spot a stain, apply white vinegar on it. Then, proceed to make a paste with equal parts of vinegar and baking soda and rub it well on the stain. Afterwards, wash the stained area with cold water and you are all set. 

 

For everyday upkeep, consider keeping a small plastic bottle of this natural stain removal solution in your bag and apply it to stains right away, before they have a chance to damage your favorite abaya. Also, keep your abayas in check and look for any stain or spot that can damage the overall look of your abaya.

 

 

Washing your abaya 

When it comes to washing an abaya, you can either machine wash it or hand wash it. Research says that both are effective ways to wash an abaya, depending on the fabric and the recommended care pattern. 

 

Many of us are already familiar with how to machine wash clothes; simply soak clothes in a washing machine full of water, add some detergent, set timer and there you go!

 

Now, let's quickly get on a trip to know the basics of hand washing:

1. Fill A Bucket: Take a bucket and fill it with water with normal to lukewarm temperature. It is recommended to use the cool water, as hot water can damage delicate fabrics.
   
   
2. Add Detergent: Choose an effective detergent and add it into the water.
   
   
3. Dip and Soak: Dip your abaya into the water and let it soak for about 5-10 minutes.
   
   
4. Gently Clean: Rather than scrubbing or wringing, slightly rub your abaya with your hands.
   
   
5. Flush Detergent : Dip your abaya under cool, fresh water until all detergent is removed.

Drying your abaya

If you are someone who genuinely cares about the quality and longevity of their clothing items, these pro tips are especially for you.

Use a drying rack 

When it comes to drying your abayas, always go for the natural air drying process. Using a clothesline is one of the best ways to ensure that your abayas don’t wear out. Skip the hassle of finding and purchasing expensive dryers and let your abayas dry naturally.

Lay Flat

After rinsing, gently press out excess water without wringing. Lay the abaya flat on a clean towel to dry.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Dry in a shaded area and avoid direct sunlight to prevent color fading and fabric damage.

Ironing Your Abaya 

The drying is done; it’s time to iron your abayas to perfection. It is always recommended to iron your abayas as soon as they’re dry to maintain their shape and integrity. The right way of ironing brings out the best version of the fabric. You might notice that after ironing, the abaya looks shinier and newer than before. Ironing has the quality to remove dullness, color fades, and dust from the clothes, and make it look as good as new.

 

To keep your abaya ever-shining, never press it on a heat that is higher than recommended. Go through the care label carefully and set the accurate amount of heat on the iron to keep your abaya from roasting and maintain its glory.

 

 

Folding Your Abaya

If you’re wondering how to fold an abaya, you’ve come to the right place. Abayas are usually larger in size compared to any other fabric that we usually wear, and knowing how to fold them during packing or travel is essential for their maintenance. 

To fold your abaya, the first and the foremost step is to make sure it is 100% clean and dry. If it's not dry enough, hang it out to dry as suggested in the guide above. After that, lay it out on a flat surface, and align and fold the sleeves toward the center of the garment. This prevents them from getting creased or stretched. Fold abaya in half and bring the bottom hem up to meet the top, aligning the edges neatly. Fold it again and your abaya is perfectly packed to be stored away! 

Storing Your Abaya

If your seasonal abayas need storing, follow these quick-tips to ensure your abayas remain perfected until the next season:

1. Use Hangers for Long-Term Storage: If you hang your abaya, use padded or covered hangers to maintain its shape and iron for a long period of time.
   
   
2. Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Avoid areas with high humidity to maintain abaya design and shape. Wardrobes are considered one of the best storage for clothes.
   
   
3. Consider Garment Bags: For added protection, especially for delicate fabrics, store your abaya in a breathable garment bag.

And there you have it - a comprehensive list of tips n’ tricks to keep your abayas as good as new. By following these expert tips, you can ensure that your abayas remain looking their best for years to come. Proper care, from understanding your fabric to gentle washing and careful storage, will help preserve the beauty and elegance of your abayas. Malbus offers a wide range of abayas to suit every style and occasion. From making a bold fashion statement to getting your hands on a premium quality abaya outfit, Malbus has everything to meet your needs. Explore the premium collection of latest abaya fashion at Malbus and find the perfect one that resonates with your personal style!