How to Wash an Abaya Without Damaging It

To wash an abaya safely, turn it inside out and wash it in cold or cool water (no higher than 30°C) with a mild detergent, on a delicate cycle or by hand. Don’t tumble dry it. Hang it to air-dry on a padded hanger, and iron it on low heat from the inside. Embroidered and embellished abayas should be hand-washed or professionally cleaned.

Abayas are worn daily during Umrah, often in heat and dust, so they need washing more often than at home. Washing them the right way keeps black abayas black and stops delicate fabrics from losing their shape.

Should You Hand Wash or Machine Wash an Abaya?

Plain abayas without decoration can usually go in the washing machine on a delicate cycle. Abayas with beading, sequins, lace, metal details or heavy embroidery should be hand-washed or dry-cleaned, because the drum can pull threads and loosen decoration.

Abaya type	Best washing method	Extra care
Plain everyday abaya	Machine, delicate cycle, cold or 30°C	Inside out, with similar dark colours
Light, sheer fabric	Hand wash in cold water	Do not wring; press water out gently
Embroidered or embellished	Hand wash or professional cleaning	Don’t rub decorated areas; iron with a cloth on top
Lined or structured	Follow the care label	Some linings shrink differently from the outer fabric

How to Machine Wash an Abaya

• Check the care label for the maximum temperature.
• Turn the abaya inside out to protect the outer surface and colour.
• Wash with similar colours only. Black abayas should be washed with other dark clothes.
• Choose the delicate or hand-wash cycle with cold water or no more than 30°C.
• Use a small amount of mild detergent. Detergents made for dark clothes help black abayas keep their colour.
• Remove it as soon as the cycle ends to reduce creasing.

How to Hand Wash an Abaya

Fill a basin with cold water and a small amount of mild detergent. Let the abaya soak for up to 10 minutes, then gently work only the soiled areas such as the hem and cuffs. Rinse in clean cold water until no soap remains. Press the water out with your hands or roll it in a towel. Don’t wring or twist it, as this stretches the fabric.

How to Dry an Abaya

Air-drying is the safest option. Tumble drying uses heat and movement that can dull the fabric, cause shrinkage and damage decoration. Hang the abaya on a wide, padded hanger in the shade. Direct strong sunlight can fade black fabric over time, which matters in Makkah’s sun.

How to Iron an Abaya

Use steam or a low heat setting and iron the abaya inside out. For embroidered areas, place a thin cotton cloth between the iron and the fabric so the heat does not damage the threads or melt any decoration.

How to Keep a Black Abaya From Fading

• Wash it inside out in cold water.
• Use a detergent made for dark colours and avoid bleach of any kind.
• Wash it with other dark clothes only.
• Dry it in the shade rather than in direct sunlight.
• Don’t over-wash. Airing an abaya between light wears can reduce how often it needs a full wash.

How to Store an Abaya

Hang abayas on padded or velvet hangers rather than thin wire ones, which can leave marks on the shoulders. For travel, fold them loosely with tissue paper or roll them to reduce creases.

Abaya Washing During Umrah

Hotel rooms near the Haram rarely have space to wash and dry delicate clothes properly. Our laundry service in Makkah washes every order separately, sorts dark and light clothes, and returns abayas folded. If you have an embellished abaya, mention it when you order so it can be handled with extra care. Before you fly home, our wash, dry and fold service gets everything clean and packed flat for your suitcase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put an abaya in the washing machine?

Yes, most plain abayas can be machine washed on a delicate cycle in cold water or up to 30°C, turned inside out. Embellished or embroidered abayas should be hand-washed or professionally cleaned.

What temperature should I wash an abaya at?

Wash abayas in cold water or at no more than 30°C, unless the care label says otherwise. Higher temperatures can shrink fabric and fade dark colours.

Can I tumble dry an abaya?

It is best not to. Heat and movement can dull the fabric, cause shrinkage and damage decoration. Air-dry abayas on a padded hanger in the shade.

How often should I wash my abaya?

Wash it when it is visibly dirty or has absorbed sweat, which in Makkah’s heat can be after one or two wears. Airing it between light wears helps reduce unnecessary washing.