📅 Last updated on August 27, 2026 — Written by Nora MASTAN of the SOOTRASHOP team
⏱ Reading time: 6 minutes
Abaya care: The complete guide to making them last as long as possible
Abaya care involves all the necessary techniques for washing at a maximum of 30°C, drying on a hanger, steam wrinkle removal, and storage in a breathable garment bag to preserve the fluidity of the fabric, the vibrancy of dark colors, and the durability of ornamentation over time.
This complete guide will walk you through how to extend the lifespan of your wardrobe. From daily cleaning to ironing tips, including storage and targeted stain removal, discover all the essential best practices to keep your abayas impeccable, year after year.
Before diving into the guide, discover our sootrashop abaya collection now, featuring noble materials, easy to care for and delivered in France, Europe, and North Africa.
How to read your abaya labels to never damage them again?
To read an abaya label and avoid damaging it, you must follow the 5 pictograms displayed in official order: the tub (wash at max 30°C), the triangle (ban bleach), the square (hang dry), the iron (gentle ironing at 110°C on the reverse side) and the circle (dry cleaning).
This quick read ensures the longevity of your fluid fabrics (Nidha, crepe, Medina silk, satin) and protects your embroidery:
- Temperature & spin: Wash at max 30°C (delicate cycle, 400 to 600 rpm) or prefer hand washing for beaded items.
- Drying: Prohibit tumble drying. Hang the abaya on a hanger and in the shade to preserve colors.
- Ironing: Use a gentle iron with a pressing cloth or a vertical steam iron.
Do not cut the care label! If it bothers you or scratches, gently unpick it with a seam ripper and keep it in a small notebook. It will be very useful if you need to take your abaya to the dry cleaner.
✅ In summary
A glance at the label prevents many mistakes! By respecting temperatures and avoiding the tumble dryer, your abaya will retain its fluidity and shine wash after wash.
How to remove stains from an abaya without damaging it?
To remove a stain from an abaya without discoloring the fabric, dab the area from the edge towards the center with a suitable gentle product (Sommières clay for grease, soapy water for liquids) and never rub, as this risks creating a halo.
Apply the appropriate product according to the nature of the stain:
- Grease & powder makeup stains: Sprinkle dry Sommières clay to absorb oil by capillarity.
- Perspiration stains: Dab with white vinegar diluted 50% with clear water.
- Food, coffee or sauce stains: Emulsify with cold water and white Marseille soap.
- Fluid makeup & ink marks: Gently dissolve with micellar water on a cotton pad.
Treatment tables for your abayas, targeted according to the nature of the stain.
Each substance requires a specific chemical reaction to break its adhesion to the fiber without damaging the dark dye of the garment.
| Nature of the stain | Recommended stain remover | Chemical mode of action |
| Grease / Oil / Cosmetics | Sommières clay or cornstarch. | Absorbent powder used dry (capillary action without water). |
| Perspiration / Deodorant | White vinegar diluted to 50%. | Gentle acidification to neutralize aluminum salts. |
| Drink / Coffee / Sauce | Soapy water (white Marseille soap). | Emulsification by neutral surfactants in cold water. |
| Ink / Fluid makeup | Highly diluted 70° alcohol or Micellar water. | Rapid solubilization of the pigment by a gentle solvent. |
Step-by-step abaya stain removal protocol
How to remove stains from your abaya step by step:
- Absorb: Immediately blot the liquid with a dry cloth, without rubbing.
- Isolate: Place a clean towel under the fabric, directly under the stain, to protect the other side of the garment.
- Treat: Gently dab with a soft cloth soaked in the appropriate product.
-
Rinse and dry: Rinse with clear water using a barely damp sponge. Allow to air dry, from the outside towards the center of the stain.
The essential: Always dab gently with a mild product, never rubbing, to avoid damaging the fabric, altering the color, or creating a halo.
Keep a stain remover stick or wipe for delicate textiles in your bag to react quickly on the go.
🛍️ Discover our light, resistant and easy-care abayas on sootrashop.com.
Hydrophilic stains and pigments (makeup, perspiration, coffee, perfume)
This table presents the recommended solutions according to the type of stain, as well as the products to use and the preferred application method. To avoid damaging the fabric, it is advisable to perform each treatment delicately and, when possible, to test the product beforehand on a small, inconspicuous area.
| Type of stain | Product to use | Application method |
| Makeup (collar & neckline, powder, mascara, lipstick) | Micellar water or 70° alcohol diluted 50% in water. | Gently dab with a white cotton pad until the stain is completely transferred. |
| Perspiration & Deodorant (armpits) | White vinegar + lukewarm water (50/50). | Soak the area, leave for 15 min, rinse with clear water then wash. |
| Coffee, Tea & Juice | Cold water + baking soda paste (baking soda + a little water). | Rinse immediately with cold water from the reverse side, then apply the absorbent paste. |
| Perfume & Oils | Pure glycerin soap + cold water. | Dilute the greasy substance by rubbing very gently with soap and cold water to create foam. |
Washing your abaya: machine or hand wash?
To wash an abaya without damaging it, prioritize hand washing for delicate fabrics (Medina silk, crepe, nidha, satin...) and ornate pieces (rhinestones, beads). Machine washing is reserved for everyday abayas (Jazz, polyester, cotton), always on a delicate cycle with cold water, never exceeding 30°C max.
This choice preserves fluidity, the vibrancy of black, and ornaments:
- Hand washing (recommended): Quick immersion in cold to lukewarm water (max 30°C) inside out with mild liquid detergent, without rubbing or twisting the fabric.
- Machine washing: Garment turned inside out, placed in a laundry bag, without fabric softener and with minimal spin (400 to 600 rpm max).
Add a spoonful of white vinegar to the rinse water: it neutralizes limescale, removes detergent residue, and revives the vibrancy of black.
✅ In summary
Choose hand washing for your most beautiful ornate pieces and machine washing (on a delicate cycle with a laundry bag) for your everyday outfits!
Choosing the washing method according to your abaya's fabric
To choose between machine wash and hand wash, adjust the cycle to the fragility of the fiber: durable fabrics (polyester, cotton) can be machine washed at 30 °C max, while fluid or ornate materials (Nidha, Medina Silk, crêpe, rhinestones) require manual washing in cold or lukewarm water.
This tailored approach prevents pilling, snagging, and loss of elasticity:
- Polyester & Jazz: Machine wash (synthetic cycle 30 °C, spin 400 rpm).
- Crêpe, Nidha, Medina Silk, Cupro & Satin: Hand wash only (cold to lukewarm water at 30 °C max, without friction).
- Beaded or Rhinestoned Abayas: Hand wash or dry clean (gentle immersion, never twist).
- Cotton & Raw Linen: Machine wash (delicate cycle 30 °C, spin 600 rpm max).
👉 Find our complete comparative table by material to clean your abaya without risking damage to its fabric.
What program and temperature to machine wash an abaya?
The ideal machine setting for an abaya is to use the “Delicate” or “Silk” program at 30 °C maximum (or cold), with a restricted spin between 0 and 600 revolutions/minute.
This combination prevents shrinking, seam deformation, and fiber breakage.
Adjust these parameters according to the textile's nature:
- Fluid Synthetics (Jazz, Jersey, Woolpeach): Delicate program at 30 °C, spin 400 to 600 rpm.
- Very Fragile Materials (Medina Silk, Satin, Muslin, Nidha, premium crêpe, cupro): Silk/Hand wash program at 20 °C (or cold), spin disabled or 400 rpm max (laundry bag essential).
- Natural Fibers & Jersey (Cotton, Linen, Viscose): Delicate program at 30 °C, spin 600 rpm max.
- Winter & Ornate Fabrics (Velvet, Wool, Rhinestones): Wool/Delicate program at 20 °C, garment turned inside out, spin 400 rpm max.
Golden rules for pampering your abayas when machine washing:
To make your daily life easier, here is a summary of the best practices to adopt at each step:
- Before washing: Always turn your abaya inside out and place it in a laundry bag to protect the fabric.
- Washing: Choose the delicate program at 30 °C (or hand wash) with a liquid detergent specifically for black textiles. Most importantly, do not add fabric softener.
- Drying: Do not use a dryer! Let it air dry naturally on a wide hanger, in the shade.
- Ironing: Prefer a vertical steam iron. If you use a classic iron, set it to low temperature and place a thin cloth between the iron and the abaya.
To preserve the vibrancy, fluidity, and finishes of all your abayas (especially if they have embroidery, beads, or sequins), hand washing in lukewarm or cold water is always preferable.
👉 For crêpe abayas specifically, consult our detailed guide: How to wash a crêpe abaya without damaging it: step-by-step guide (coming soon).
Why do heat and spinning damage your abayas?
Hot water and fast spinning degrade the structure of abayas: a temperature above 30 °C alters the fluid drape and causes the black color to bleed, while a spin speed above 600 rpm breaks the textile fibers and creates indelible white marks.
To protect your garments from mechanical and thermal damage:
- Heat sensitivity: Heat softens synthetic microfibers (Nidha, Medina Silk), causing hems to loosen and the heavy drape to be lost.
- Spin friction: Above 600 rpm, pressing against the drum causes the appearance of white wear marks and ingrained creases.
- Drum volume: Only fill the machine to one-third capacity to allow the abaya to float and limit friction.
Never fill your machine to more than one-third of its capacity. Your abaya should be able to float freely in the water to avoid friction and come out almost wrinkle-free!
✅ In summary
30 °C maximum, delicate program, and minimum spin: this is the secret to keeping an abaya impeccable wash after wash.
Which detergent to use for your abaya?
The best detergent for an abaya is a liquid detergent specifically for black textiles or delicate laundry (pH neutral). It preserves the fluidity of the fibers and the depth of the black color, unlike powder detergents which leave white marks and discolor fabrics.
To ensure impeccable care without damaging fluid materials, here are the essentials to have in your laundry room:
- Liquid detergent for darks
- Delicate laundry detergent (pH neutral)
- Silk/wool detergent
- White Marseille soap
- Dye transfer inhibitors
- White vinegar or baking soda (natural descaler)
Prohibited products:
- Powder detergent
- Bleach
- Industrial fabric softeners (which weigh down the fabric)
- Aggressive stain removers
For your exceptional hand-dyed abayas, perform a colorfastness test by applying a drop of your diluted detergent on an invisible inner hem before the first main wash.
If you live in an area with very hard water, do not increase the amount of detergent. Instead, add a tablespoon of baking soda to the detergent dispenser or half a glass of white vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser: this will neutralize limescale without damaging the fiber or depositing a synthetic film.
✅ In summary
A touch of liquid detergent for black textiles and a little white vinegar during rinsing are enough to protect the color and softness of your most beautiful abayas.
How to iron your abaya without damaging it?
To iron an abaya without damaging it, always use a vertical steam iron, holding it 5 to 10 cm away from the fabric on the wrong side of the abaya.
If you use a classic iron, set it to 110 °C max and always iron on the wrong side with a press cloth.
These precautions prevent shine (shiny marks), melting of microfibers, and degradation of embroidery:
Recommended method (steamer): Hang the abaya on a hanger inside out and sweep from top to bottom without ever touching the appliance to the fabric (keep 5 to 10 cm distance).
- Emergency option (flat iron): Iron only on the wrong side at minimum temperature ("Silk"), never leaving the iron stationary.
- Setting time: Let the garment cool for 15 minutes on a hanger before wearing it to avoid immediate wrinkles.
For beaded or hand-embroidered sections, never iron directly on them: only steam from the back, placing the piece on a terry towel so as not to crush the raised details.
✅ In summary
Opt for a vertical steamer or iron on the wrong side at low temperature with a press cloth to eliminate wrinkles while protecting the delicate fibers of your abaya.
🛍️ Discover the collection: Find our fluid abayas made from noble fabrics with an impeccable hold and easy to steam on sootrashop.com.
Ironing temperatures by fabric
The ironing temperature for an abaya varies from 110 °C to 150 °C maximum depending on the nature of the textile fiber: 110 °C (thermostat 1 dot) for Nidha crêpe, Medina silk, and satin, and up to 150 °C (thermostat 2 dots) for cotton and linen, always under strict control to avoid any burning.
Iron setting protocol step by step:
- Check the label: Verify the exact composition of the item before turning on the appliance.
- Select the thermostat: Align the slider with the 1 dot symbol (Synthetic/Silk).
- Wait for the indicator light: Wait until the heating indicator light turns off to avoid residual temperature spikes.
- Test the soleplate: Press the iron for two seconds on an invisible area (hem reverse) before treating the large sections of the garment.
Let your iron rest for a few seconds after lowering the temperature setting: modern soleplates retain heat longer than indicated on the dial.
✅ In summary
Set your iron to a maximum of 110 °C to preserve the fluidity and luster of synthetic or delicate fabrics like Nidha and Medina Silk.
Steam iron vs vertical steamer for your abaya: which appliance to choose?
To care for an abaya, a vertical steamer is superior to an iron: it smooths the fabric by steam projection without direct contact, eliminating any risk of burning, shine (shiny marks), or damage to embellishments (rhinestones, beads).
Each appliance meets specific needs:
- Vertical steamer (recommended): Ideal for long and fluid abayas (Nidha, Medina Silk, satin). It refreshes the garment in 2 to 4 minutes directly on a hanger.
- Steam iron: Reserved for structured cuts or thick natural materials (cotton, linen) requiring sharp creases (110 to 150 °C max with a press cloth).
- Care of dark items: The steamer eliminates bacteria and odors while preventing limescale deposits if used with demineralized water.
Technical comparison of the iron and steamer for ironing your abaya.
Each appliance applies heat using a different dynamic. The following table details their relevance depending on the nature of the item to be cared for.
| Evaluation Criterion | Steam Iron | Vertical Steamer |
| Ironing Technique | Mechanical pressure + direct heat. | Micro-droplets of water + penetrating steam. |
| Risk of Shine / Burn | High (requires a press cloth). | None (no direct soleplate contact). |
| Preferred Materials | Cotton, linen, structured cuts. | Nidha crêpe, Medina silk, satin, visco-polyester. |
| Embellishment Treatment | Difficult (must avoid rhinestones). | Ideal (passes over embroidery and beads without risk). |
| Speed of execution | 8 to 12 minutes per garment. | 2 to 4 minutes directly on the hanger. |
- For quick daily use: Opt for a vertical steamer. It's the essential tool for freshening up a Nidha or crepe abaya in two minutes before going out.
- For structured pieces with sharp pleats: Keep your steam iron, set to low temperature with a pressing cloth, to create crisp lines on jackets or thick linen abayas.
Always use demineralized water in your steamer to prevent white limescale specks on your dark abayas when steaming.
✅ In summary
The vertical steamer is the preferred tool for preserving the fluidity and embellishments of abayas, while the steam iron is reserved for thicker natural materials.
🛍️ Discover the Collection: Find our selection of abayas made from fluid, easy-to-steam materials on sootrashop.com.
How to store an abaya without creasing or deforming it?
To store an abaya without deforming it, hang it on a padded velvet hanger in a dry, dark closet. Protect embellished designs under a breathable cotton cover and fold very heavy pieces flat with tissue paper to avoid stretching the shoulders.
These storage tips preserve the shape and finishes of your outfits:
- Hanger choice: Use wide hangers with padded shoulders (velvet or wood) to support the bodice without marking the fabric.
- Light protection: Place your black abayas in breathable fabric garment bags (avoid plastic) to prevent UV-induced fading.
- Heavy or beaded pieces: Store heavily embroidered/rhinestoned designs flat to protect the seams from the weight of gravity.
Choosing hangers and managing length for your abayas
Choosing the right hangers is essential to preserve the shape and seams of your clothes. Incorrect support can irreversibly deform shoulders or leave pressure marks.
| SUITABLE HANGERS (Preferred) | FORBIDDEN HANGERS (Avoid) |
| Velvet or padded satin (for fluid fabrics). | Wire hangers from the dry cleaner (shearing effect). |
| Wide wooden with ergonomic profile (for heavy pieces). | Thin plastic with sharp edges. |
| Curved or rounded shoulders. | Direct pressure clips (on silk or crepe). |
1. Which hangers for which materials?
- For fluid and lightweight fabrics (Medina Silk, Crepe, Chiffon, Satin): Opt for padded satin or non-slip velvet hangers. The coating prevents fluid garments from slipping and avoids marking the collar or shoulders.
- For heavy or thick pieces (Velvet, Heavy Linen, Cotton blend): Choose wide wooden hangers with rounded shoulders (3 to 5 cm thick). Their solidity supports the garment's weight and distributes the load without deforming the shoulder seam.
What to absolutely avoid:
Ban wire or thin plastic hangers. Their thinness exerts too much pressure on a restricted area, which stretches the knit and creates impossible-to-remove "shoulder bumps", even with ironing.
2. Tip for low wardrobes
If your wardrobe is less than 1.60 m high, the bottom of your abayas risks touching the floor, getting creased, and collecting dust. To neatly lift them without damaging the fabric:
- Hang the abaya normally by the collar on its main hanger.
- Take a second velvet hanger and insert it inside the garment, at mid-height.
- Gently grasp the bottom hem and drape it over the bar of the second hanger (add a sheet of tissue paper under the fold to prevent any marks).
- Hang this second hanger right next to or directly under the first to suspend the bottom of the garment 20 cm from the floor.
Always leave 2 to 3 cm of space between each hanger in your wardrobe. This allows air to circulate and prevents embroidery or zipper rubbing between your outfits.
✅ In summary
Protect the cut and vibrant black of your abayas by combining suitable hangers, breathable covers, and flat storage for heavier items.
Summary Table: Abaya Care Guide by Material
The care of an abaya depends on the material, its composition, and its finishes. Crepe, Nidha, Medina silk, satin, and velvet generally require particular precautions to preserve their drape, texture, and luster.
| Material / Fabric | Washing | Drying | Steaming & Ironing |
| Crepe / Nidha (Nidha Crepe, Crepe de Chine, Pleated Crepe) | Hand washing preferred, in cold or lukewarm water (30°C max), with a mild detergent. Do not rub or twist. Machine washing should be exceptional and on a delicate cycle with a laundry net. | Gently press to remove excess water, then hang on a suitable hanger, in the shade. Avoid tumble drying. | Steam iron from a distance, on the reverse side. For pleated or embossed crepes, avoid flat ironing to preserve the texture. |
| Cupro | Hand washing preferred, in cold water, with a mild detergent. Handle delicately and do not twist. | Blot with a towel then air dry, flat or on a hanger depending on the garment's hold. Avoid direct sunlight. | Gentle steam on the reverse side. If necessary, use a low-temperature iron with a pressing cloth. |
| Barbie Fabric (fluid, slightly stretchy) | Hand washing recommended, in cold or lukewarm water (30°C max), without rubbing or twisting. | Gently press without wringing, then hang in the shade on a suitable hanger. | Steam iron from a distance. Avoid too high an iron temperature. |
| Medina Silk | Hand washing recommended, in cold water with a mild detergent. Do not rub, twist, or soak for a long time. | Gently blot between two towels then air dry, in the shade. | Gentle steam on the reverse side, away from the fabric. If an iron is necessary, use a very low temperature with a pressing cloth. |
| Satin (polyester or silk) | Hand washing preferred, in cold or lukewarm water. Handle without rubbing or twisting to preserve the smooth, shiny appearance. | Gently blot then air dry, away from sunlight and heat sources. | Gentle steam on the reverse side. Iron at low temperature only if necessary, with a pressing cloth. |
| Jazz Fabric (embossed, stretchy, wrinkle-resistant) | Hand washing recommended or delicate cycle at 30°C with laundry net. | Natural drying on a hanger, away from direct sunlight. | Generally little to no ironing. A light vertical steam may suffice. Avoid hot iron which can flatten the texture. |
| Cotton | Machine washable at 30–40°C according to label, with a gentle cycle. Hand washing possible for delicate or embellished items. | Natural drying on a hanger or flat. Avoid prolonged sun exposure for dark colors. | Iron with steam on the reverse side. Ironing is easier when the fabric is still slightly damp. |
| Linen | Gentle wash at 30–40°C according to label. For delicate items, prefer hand washing. | Natural drying on a hanger or flat. Do not use excessive heat. | Iron with steam on the reverse side, preferably when the fabric is still slightly damp. |
| Viscose / Modal / Rayon | Hand washing recommended, in cold water. Fibers are more fragile when wet: avoid rubbing and twisting. | Preferably dry flat on an absorbent towel to limit the risk of deformation. | Gentle steam on the reverse side. Avoid high temperatures. |
| Velvet (silk, polyester, or corduroy) | Hand wash in cold water with a mild detergent. Do not rub the pile and do not twist. | Natural drying on a padded hanger, in the shade. | Steam iron from a distance on the reverse side. Avoid direct iron contact with velvet to prevent flattening the pile. |
| Wool Peach (peached microfiber, matte appearance) | Hand washing preferred, in cold or lukewarm water (30°C max), without soaking for a long time. | Gently press without twisting then hang to air dry, in the shade. | Gentle steam on the reverse side. Avoid very hot iron which can alter the fabric's appearance. |
| Chiffon / Muslin | Very delicate hand wash in cold water with a small amount of mild detergent. | Blot with a towel without twisting then hang in the shade. | Steam iron from a distance. Iron at minimum temperature with pressing cloth if necessary. |
| Organza / Tulle | Hand wash in cold water. Handle delicately and avoid any rubbing, especially on embellishments. | Gently drain without wringing then air dry, in the shade. | Very gentle steam on the reverse side. Avoid direct contact of a hot iron with the fabric. |
| Embroidered, beaded, or rhinestoned abaya | Hand washing preferred, in cold or lukewarm water. Do not rub embroidery and do not knead beads or rhinestones. | Depending on the weight of the embellishments, dry flat on a towel or on a very padded hanger, always in the shade. | Vertical steam iron on the reverse side and from a distance. No direct iron contact with beads, rhinestones, or glued elements. |
Before any wash, check your abaya's care label. The exact fabric composition and garment finishes may alter recommendations. For delicate materials such as Crêpe/Nidha, Cupro, and Barbie fabric, hand washing remains the preferred method to preserve the fabric's fluidity, drape, and appearance.
👉 Not sure which material to choose? Consult our complete guide to abaya fabrics. (coming soon)
FAQ — Abaya Care and Maintenance
Find here the most frequently asked questions about abaya care, washing, ironing, and storage.
📚 To go further:
- Guide to Abaya Materials and Fabrics (coming soon)
- Abaya and Body Type: Finding the Perfect Fit
- Buying an Abaya Online: 2026 Guide
- Abaya Fashion 2026: Trends and Inspirations
📖 Want to know more about the abaya?
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