Plain crepe and nida abayas can be hand washed or machine washed on a gentle cold cycle inside out, then line dried in the shade. Abayas with embroidery, beads, crystals, lace or chiffon layers should be dry cleaned. Professional abaya cleaning and pressing at Dima Laundry starts at AED 20, or AED 30 for delicate abayas.
Washing a plain abaya at home
- Turn it inside out and use a mesh bag.
- Use cold water, a gentle cycle and a mild detergent for dark colours.
- Do not wring. Hang it to dry in the shade, not in direct sun.
When to dry clean
Anything with stones, crystals, beading, embroidery, lace or layered chiffon should be dry cleaned. Water and agitation loosen glue and stitching, and trims can snag or bleed colour.
Avoiding shine and fading
Shine comes from ironing directly on dark fabric at high heat. Press inside out, use a pressing cloth or steam, and keep the iron moving. Fading comes from sun and strong detergent, so dry in the shade and use a detergent for dark colours.
Before Ramadan and Eid
Laundries get very busy in the weeks before Ramadan and Eid. Send abayas a few days earlier than usual, or book express service if you need one fast.
Frequently asked questions
How much does abaya dry cleaning cost in Dubai?
At Dima Laundry an abaya costs AED 20 to clean and press, or AED 30 for a delicate or embellished abaya. Pressing only is AED 14.
Can a shiny abaya be fixed?
Steam treatment can reduce shine from over ironing, though severe shine may not fully reverse.
Related: Abaya and kandura care, Ironing