How to Wash and Care for Your Nida Abaya

Gentle care, lasting elegance

A good abaya is something you wear often, sometimes several times a week. With a little gentle care, your Nida abaya can keep its soft drape and rich colour for a long time. Here are the habits we recommend, sister to sister.

First, always check the care label inside your abaya. It is your best guide, and the tips below are general suggestions only.

Washing

Hand washing

Hand washing is the gentlest option, especially for embellished pieces.

1. Fill a basin with cool or lukewarm water.
2. Add a small amount of mild liquid detergent and mix well before adding the abaya.
3. Soak briefly, then gently swish and press the fabric. Avoid scrubbing or wringing.
4. Rinse in clean, cool water until no soap remains.

Machine washing

If the label allows machine washing:

• Turn the abaya inside out
• Use a laundry bag or pillowcase to protect it
• Choose a delicate or gentle cycle with cool water
• Wash dark colours separately, especially for the first few washes

Embellished abayas

For abayas with beading, stones or lace, hand wash only, or spot clean where possible. Never soak heavily embellished areas for long.

Drying

The Nairobi sun is wonderful for drying, but it can fade dark colours over time.

• Gently squeeze out water by pressing the abaya in a towel
• Hang it on a padded or wide hanger, or lay it flat
• Dry in the shade or indoors, inside out, to protect the colour
• Avoid the tumble dryer unless the label says it is safe

Ironing and steaming

• Use a low to medium heat setting
• Iron on the reverse side, or place a thin cotton cloth between the iron and the fabric
• Never iron directly over embellishment
• A handheld steamer is a quick, gentle way to freshen an abaya before going out

A handy tip: hang your abaya in the bathroom while you shower. The steam can help soften light creases.

Removing everyday marks

Life happens: tea at a family visit, a little dust on the hem, a child's sticky hands. Act quickly:

• Blot spills gently with a clean cloth. Do not rub.
• Dab with cool water and a drop of mild detergent.
• Brush dried dust from the hem once it is dry, before washing.

For stubborn stains on a special abaya, a trusted dry cleaner can be worth it.

Storing your abayas

• Hang abayas on wide hangers so the shoulders keep their shape
• Give them a little breathing space in the wardrobe
• Store occasion abayas in a breathable cloth cover, not plastic
• Fold embellished pieces with tissue paper if you store them flat

Small habits that help

• Air your abaya after wearing instead of washing every time
• Rotate between two or three abayas through the week
• Keep a lint roller by the door for a quick refresh

Build a wardrobe that lasts

Caring well for a few good pieces is kinder to your budget than replacing them often. If you are ready to add to your collection, browse our Nida abayas and Everyday Basics. Have a question about caring for a particular piece? Just ask us. We are always glad to help.