How to Wash a Thawb
The thawb is a traditional Arabian garment commonly worn by men in the Middle East. It is a long, loose, robe-like garment usually made of cotton or linen that provides cooling in hot desert climates. Thawbs are popular attire in countries like Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and others. Taking proper care of your thawbs by washing them correctly helps maintain their look, feel, and longevity. Here are some tips on how to properly wash a thawb.
Prepare For Washing
- Check the care label – The first step before washing a thawb is to check the garment’s care label and follow any washing instructions provided. This will indicate if the thawb can be machine washed, needs dry cleaning, or has any other special washing requirements.
- Empty pockets – Make sure to empty out all pockets on the thawb before washing. Loose items forgotten in pockets can damage the fabric during the wash cycle.
- Close zippers, hooks, buttons – Secure any closures like zippers, hooks, buttons or other fasteners so they do not catch on other clothing during washing. This prevents snags or tears.
- Pretreat stains – Inspect the thawb for any visible stains and pretreat them according to the type of stain before washing. Common pretreatments include spray, stick, gel or liquid pretreaters. This helps loosen and remove difficult stains.
Select Wash Settings
- Use mild detergent – When washing a thawb, choose a mild, gentle laundry detergent that won’t damage or fade the fabric. Liquid detergents are ideal as they dissolve fully.
- Wash on delicate cycle – Set your machine to the delicate or gentle cycle, which provides less agitation to prevent tearing the fabric. The normal cycle can be too rough for delicate thawbs.
- Use cool water temperature – Washing thawbs in cool water helps dyes stay vibrant and retain the color longer. Hot water can cause premature fading. Lukewarm water is acceptable if needed to wash out heavy stains.
- Skip the dryer – Line dry your thawbs to prolong their life. The heat of electric or gas dryers can damage cotton and linen fibers over time. Hang or lay flat to dry.
Ironing and Storing
- Iron on low heat – Iron your thawbs on the lowest heat setting recommended for the fabric. High heat can scorch the material.
- Store properly – Fold thawbs neatly and store in a clean, dry place like a closet or dresser. This prevents wrinkles and soiling when not being worn.
- Steam periodically – Freshen up thawbs between washes by hanging them in the bathroom while showering. The steam helps remove odors and wrinkles.
Keep Thawbs Looking Their Best With Proper Washing Techniques
Washing thawbs properly helps maintain their comfort, look and durability. Following fabric care instructions, pretreating stains, using a gentle wash cycle, line drying, and proper storage keeps them looking their best for longer. With the right techniques, you can keep your thawbs clean, soft and vibrant.
Some key points in washing thawbs
- Check the care label for any special washing directions
- Inspect for stains and pretreat them accordingly before washing
- Use a gentle, mild detergent to avoid damage
- Wash in the delicate cycle and in cool water
- Line dry instead of machine drying to prevent heat damage
- Iron on low heat and fold and store neatly after use
- Freshen between washes with steam from the shower
With the loose, flowing design of thawbs, taking steps to wash carefully prevents snags and tears during cleaning. Proper washing and drying helps the cotton or linen fabric maintain its softness, color vibrance, and integrity. Show your thawbs the extra care required so you can enjoy this traditional garment for many wears to come.
Sources
- Images from FreePik, Unsplash, Openverse, Pixabay, Pexels
