The white thawb is a symbol of elegance, purity, and cultural heritage for men across the Middle East, South Asia, and beyond. The white thawb is usually worn for religious occasions, daily wear, and special events like Friday prayers or weddings. It represents a timeless fashion choice.
However, keeping it bright, and pristine can be challenging, especially since white fabrics are prone to stains, yellowing, and discoloration over time.
All these could be a result of food spills, sweat stains or even dullness from repeated washes, a white thawb requires proper care and maintenance to keep it looking as good as new. This guide will walk you through essential cleaning, stain removal, and storage techniques to ensure your white thawb remains as new as ever for every occasion. These tips will help you maintain your white thawb for every occasion in the future.
Choosing the right fabric care approach
Not all white thawbs are made from the same fabric, and each material requires a different cleaning method to ensure longevity and prevent damage. The most common thawb fabrics include:
- Cotton: Breathable and comfortable, but prone to shrinking if washed in hot water.
- Linen: Lightweight and stylish, but wrinkles easily and may require delicate washing.
- Polyester blends: More resistant to wrinkles and stains, but can trap odours if not cleaned properly.
- Silk or embroidered thawbs: Delicate fabrics that should be hand-washed or dry-cleaned to avoid damage.
To ensure proper thawb fabric care, always check the care label on your thawb before washing to prevent any fabric washing errors like; shrinking or fading. However, for instances where you are unsure about the fabric, start with a gentle wash cycle and cold water then adjust your thawb washing cycle based on the fabric’s response.
Best routine care for washing your White Thawb
Proper washing techniques are important to maintain the brightness, softness, and durability of your white thawb. Following the right washing process will prevent your thawb fabric damage, yellowing or shrinkage over time.
- Hand wash vs. Machine wash
The hand-washing process is best for delicate fabrics and embroidered thawbs. To hand wash your thawb, use the following process;
- Fill a basin with cold or lukewarm water.
- Use a mild detergent and let the thawb soak for 10-15 minutes.
- Gently rub stained areas with your hands or a soft brush.
- Remember to wash certain points like; the armpit area, the neck area, around the sleeve, and the hem
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water and do not wring the fabric harshly to prevent stretching.
2. Machine washing
Machine washing is best for everyday wear or polyester fabrics.
- Use a gentle cycle with cold water to prevent the fabric from weakening.
- Select a mild or whitening detergent without bleach.
- Always wash whites separately to avoid discolouration from darker fabrics.
- Consider placing the thawb in a laundry bag to protect delicate stitching or embroidery.
3. Choosing the right detergent
- Make use of non-chlorine whitening detergents to preserve brightness.
- Opt for natural alternatives like baking soda or white vinegar to enhance your thawb whiteness.
- Avoid fabric softeners as they can cause buildup and yellowing over time.
How to avoid fabric Damage
- Avoid using hot water as it can cause shrinking or weaken fabric fibers.
- Limit excessive spin cycles to reduce wrinkling and fabric stress.
- Turn the thawb inside out before washing to protect the outer fabric from wear.
White Thawb Stain Removal Technique
One of the biggest challenges of wearing white clothing generally is the ability to keep it stain-free not to mention a white thawb that is known for its significance and usually worn for various occasions. The key to effective stain removal is acting fast and using the right method for each type of stain whether it’s sweat, food spills or dirt marks.
Common stains and their Fixes
- Sweat stains(yellowing around the collar and underarm)
To fix sweat stains, follow the following steps;
- Mix baking soda and water into a paste and apply it to the stain.
- Let it sit for 30 minutes, then wash as usual.
- For tough stains, add a few drops of lemon juice before washing.
2. Food and Oil Stains (Curry, coffee, grease, etc.)
Follow these steps to clean food stains;
- Blot (do not rub) with a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
- Sprinkle cornstarch or baby powder to soak up the remaining grease.
- Apply dish soap directly to the stain, let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse.
- To clean Ink Stains
To clean ink stains from your white thawb do the following
- Dab the stain with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitiser using a cotton ball.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes, then rinse with cold water.
What to avoid when removing stains
- Bleach: While it may seem like a good solution, bleach can weaken fabric fibres and cause yellowing over time.
- Hot Water: Can set stains permanently instead of removing them.
- Scrubbing Too Hard: This can spread stains and damage the fabric.
Drying and Ironing White Thawb
Proper drying and ironing techniques are essential to maintain the shape, brightness, and longevity of your white thawb. Incorrect drying methods can cause yellowing, fabric stiffness, or shrinkage, while improper ironing can leave burn marks or shiny patches on delicate materials.
Best drying tips
Air Drying
- Hang the thawb on a wooden or padded hanger to maintain its shape.
- Dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area to prevent sun-induced yellowing.
- Avoid using metal hangers, as they may leave rust marks on damp fabric.
Using a Dryer (For Polyester or Blended Fabrics Only)
- Use a low heat setting to prevent shrinkage.
- Remove the thawb while slightly damp to minimize wrinkles.
Ironing Tips for a Crisp Look
Use the Right Heat Setting:
- Cotton/Linen: Medium to high heat
- Polyester blends: Low to medium heat
- Silk/Embroidered thawbs: Use a pressing cloth and a low heat setting
Steam Ironing for Best Results
- A steam iron works best to remove deep wrinkles without damaging the fabric.
- Hang the thawb and gently steam from a short distance to avoid direct heat contact.
Proper Storage to Maintain your Thawb Freshness
Storing your white thawb correctly is just as important as washing and ironing it. Improper storage can lead to dust buildup, fabric yellowing, and unpleasant odours, reducing the garment’s lifespan. Follow these tips to ensure your thawb stays fresh, crisp, and ready to wear.
Choosing the Right Storage Method
Make use of breathable garment bags
- Store your thawb in a cotton or muslin garment bag instead of plastic covers, which can trap moisture and lead to mildew.
- If you do not have a garment bag, use a clean white pillowcase to protect it from dust.
Hang vs. Fold?
- Hang: Use a wooden or padded hanger to prevent stretching and shoulder creases.
- Fold: If folding, place acid-free tissue paper between folds to prevent creases and fabric weakening.
Keeping Your Thawb Smelling Fresh
- Natural Fresheners: Place a small sachet of lavender, cedarwood, or activated charcoal in the storage area to absorb moisture and odours.
- Avoid Mothballs: They leave a strong smell—opt for natural anti-moth solutions instead.
Protecting Against Yellowing & Stains
- Keep away from direct sunlight, which can cause discolouration over time.
- Avoid storing in humid areas, as moisture can lead to mould growth.
Conclusion
Keeping your white thawb looking pristine requires more than just regular washing—it’s about using the right cleaning techniques, stain removal hacks, proper drying, and careful storage. By following these steps, you can preserve the brightness, softness, and overall elegance of your thawb for years to come.
Incorporate a routine maintenance schedule to ensure your thawb stays fresh and immaculate, whether it’s for daily wear, special occasions, or religious ceremonies like nikkah or Friday prayers.