01Wash whites only with whites
The quickest way to a grey kandura is washing it with coloured clothes. Even a light-coloured item can tint white fabric over time. Wash kanduras together, or with other whites, and check pockets first.
02Treat the collar and cuffs first
Sweat, perfume and oud oils build up at the neck and cuffs and turn yellow if left. Before washing, rub a little liquid detergent into these areas and leave it for a few minutes. Do not put perfume on just before you sit in the sun; it can mark the fabric.
03Water, heat and bleach
- Follow the label for the temperature; many cotton and polyester-cotton kanduras are happy with a warm wash
- Avoid chlorine bleach unless the label allows it: it can weaken fabric and turn some fibres yellow
- An oxygen-based whitener is gentler for keeping whites bright
04Drying
Hang the kandura straight on a hanger to dry, so it creases less. Dubai sun dries it fast and can help whites, but strong sun every day weakens fibres over time, so do not leave it out longer than needed.
05Ironing for a crisp finish
Iron while the kandura is slightly damp, using the setting its fabric allows. Start with the collar and cuffs, then the sleeves, then the body. A light spray starch gives the sharp finish many people like.
06Let us press it
We dry clean a kandura for AED 15 or press it for AED 11, finished by hand and returned on a hanger.