How to Wash Hijabs and Underscarves: Washing, Ironing and Storage Guide

When a favourite scarf fades after a few washes or your underscarf elastic loosens, it is usually the result of how it was cared for, not the product. The answer to how to wash a hijab depends on the fabric. In this guide we have gathered washing, drying, ironing and storage tips for the most common fabrics.

Note: Always check the care label on the product first. The tips below are for general use.

Care Chart by Fabric

Care chart by fabric

Can You Machine Wash a Hijab?

Viscose, micro and jersey scarves can usually be machine washed on a delicate cycle. Hand washing is safer for chiffon and thin crepe scarves. If you use the machine:

Do not go above 30°C.

Choose a delicate or hand-wash cycle and keep the spin speed low.

Put your scarves in a laundry bag so they do not catch on other clothes.

Wash dark and light colours separately, always for the first wash.

Use little fabric softener, and no bleach.

Tips by Fabric

Viscose hijabs

Viscose becomes delicate when wet; do not rub or wring it. Wash at 30°C on a delicate cycle and dry flat. If needed, iron on medium heat while slightly damp. Read our article to learn more about viscose fabric.

Chiffon hijabs

Hand wash in lukewarm water with a mild detergent. Squeeze out the water without wringing and hang to dry; chiffon dries quickly. If you need to iron, use the lowest setting with a thin cloth in between, or steam.

Crepe hijabs

Hand wash or use a delicate cycle. Crepe can lose its texture at high heat; use steam rather than an iron. Details in our crepe hijab guide.

Micro-fabric scarves and sports caps

Micro fabrics dry quickly and are easy to care for. Wash at 30°C without fabric softener, which can reduce the fabric's breathability. They usually need no ironing. We explain the advantages of micro fabric in a separate article.

Jersey underscarves

Cotton jersey underscarves can be washed at 30–40°C. A tumble dryer can wear out the elastic; hang them to dry.

Silicone non-slip underscarves

Wash at 30°C, by hand or on a delicate cycle.

Fabric softener can reduce the grip of the silicone; do not use it.

Do not iron the silicone area or put it in the tumble dryer.

We answer other questions about silicone underscarves in this article.

Can You Iron a Hijab?

Most scarves can be ironed on low or medium heat, but the right method depends on the fabric. General rules:

Iron the scarf inside out while slightly damp.

For chiffon, crepe and shimmer scarves, use steam or a thin cloth in between.

Do not iron silicone or printed areas.

For scarves that crease easily, hanging them neatly after washing often makes ironing unnecessary.

How to Store Hijabs and Underscarves

Store scarves folded or rolled in a wardrobe out of the sun.

Thin scarves stored on hangers can stretch over time; fold heavier scarves.

You can stack underscarves, but do not leave the elastic stretched.

Rotating what you wear helps everything last longer.

Storing scarves folded helps them keep their shape

Removing Stains from Hijabs and Underscarves

Make-up (foundation, lipstick): Without rubbing, dab the stain gently with cold water and a little liquid soap.

Sweat marks: For marks along the forehead of caps and scarves, soaking in cold water for 15–20 minutes before washing helps.

Grease: Put a drop of washing-up liquid on the stain, wait a few minutes, then rinse with cold water.

General rule: Hot water can set stains; always use cold or lukewarm water to remove them.

Caring for Hijabs When You Travel

Roll your scarves in your suitcase; they crease less than when folded.

Choose crease-resistant fabrics (crepe, jersey, micro) for travel.

At the hotel, hanging your scarf in the bathroom steam is an easy alternative to ironing.

Carry your underscarves in a separate cloth bag so the elastic is not crushed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I tumble dry my hijab?

We do not recommend it. High heat can spoil the shape of the fabric, fade its colour and wear out the elastic in underscarves. Dry scarves in the shade, on a hanger or flat.

How do I wash a white hijab without it yellowing?

Wash white scarves separately from coloured clothes at 30°C and do not dry them in direct sunlight. Bleach can damage the fabric.

At what temperature should I wash a hijab?

30°C is a safe temperature for most scarves. The instructions on the care label always come first.

Why does my hijab fade?

High temperatures, drying in the sun and harsh detergents are the main causes. We explain why dye quality matters in this article.

Why does underscarf elastic loosen?

Tumble dryers, high heat and being left stretched for long periods wear out the elastic. Hanging to dry makes it last longer.