How to Perfume Your Clothes, Abaya and Kandura with Bakhoor
Short answer: To perfume clothes with bakhoor, place a small piece of bakhoor or dukhoon on hot charcoal or an electric burner, then hold the garment over the rising smoke for a minute or two, turning it so the smoke reaches both the inside and outside. Let it air for a few minutes before wearing. Always keep fabric well away from the heat.
How to perfume clothes with bakhoor in 4 steps
-
1
Heat the bakhoor
A small piece on charcoal or an electric burner. -
2
Hold the garment above
Keep a safe distance from the heat. -
3
Turn it
Let the smoke reach the lining and the outside. -
4
Air and wear
Let it breathe a few minutes first.
How to perfume an abaya or shayla with bakhoor
Hold the abaya open over the mabkhara so the smoke rises into the lining, then turn it to scent the outside. Move it gently rather than holding one spot over the heat. For a shayla, hold it loosely above the smoke for a few seconds at a time. Thin and delicate fabrics need less time and more distance.
How to perfume a kandura and ghutra
Hang the kandura on a hanger and pass the mabkhara slowly around and under it, letting the smoke rise through the fabric. For the ghutra, hold it over the smoke briefly just before wearing so the scent is fresh when you go out.
Using a clothes frame (mashjab)
Many UAE homes use a mashjab, a wooden frame placed over the mabkhara. Drape the garment over the frame and let the smoke rise through it for a few minutes. It keeps fabric at a safe distance and frees your hands.
How to make your wardrobe smell of oud
Pass the mabkhara through the open wardrobe for a minute, then close the doors so the scent settles into your clothes. For a lighter daily touch, light an oud incense stick in the room and let the scent drift in.
Tips to make the scent last longer
- Natural fabrics like cotton and wool hold bakhoor scent well.
- Store perfumed clothes in a closed wardrobe.
- Layer with a touch of oud oil if you like a stronger trail.
- Refresh with a quick pass of smoke before wearing.
Safety first
Never let fabric touch hot charcoal or a heating plate, and keep at least a hand's width or more between the garment and the heat. Don't leave a burning mabkhara unattended, and keep it away from children.
Frequently asked questions
How long does bakhoor scent last on clothes?
It varies with the blend, the fabric and how much smoke you use. Rich blends on natural fabrics can stay noticeable through the day.
Can I perfume white clothes with bakhoor?
Yes, but keep more distance and shorter sessions, as heavy smoke can leave marks on light fabrics.
Can I use oud incense sticks to perfume clothes?
They give a gentler scent. For strongly perfumed clothes, bakhoor on charcoal or an electric burner works best.
Best dukhoon for clothes
Dukhoon Khas: a classic heritage blend of oud, amber, rose and musk.
Dukhoon Ala Albal: rose and jasmine with amber and a soft musk trail.
Dukhoon Khayal: balanced oud with warm amber.
Find your dukhoon
Explore the full Dukhoon Collection to find the scent you want to wear.