Nigerian native attire is renowned for its vibrant colors, intricate designs, and cultural significance. However, maintaining these beautiful garments can be a challenging task. Here are some reasons why cleaning Nigerian native attire is particularly difficult:

1. Delicate Fabrics and Embellishments
Many Nigerian traditional clothes, such as the agbada, Ankara, and lace, are made from delicate fabrics that require special care. These fabrics often include intricate embroidery, beadwork, and sequins that can be easily damaged during the cleaning process. The fragility of these materials necessitates gentle handling, making it difficult to clean them without causing harm.

2. Color Fastness
The vibrant colors of Nigerian attire, achieved through traditional dyeing techniques, can easily bleed or fade when exposed to water or harsh cleaning agents. This color fastness issue means that conventional washing methods, like machine washing or the use of strong detergents, are not suitable for these garments. Special care must be taken to prevent colors from running, which can ruin the intricate patterns and designs.

3. Specialized Cleaning Methods
Given the unique characteristics of the fabrics and the potential for color bleeding, Nigerian native attire often requires specialized cleaning methods. Hand washing in cold water with mild detergents is commonly recommended, but this can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. In some cases, professional dry cleaning might be necessary, but finding a dry cleaner experienced in handling traditional African garments can be challenging.