Blog 5 Nurse Reads 5 How To: Wash Medical Scrubs

How To: Wash Medical Scrubs

by | Jul 14, 2013 | Nurse Reads | 3 comments

laundryWashing medical scrubs thoroughly in a way that will fully remove stains, while maintaining the original quality of the garment is an art! In order to get maximum wear out of a scrub set it’s a good idea to develop a washing technique that maintains color, while removing dirt and stains. Here are some tips to assist you on laundry day:

  • It is best to wash your scrubs before wearing them for the first time. This is because the first wash helps set the fabric dye. The first washing extends the life of your garment by improving the sustainability of the bright colors you had adored when buying it.

 

  • Add a cup of vinegar to the wash. Don’t worry, the smell will fade during the wash, but the color of your scrub tops and bottoms will remain intact, and will do so for a very long time. As an added advantage, the vinegar will act as a fabric softener and make your scrubs feel wonderful and ready for wear.

 

  • A question that rattles most people on laundry day is whether or not they should wash their scrubs alone or with their regular clothes. From a hygiene perspective, it is best to wash scrubs in a separate load. You bring them home carrying all sorts of germs and body fluids that you don’t want interacting with the rest of the household’s clothing. In concern for the quality of the scrub the important factors are the temperature of the water, the color of the wash and the types of fabric, depending on the type of detergents, color catcher and stain removers you employ during washing.

 

  • It is best to use the gentle cycle and non chlorine detergents when washing your scrubs, as this will minimize fading while extending the durability of your scrubs. Don’t settle for generic brands, brand name detergents such as Tide and Downy often do offer more bang for your buck in cleaning and protecting your nursing scrubs.

 

  • In order to maintain the quality of your 100% cotton scrubs you should wash them in cold water. If you are adding these cotton scrubs to a load of wash that contains other fabric types it is best to turn the scrubs inside out to lessen the fading that may occur from contact with coarser fabrics. It is best to line dry cotton scrubs or tumble dry on the lowest setting. This will prevent excessive fading, wrinkling and shrinking.

Devise a washing technique that works best for your availability of time, and maintains the high quality and beauty of your medical uniforms. Washing your scrubs is an important part of your work routine, because a comfortable uniform will make you more efficient when on the job.

3 Comments

  1. Liza

    I have found a product that helped get the smell out of my husbands scrubs… I have tried everything and this finally did the job. Stink Out! you can it on a site called Allen’s Naturally or on Amazon.

    Reply
  2. Kerri

    Why do my uniforms shirts pill?

    Reply
    • MSCblogger

      Hi Kerri,
      Pilling on clothing is usually caused by two fabrics rubbing against each other. If you are wearing a scrub jacket over your top this may be the cause. Fabrics that are more tightly woven and have longer fibers are less likely to pill than those with a looser weave, but all fabrics do pill to some extent.

      Reply

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