Whether you're a nurse, a physician, or another essential healthcare worker, your scrubs are a critical part of your day. They're more than just uniforms—they're protective gear that keeps you comfortable and professional while facing the daily challenges of your job. To make sure your scrubs stay in top condition for as long as possible, it's crucial to take proper care of them. Below, we share some top scrub care practices that will help you maintain their durability, color, and comfort.
Understanding the Importance of Proper Scrub Maintenance
It's crucial to recognize the significance of proper scrub maintenance. By investing time and effort into scrub maintenance, you can enjoy clean, fresh-looking scrubs that withstand the test of time.
Proper scrub maintenance involves routine care and an understanding of the fabric and design of the scrubs. Different materials may require specific cleaning methods to ensure they remain in optimal condition. For example, while some scrubs can withstand high heat settings during washing, others may need gentler treatment to prevent damage.
Why is Scrub Maintenance Important?
Proper scrub maintenance is essential for several reasons:
- Hygiene: Maintaining clean scrubs is vital in preventing the spread of infections and maintaining a sanitary work environment.
- Longevity: By following maintenance best practices, you can prolong the lifespan of your scrubs, saving you money in the long run.
- Professionalism: Clean and well-maintained scrubs contribute to a professional appearance, instilling confidence in patients and colleagues alike.
Keeping Your Scrubs Clean, Fresh, and Looking Like New
Scrubs are exposed to a lot daily—stains, bacteria, sweat, and even the wear and tear of busy shifts. Here's how you can best care for your scrubs to keep them clean, fresh, and germ-free without sacrificing their quality.
1. Daily Scrub Maintenance: Quick Routines for Lasting Wear
Ensuring that your scrubs remain in top condition not only enhances your professional appearance but also contributes to a hygienic work environment. By following a few simple daily routines, you can extend the lifespan of your scrubs and maintain a polished look throughout your shifts.
- Changing Scrubs Regularly: It is recommended to change into fresh scrubs at the beginning of each shift. This ensures you start the day with clean attire, minimizing the risk of cross-contamination and maintaining a neat appearance.
- Inspecting Scrubs for Damage: Before wearing your scrubs, take a moment to inspect them for any signs of wear and tear. Check for loose threads, fraying fabric, or damaged seams. Addressing these issues promptly prevents further damage and maintains the overall integrity of your scrubs.
- Cleansing Spills and Stains Immediately: In a fast-paced work environment, accidents happen. Whether it's a spill or a stain, it's crucial to address them right away. Blotting the affected area gently with a clean cloth or paper towel can prevent the stain from setting.
2. Wash Scrubs Immediately After Work
After a long shift, it can be tempting to toss your scrubs in the laundry basket and forget about them. However, it's best to wash them as soon as possible to avoid spreading bacteria or stains to other clothes. If immediate washing isn’t possible, store your scrubs in a separate, sealed bag until laundry day.
3. Use Mild Detergents and Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Your scrubs are designed to withstand a lot—from spills to sweat—but using the wrong laundry products can damage their antimicrobial and odor-prevention properties. To ensure longevity, wash your scrubs with a mild detergent that is free from harsh chemicals, dyes, or bleach. Bleach can weaken the fabric fibers and also cause discoloration. Instead, opt for oxygen-based cleaners for stain removal when needed.
4. Separate Dark and Light Colors
Just like other clothes, dark-colored scrubs and light-colored scrubs should be washed separately. Separating colors helps prevent dye transfer and keeps your scrubs looking vibrant. For best results, turn your scrubs inside out before washing. This helps protect the exterior from friction that could lead to pilling or fading, keeping your favorite jogger scrubs or scrub uniforms looking as good as new.
5. Pretreat Stains Immediately
Stains are an inevitable part of medical work, whether it’s from bodily fluids, medications, or other contaminants. Pretreating stains as soon as possible can significantly improve your chances of completely removing them. Here are a few quick pretreatment methods:
- Blood Stains: Apply hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain, then rinse with cold water. Avoid using hot water, as it may set the stain.
- Oil-Based Stains (like ointments): Pretreat with liquid dish soap. Let it soak for a few minutes before washing as usual.
- Iodine Stains: Use a combination of liquid dish soap and white vinegar. Apply the mixture, blot the stain gently, and then rinse with warm water.
- Medication Dyes: Soak in a solution of oxygen-based bleach and cold water for up to 8 hours before washing.
The quicker you address the stain, the easier it will be to get your scrubs back to pristine condition.
6. Use the Right Temperature
When washing scrubs, the water temperature matters. For fluid-resistant scrubs or scrubs with antimicrobial properties, washing in cold or warm water (around 90°F) is ideal to prevent shrinking and protect the fabric's special qualities.
7. Drying Tips: Avoid Direct Sunlight
Scrubs often come with high elasticity and sweat-wicking properties, which make them comfortable for long shifts. To preserve these features, it's best to avoid drying scrubs in direct sunlight, as UV exposure can weaken fibers and cause fading. Instead, air-dry your scrubs in a shaded, ventilated area or use a dryer on the low-heat setting.
8. Wrinkle-Free Scrubs: Proper Drying and Storage
If you want wrinkle-free scrubs, it's all about the right drying and storage techniques. Drying scrubs on low heat or air drying until they are slightly damp, then smoothing them out, can help reduce wrinkles. If you prefer machine drying, remove them promptly and fold or hang them neatly while still warm. This way, you won't have to spend much time ironing, and your scrubs will be ready to wear when you need them.
If you've ever wondered how to get wrinkles out of scrubs without ruining the fabric, a steamer is an excellent choice that is gentle on the fibers. A simple steam can be a life-saver when it comes to those extra stubborn wrinkles
9. Don't Wash Scrubs with Other Clothes
One of the most common questions is: Can you wash scrubs with other clothes? It's best to keep scrubs separate. Washing them alone helps avoid cross-contamination and also prevents other clothing items from impacting the performance of your scrubs. If your scrubs have antimicrobial or odor-preventing features, mixing them with heavily soiled clothing could reduce their effectiveness.
10. Refresh Your Scrubs with White Vinegar
To keep your scrubs fresh and soft, consider adding a half-cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle. This not only helps maintain the softness of the fabric but also serves as a natural deodorizer without affecting the antimicrobial properties of the scrubs.
The Importance of Scrub Care
Your scrubs are your daily armor. They help protect you and provide comfort throughout long shifts. Proper care doesn't just keep them looking good—it also helps preserve the special features that make your scrubs so effective, such as antimicrobial protection, odor prevention, and UV resistance.
Proper maintenance of your scrubs is essential to preserving their quality and extending their lifespan. Our Zenir scrubs are designed to retain their color, shape, and comfort even after multiple washes, but this is only possible with the right care.
Have any scrub care secrets of your own? Feel free to share them with us! We're all about keeping our healthcare heroes comfortable and confident.