Medical scrubs, including scrub pants and lab coats, are essential uniforms for healthcare professionals. They protect you from contaminants, offer comfort, and give you a professional appearance. However, with constant exposure to bodily fluids, stains, and frequent washing, keeping scrubs clean, fresh, and long-lasting can be challenging. Proper care and maintenance of your medical scrubs are crucial for hygiene and durability.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the best practices for cleaning, maintaining, and caring for your scrubs so they remain in top condition for as long as possible.
Why Proper Care of Medical Scrubs is Important
Medical scrubs endure daily exposure to dirt, bacteria, and stains. To maintain a hygienic environment and prevent cross-contamination, it's essential to properly clean and care for them. Regular washing and proper handling also help extend the life of your scrubs, saving you from frequent replacements.
Proper care of your scrubs includes more than just washing them. It involves storing, treating stains, and ensuring that they maintain their shape and color after multiple uses. By following these steps, you can keep your scrub pants and lab coats looking professional, clean, and comfortable.
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Best Practices for Washing Medical Scrubs
1. Separate Your Scrubs from Regular Laundry
Before washing your scrubs, it’s important to separate them from your everyday clothing. Medical scrubs often come into contact with bodily fluids, bacteria, and other contaminants, so washing them separately helps to minimize the risk of transferring germs to your casual clothes.
2. Pre-Treat Stains
Medical professionals frequently encounter tough stains such as blood, sweat, and chemical spills. Pre-treating stains immediately before washing is essential to prevent them from setting into the fabric.
To pre-treat stains on your medical scrubs:
- Use a stain remover or enzyme-based cleaner to target the affected areas.
- Allow the treatment to sit for 5-10 minutes before washing.
- For stubborn stains, you may need to repeat the process or soak your scrubs in cold water with a stain remover for a few hours before washing.
3. Use Cold Water for Blood Stains
Bloodstains are common in healthcare settings, but if not properly cleaned, they can ruin your scrubs. Cold water is the most effective way to remove bloodstains. Hot water can cause the blood to coagulate and set the stain permanently. So, rinse bloodstained scrubs in cold water immediately and follow up with a stain treatment before washing.
4. Wash in Warm Water with a Disinfectant Detergent
Once the stains have been treated, wash your scrubs in warm water. Warm water (around 40°C or 104°F) is ideal for killing bacteria and removing oils, but it’s not hot enough to damage the fabric. Adding a disinfectant detergent or a laundry sanitizer to the wash is crucial to ensure all germs and bacteria are killed.
5. Turn Scrubs Inside Out to Preserve Color
Constant washing can cause the colors of your scrubs to fade. To preserve the vibrancy of your scrub pants and tops, turn them inside out before washing. This minimizes the wear and tear on the outer surface of the fabric, reducing fading and keeping them looking fresh for longer.
6. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
While it may be tempting to use bleach to disinfect your scrubs, bleach and other harsh chemicals can weaken the fabric fibers over time. Instead, opt for oxygen-based cleaners or detergents formulated for healthcare uniforms. These are less damaging to the fabric and still effective at removing stains and killing germs.
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Drying and Storing Scrubs
1. Tumble Dry on Low Heat
After washing your scrubs, it’s best to tumble dry them on a low-heat setting. High heat can shrink your scrubs and damage the fabric fibers, making them wear out faster. A low-heat setting preserves the shape and integrity of the fabric while drying it efficiently.
2. Iron for a Crisp, Professional Look
Ironing your scrubs not only gives them a polished, wrinkle-free appearance but also provides an additional layer of disinfection. High-heat ironing can kill any remaining bacteria or germs that may have survived the wash. Be sure to check the fabric care label and adjust your iron’s settings accordingly.
3. Store Scrubs in a Clean, Dry Area
Once your scrubs are clean and dry, store them in a dedicated, clean space. Avoid storing scrubs with your everyday clothing, as this could lead to cross-contamination. Consider designating a separate drawer or shelf specifically for your medical uniforms. This helps maintain their cleanliness and ensures they’re ready for your next shift.
Pro Tips to Extend the Life of Your Scrubs
1. Rotate Your Scrubs
If you wear the same pair of scrubs every day, they will wear out faster. To avoid this, have several pairs of scrubs in your rotation. This allows each pair time to rest between uses, extending their lifespan and ensuring you always have a clean set ready for work.
2. Invest in Quality Scrubs
Higher-quality scrubs are often more durable and resistant to stains, fading, and wear. While they may cost a bit more upfront, quality scrubs are an investment in your comfort and professional appearance, and they will likely last longer than cheaper alternatives.
3. Follow Manufacturer Care Instructions
Always follow the care instructions on your scrubs’ labels. These instructions are designed to help you maintain the integrity of the fabric and ensure the scrubs last as long as possible.
4. Avoid Overloading the Washing Machine
Overloading your washing machine can prevent your scrubs from getting thoroughly cleaned. Ensure you’re washing only a reasonable amount at a time, so the scrubs have enough room to move around in the machine and get properly cleaned.
Caring for Lab Coats and Other Medical Garments
Just like scrub pants and tops, lab coats require proper care. Since lab coats often endure similar exposure to contaminants, stains, and bacteria, they should be washed and stored with the same level of attention. Always pre-treat stains, wash lab coats separately, and store them in a clean, dedicated space to maintain their hygiene and appearance.
Additionally, some lab coats may need to be dry cleaned, so be sure to check the care label before washing them at home.
Conclusion
Proper care and maintenance of your medical scrubs are essential for both hygiene and longevity. By following the right washing, drying, and storing techniques, you can ensure your scrubs stay fresh, clean, and long-lasting. Whether you’re working in scrub pants, lab coats, or other medical uniforms, caring for them properly helps you present a professional image while staying comfortable throughout your shift.
Investing in quality scrubs and developing a routine for proper care will not only save you money in the long run but will also keep you feeling your best while on the job. By pre-treating stains, washing with disinfectant detergents, and following other care tips, you’ll extend the life of your scrubs and look sharp in your healthcare role.