The Complete Care Guide for Your Medical Scrubs
When you invest in high quality medical scrubs, you want them to last. From shift-long sweat and spills to frequent washing and wear, your scrubs go through a lot. Proper care ensures your scrubs stay fresh, vibrant, and functional, shift after shift.
At Fit Right Medical Scrubs, our scrubs are made from durable, breathable stretch fabric, but even the best scrubs benefit from the right care. Whether you’re new to healthcare or a seasoned pro, follow this guide to make sure your favourite sets go the distance.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Wash Your Scrubs
1. Wash Before Your First Wear
🧼 Always wash your scrubs before wearing them for the first time to remove any residue from manufacturing or packing.
2. Sort by Colour
👕 Separate your bright or dark-coloured scrubs (like hot pink, teal or navy) from lighter colours to prevent fading or bleeding.
3. Cold or Warm Wash Only
🌡️ Use cold or warm water, hot water can shrink fabric and fade colours, especially with stretch fabrics like ours.
4. Use a Mild Detergent
🫧 Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach. Stick to gentle, colour-safe detergents to preserve colour and elasticity.
5. Turn Inside Out
🔄 Turning scrubs inside out reduces friction and pilling, helping preserve vibrant colours and smooth fabric.
6. Wash Separately from Everyday Clothing
👖 Avoid tossing scrubs in with towels or jeans, which can cause abrasion or attract lint. Scrubs deserve their own load!
Removing Common Scrub Stains (Without Damaging Fabric)
Healthcare professionals deal with some serious stain situations but with the right tricks, you don’t have to toss your favourite set.
|
Stain Type |
Treatment Tip |
|---|---|
|
Blood |
Soak in cold water with a bit of hydrogen peroxide before washing. Avoid hot water—it sets the stain. |
|
Antiseptic/Betadine |
Use a stain remover like Vanish or pre-treat with baking soda paste. Let sit before washing. |
|
Ink |
Dab with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitiser, rinse, then wash as usual. |
|
Food or Coffee |
Pre-treat with a stain remover or dishwashing liquid, let sit, then cold wash. |
Pro Tip: Treat stains as soon as possible, the longer they sit, the harder they are to remove.
Should I Use a Dryer? What About Ironing?
Tumble Drying:
✔ You can tumble dry your Fit Right scrubs, but we recommend a low heat setting to maintain elasticity and shape.
✔ Remove promptly to avoid creases.
Air Drying:
✔ Best for maintaining colour and fabric integrity long-term.
✔ Hang inside out and out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Ironing:
✔ Most of our scrubs are wrinkle-resistant, but if needed, use a low heat setting and avoid direct contact with embroidery.
Caring for Embroidered Scrubs
Got your clinic logo or name embroidered on your scrub top? Keep it looking sharp:
🧺 Wash inside out to protect stitching.
🧼 Avoid bleach or heavy-duty detergents.
🚫 Never iron directly over embroidery—use a pressing cloth or iron around it.
🔗 Learn More About Embroidered Scrubs for Teams
When to Replace Your Scrubs
Even with perfect care, scrubs do eventually wear out. Here’s how to know when it’s time for a fresh set:
❌ Fabric is thinning or see-through
❌ Pockets are sagging or stitching is coming loose
❌ Stains won’t come out
❌ The fit has changed (e.g. stretched waistband or shrunk top)
Investing in a new set before your scrubs reach their limit ensures you always look professional and feel confident.
With the right care, your scrubs can last through hundreds of shifts while still looking fresh and professional. From washing the right way to treating tough stains and protecting embroidery, these small steps go a long way in protecting your investment.
For scrubs that are designed to last and made for real-world healthcare, shop the full collection at Fit Right Medical Scrubs today.