7 Tips & Tricks to Care For Your Medical Scrubs
As a healthcare professional, your nursing scrubs are an essential part of your work wardrobe. Not only do they need to be comfortable and functional, but they also need to look clean and professional. However, with the daily wear and tear of the job, it's easy for your scrubs to become stained, faded, or worn out. That's why it's important to know how to care for your nursing scrubs properly. Here are some tips and tricks to help keep your scrubs looking their best.
1. Pre-Treat Stains
Let's face it, working in healthcare can be messy. Blood, bodily fluids, and other substances can easily stain your scrubs if not treated immediately. To avoid permanent stains, pre-treat any soiled areas with a stain remover or a mixture of baking soda and water before washing. Allow the pre-treatment to sit on the stain for at least 15 minutes before washing.
2. Wash In Cold Water
Washing your scrubs in hot water may seem like a good idea to get rid of any bacteria or germs, but it can also cause shrinkage and fading. Instead, wash your scrubs in cold water to preserve their colour and shape. Cold water is also more gentle on the fabric, which can help extend the life of your scrubs.
3. Use A Gentle Detergent
Harsh detergents can cause your nursing scrubs to become dull and rough. Instead, opt for a gentle, fragrance-free detergent that won't irritate your skin or damage the fabric. Avoid using fabric softeners, as they can build up on the fabric and decrease its absorbency.
4. Hang Dry
Dryers can be rough on nursing scrubs, causing shrinkage and fading. Instead of tossing your scrubs in the dryer, hang them up to dry. Make sure to shake out any wrinkles before hanging them up. If you need your scrubs to dry quickly, place them on a clothesline or hang them up on a drying rack.
5. Iron As Needed
Ironing your nursing scrubs may seem like a hassle, but it can help keep them looking professional and wrinkle-free. Iron on a low heat setting, making sure to avoid any printed or embroidered areas. If you don't have time to iron, hang your scrubs up as soon as they come out of the dryer to avoid wrinkles.
6. Rotate Your Scrubs
Wearing the same scrubs day after day can cause them to wear out quickly. To extend the life of your nursing scrubs, rotate them regularly. Aim to have at least three sets of scrubs so you can wear a fresh pair each day.
7. Store Them Properly
Proper storage is key to keeping your nursing scrubs looking their best. Make sure to remove any pens, scissors, or other sharp objects from your pockets before storing them. Hang them up or fold them neatly and store them in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight.
By following these tips and tricks, you can help extend the life of your nursing scrubs and keep them looking clean and professional. Remember, your scrubs are an essential part of your work wardrobe, so it's important to take care of them properly. With a little bit of extra care, your nursing scrubs can look great for years to come.
