Scrubs are more than just a uniform—they’re an essential part of a healthcare worker’s daily work attire that needs to be maintained with care, to show one’s dedication in the healthcare profession and to avoid spreading foreign contaminants to the public. So, in this article, I’ll share my top tips on how to properly care for your scrubs to make them last longer and keep you looking professional.
Why is It Important to Take Care of Medical Scrubs?
Scrubs are specifically designed to protect healthcare professionals from potential exposure to bodily fluids, infectious agents, and other hazards that they may encounter during the long hours that they spend at work. Proper care and maintenance of scrubs is crucial for maintaining a professional appearance, extending the lifespan of the scrub suit, and ensuring the personal safety of both the healthcare professional and the people around them.
Neglecting giving the best care for scrubs can lead to several issues, such as:
- Fading and Discolouration: Improper washing and drying can cause scrubs to fade, discolour, and look worn out prematurely.
- Stains and Odours: If healthcare professionals don’t properly remove stains and disinfect their scrubs, these garments can become a breeding ground for bacteria and develop persistent odours and may put others at risk.
- Reduced Durability: Failing to follow the manufacturer’s care instructions can lead to premature wear and tear, causing scrubs to become tattered and unusable.
- Unprofessional Appearance: Poorly maintained scrubs can make healthcare professionals look sloppy and unprofessional, which can impact their reputation and the perception of the healthcare facility they work for.
Care Tips to Make Your Scrub Suit Last Longer
As mentioned, wearing properly maintained and clean scrubs can help a healthcare worker present themselves as someone trustworthy and whom patients can rely on. Here are specific care tips that can help you extend the life of your scrubs, ensuring that they’re always in good condition and their longevity is preserved:
Read and Follow Care Instructions
The most important yet easily overlooked step in ensuring the long-term maintenance of a scrub suit is to read and follow the manufacturer’s care instructions. Manufacturers know the materials of their scrub suit well, so it can be expected that they would know how to best take care of the scrubs that they offer. Each fabric and design may have unique cleaning and maintenance requirements, so it’s crucial to adhere to these guidelines to avoid damaging your scrubs.
Avoid Wearing Scrubs Outside Work
It’s best to avoid wearing your scrubs outside of the workplace, as this can expose them to dirt, grime, and other contaminants that can be difficult to remove. Changing out of your scrubs as soon as your shift ends can help preserve their cleanliness and appearance. It’s also a good practice to take care of yourself and those around you, ensuring that you avoid spreading contaminants that can be harmful to the health of others.
Avoid Letting Perfume or Lotion Get On Your Scrubs
Strong scents from perfumes, lotions, or other personal care products can cling to your scrubs and be challenging to remove. It’s best to apply these items before putting on your scrubs or wait until after your shift to avoid transferring them to your uniform.
Always Do Heat Pressing
Even though your scrub may already look good upon inspection, make sure to not make this discourage you from ironing your scrubs. Regularly heat-pressing your scrubs can help maintain their neat, professional appearance and also aid in the disinfection process. The high heat can help kill any lingering bacteria or germs that may have accumulated on the fabric.
Invest in More Than One Pair of Scrubs
Having multiple sets of scrubs can be incredibly helpful in maintaining their cleanliness and appearance. It allows you to rotate between sets, giving each pair a chance to be thoroughly cleaned and dried before being worn again. Having more than one pair of scrubs saves the hassle of cleaning them in bulk, allowing you to also take the time to clean each of them properly without having to worry about not wearing fresh scrub suits during duty.
Tips on Proper Stain Removal
The nature of work often subjects healthcare professionals to different kinds of fluids or agents that can leave stubborn stains on the scrub. When dealing with these stains, it’s important to act quickly, as the sooner you address a stain, the easier it will be to remove. Make sure to pre-treat the scrub suit before washing to ensure proper removal of stains. The chart below summarizes 10 common stains that can be left on scrub suits, and some tips on how to address them:
Tips on Disinfection
Proper disinfection of your scrubs is crucial to maintain a safe and hygienic work environment, and to ensure that you won’t be putting the lives of the people outside work at risk. Here are some tips to ensure your scrub suit is properly disinfected:
- Protect yourself: Make sure to protect yourself while performing the disinfection process by wearing gloves and ensuring that the detergent or other cleaning agents won’t come in contact with your eyes.
- Use a disinfecting laundry detergent: Look for detergents that contain disinfecting agents to help kill any bacteria or germs on your scrubs.
- Consider using a bleach alternative: Avoid using bleach, as this can damage the fabric of your scrub suit, leading to discolouration and other issues. Look for other disinfecting agents, such as hydrogen peroxide or quaternary ammonium compounds, that can be effective in disinfecting your scrub.
- Wash scrubs separately: It’s best to wash your scrubs separately from your personal laundry to prevent cross-contamination.
Tips on Proper Washing Based on Fabric Type
Different fabric types may require specific washing techniques to maintain their quality and appearance. Here are some general guidelines:
- Cotton scrubs: Wash in cold water, using a mild detergent. To maintain fabric absorbency, it’s best to skip fabric softener. Make sure to be careful when drying, especially during tumble drying, as cotton is prone to shrinkage.
- Polyester scrubs: Wash in cool water, using a mild detergent. Hang the scrub suits on a clothing line to facilitate drying.
- Blended scrubs: Follow the care instructions for the predominant fabric type, and consider using a gentle, all-purpose detergent.
Tips on Proper Storage
Proper storage of your scrubs is also important to observe when trying to extend their lifespan. Here are some tips to properly store your scrub suits:
- Hang or fold scrubs neatly: Avoid cramming them into a drawer, as this can cause wrinkles and creases.
- Store in a cool, dry place: Exposure to heat, moisture, or direct sunlight can cause fading and damage to the fabric.
- Avoid using plastic garment bags: These can trap moisture and lead to the growth of mould or mildew.
Tips for Repairing Damaged Areas
Despite our best efforts, sometimes our scrubs may become damaged or worn. Here are some tips to ensure that your scrub suit can be properly repaired before considering replacing them:
- Mend tears or holes promptly: Use a needle and thread or a small patch to fix any rips or holes before they worsen.
- Replace worn-out elastic or drawstrings: Over time, these components can become stretched or frayed, affecting the fit and function of your scrubs.
- Consider professional alterations: For more complex repairs or modifications, it may be worth consulting a professional tailor or seamstress.
Shop for Best Options for Scrubs at Caring Support Marketplace
Caring for your scrubs is an essential part of maintaining a professional appearance and ensuring your personal safety in the healthcare setting. Taking care of your scrubs will ensure they last longer, remain in top shape, and make you feel confident in your professional attire.
At Caring Support, we’re dedicated to providing the best services to our healthcare workers, offering them assistance from admissions help and job placement to providing a marketplace for their duty essentials and self care. We strive to contribute to the maintenance of a professional and safe work environment in healthcare facilities.
If you’re a healthcare professional in need of a fresh new pair of scrub suits, explore high-quality options in the Caring Support Marketplace today.
