Hey Scrubers!
Welcome back to another informational blog! So you have finally found the perfect pair of scrub suit from FRUBS! they are comfortable, hardwearing, and easily washed—the perfect combination of features for the demands of the healthcare industry. However, if you want to get the best out of your scrubs in the long term, caring for them properly should be part of your routine, ensuring that they look great and maintain their durability whatever you throw at them.
Importance Of Keeping Scrubs Clean and Hygienic
Hospitals are packed full of potential contaminants, from airborne pathogens to bodily fluids. If these contaminants aren’t thoroughly removed from dirty scrubs, they can pose a danger to both patients and the medical professionals who care for them. Properly cleaning and disinfecting your scrubs will help to remove any viruses or bacteria that may be hiding in the fabric, helping you to protect your patients and minimize the risks of picking up an infection yourself.
So, with scrubs care in mind, here we look at how to clean your scrub suits and get the wrinkles out of them, so you can project a professional image and ensure they look great for years to come. Read on and discover our top tips for getting wrinkles out of scrubs.
How to Keep Scrubs Wrinkle-Free?
Wrinkle-free scrubs are crucial for healthcare professionals worldwide, ensuring a polished appearance and upholding hygiene standards in patient care settings. Wrinkles not only detract from professionalism but also create potential breeding grounds for bacteria. Issues such as improper storage, fabric quality, and washing methods contribute to wrinkle formation in scrubs, which can compromise their integrity. By addressing these factors—organizing scrubs clothing neatly, following care labels meticulously, opting for high-quality fabrics, and employing correct washing and ironing techniques—healthcare workers can maintain crease-free scrubs that project a clean image and withstand the rigors of their demanding work environments. These practices not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your medical scrubs but also extend their lifespan, minimizing the time spent on ironing and maximizing efficiency in healthcare settings.
How to Properly Wash Your Scrubs?
Properly washing your nursing scrubs is essential to clean and disinfect them without damaging the fabric. Following the right steps ensures you avoid baking stains in, bleaching your scrubs, or missing contaminants hidden deep within the fabric.
Pre-Treat Stains
- Pre-treating stains increases the likelihood of removal during washing. Use household cleaning products for different stains. For example:
- Oil-based stains (like makeup or ointment) can be pre-treated with liquid dish soap. Rub it gently into the stain, leave for a few minutes, then wash.
- Bodily fluids (like feces, urine, and vomit) can be treated with a mix of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and water.
- Blood stains can be treated with a drop of hydrogen peroxide.
- For stubborn stains, use a specialist stain remover or rubbing alcohol. Color-safe bleach can address tough marks and discoloration.
Turning Your Scrubs Inside Out
- Turning scrubs inside out helps prevent color fading and protects any antimicrobial finish. This is particularly important for cotton scrubs, which are prone to color loss if washed incorrectly. It also helps prevent pilling, keeping your clothes looking good longer.
Disinfecting for Germs
- Disinfect scrubs if exposed to harmful substances or infectious patients. White medical scrubs and lab coats can be disinfected with chlorine bleach. For colorful scrubs, use pine oil, color-safe bleach, or a very hot wash. Adding ¼ cup of white vinegar to the wash can also help disinfect and remove stains from your precious scrubs.
Drying
- Tumble dry scrubs on the lowest setting to avoid shrinking or fabric damage. Alternatively, air dry on a washing line.
By following these steps, you can keep your scrubs clean, disinfected, and in good condition, ensuring they last longer and remain effective in maintaining hygiene standards.
Proper Post-Wash Scrub Care
Healthcare workers will already know that prevention is the best kind of cure, and the same is true for dealing with their scrubs. They are well aware that post-care is equally important. So, check out our DIY hacks for you before they become a problem.
Proper Folding
A crucial step in post-wash is to fold scrubs neatly after laundering. This method minimizes creasing and facilitates organized storage, making it easier for you to maintain wrinkle-free doctor’s scrubs.
Timely Removal from Dryer
Promptly removing scrubs from the dryer once the cycle ends prevents wrinkles from setting in due to prolonged exposure to heat and humidity, preserving the scrubs' smooth and polished appearance. Additionally, try adding dryer sheets to the load to help soften the fabrics.
Hanging Scrubs
Rather than throwing your scrubs for men in a pile after washing and/or drying, try hanging scrubs on a coat hanger. Hanging allows the fabric to breathe and reduces the chances of wrinkles, ensuring that healthcare professionals can wear wrinkle-free scrubs whenever needed. Additionally, avoid the dryer altogether and air-dry your scrubs—you’ll be surprised at how gravity can work to reduce wrinkles!
Hope these tips prove useful as you look bright, crisp, and ready to tackle the day in your neat scrubs from FRUBS!