As a healthcare professional, your scrubs are your uniform, your protection, and your comfort. You practically live in them.

But have you ever stopped to think about how often you should wash them? Oh! That’s why you’re here?

The thing is it is not just about your personal hygiene (although that's important too!). Washing your scrubs regularly is crucial for preventing the spread of infection and keeping your patients safe.

Let’s see a typical day in your life as a RN working in a hospital:

‘You're up by 7:00 AM, getting ready for another long day at the hospital. You put on your favorite pair of scrubs, the ones that have seen better days, and head out the door.

As you arrive on the hospital floor, you're greeted by the familiar sounds of beeping machines and muffled voices. You take a deep breath, mentally preparing yourself for the chaos that lies ahead.

Your first task is to check on your patients, reviewing their charts and making sure they're stable. You take vital signs, administer medication, and answer a million questions from worried family members.

Throughout the day, you encounter all sorts of injuries and illnesses - from open wounds to fungal infections, and even a patient with a mysterious rash that makes your skin crawl. You do your best to care for each one, but the smells and germs start to take their toll.

You deal with the stench of vomit, the sight of bloody dressings, and the constant risk of infection. You scrub your hands raw and wear gloves to protect yourself, but you can't shake the feeling that you're carrying a petri dish of germs on your very own scrubs.

Now you get home, so exhausted that you collapse into bed without even changing out of your scrubs. And then, you get up and wear the same scrubs for the next shift (because, let's face it, who has time to do laundry?), caring for your patients with all that stink and germs still lingering on your clothes.’

Can you really afford to risk your patients' health - and your own - for the sake of convenience?

Why Should You Wash Your Scrubs?

Washing your scrubs regularly is crucial for maintaining good hygiene and preventing the spread of infection. 

At the hospital, you are exposed to health risks and your scrubs can harbor bacteria, viruses, and fungi, which can easily spread to patients and colleagues. 

By washing your scrubs regularly, you can reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and keep your patients safe.

 

Before Washing Your Scrubs

Before you take your scrubs out for laundry, there are a number of things you should take note of first:

• Check the manufacturer’s care instructions on the care label to determine the appropriate washing method and temperature.
• Treat any stains as soon as possible with a stain remover or by soaking the stained area in a mixture of water and detergent.
• Separate your scrub uniform by color (light and dark) and fabric type to prevent color bleeding and damage to delicate fabrics.
• Make sure all pockets of your scrubs are emptied, and any tools or personal items are removed.
• Close any zippers, buttons, and fasteners to prevent snagging or damage during washing.
• Turn your scrubs inside out to protect the outer surface from wear and tear.

How Often Should You Wash Your Scrubs?

So, how often should you wash your scrubs? Our answer is: as often as you wear them! 

Even when you are not caring for patients or exposed to infections, your scrubs may be exposed to sweat, odor, stain or visible dirt. 

Hence, you need to wash and care for your scrubs as often as you use them.

How to Wash Your Scrubs in a Washing Machine

Washing your scrubs in a washing machine is not rock science. When washing your scrubs in a washing machine, they are basic guidelines you should adhere to. They are:

• Turn your scrubs inside out. This prevents the scrubs from piling while washing. 
• Check the manufacturer’s instructions on the care label to see if your scrubs should be washed in a washing machine.
• Use a mild detergent that's designed for washing medical uniforms.
• Avoid using fabric softener or bleach, which can reduce the effectiveness of your scrubs' protective coatings.
• Avoid overloading the washing machine, as this can cause scrubs to become tangled and damaged.
• Choose a gentle wash cycle to prevent scrub damage or wear and tear.

Washing and Treating Your Scrubs Based On Fabric Type

Different materials require different washing methods. Knowing the fabric of your scrubs is crucial for proper care. Here’s a quick guide on how to wash and treat your scrubs based on the type of fabric:

How to Dry Your Scrubs

Drying your medical scrubs is just as important as washing them!

As time-saving as machine dryers are, they are not the best option for drying your scrubs. With the heat it produces and the constant tumbling and rubbing, your scrubs may begin to fade and the threads loosen. 

How you dry your scrubs can help it last longer and remain vibrant. 

Here's how to dry your scrubs for the best result:

 

• Dry your scrubs on high heat or under direct sunlight and open air to kill any germs left off washing.
• If using a dryer, remove them from the dryer as soon as the cycle is complete to prevent wrinkles.

How to Iron and Pack Your Scrubs

Ironing and packing your scrubs can help keep them looking their best. After treating your scrubs and drying them, ironing them is the next step in looking great in your scrubs. 

You  may ask - Are scrubs safe to iron? Yes! They are. In fact, wrinkle-free scrubs also need ironing. 

Here are some things to bear in mind before ironing your scrub uniforms to keep them in mint condition:

• Use an ironing board and a steam iron, as steam helps to relax the fibers and remove wrinkles more easily.
• Iron your scrubs while they're still slightly damp to prevent wrinkles.
• Iron it inside out 
• Make sure your scrubs are dry and free of any stains or spills.
• Use a low heat setting to prevent scorching or burning your scrubs.

How To Iron Your Scrub Uniform

Start with the sleeves: Iron the sleeves first, starting from the shoulder and working your way down to the cuff. Use a gentle touch and a low heat setting.

Iron the body: Iron the body of the scrub top, starting from the top and working your way down. Use a gentle touch and a low heat setting.

Iron the pants: Iron the pants, starting from the waistband and working your way down to the hem. Use a gentle touch and a low heat setting.

Iron the waistband: Iron the waistband, making sure to get into the folds and creases.
Iron the collar: Iron the collar, making sure to get into the folds and creases.

How To Pack Your Scrub Uniform After Ironing It

Place the scrub top: Place your folded scrub top in your bag or container, making sure to smooth out any wrinkles.

Place the pants: Place the folded pants on top of the scrub top, making sure to smooth out any wrinkles.

Add any additional items: Add any additional items, such as your ID badge or pens, to your bag or container.

Close your bag or container: Close your bag or container, making sure to secure any zippers or closures.

 

Pro-tip: Pack your scrubs as soon as possible after ironing, while they are still slightly warm, to help prevent wrinkles from setting in.

How to Treat Stains on Scrubs

Stains happen, but they don't have to ruin your scrubs! Here's are common scrub stains and how to treat them:

 

Protip: Always check the care label of your scrubs before treating any stains, and test a small area first to ensure the stain remover doesn't damage the fabric.

Best Tips for Washing Your Scrubs

Here are some pro tips in washing your scrubs to ensure they last longer and remain good. 

• Wash your scrubs inside out to prevent pilling and fading.
• Avoid overloading the washing machine, as this can cause scrubs to become tangled and damaged. 
• Wash your scrubs separately from other clothing, especially if they are brightly colored. This prevents color bleeding and keeps them looking vibrant.
• Regularly clean your washing machine to prevent the build-up of bacteria and ensure it runs efficiently.
• Use a gentle detergent with color-safe bleach specifically designed for washing medical scrubs. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the fabric and reduce the effectiveness of your scrubs.
• Don’t scrub your scrubs! Never scrub your scrubs violently when washing.
• Use hot water only after you have treated stains.
• Pre-treat any stain on your scrubs before washing.
• Dry your scrub uniform on high heat or under direct sunlight.
• Iron your scrubs while they’re slightly damp to remove wrinkles effectively.
• To maintain optimal hygiene, wash your scrubs after every use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Should I wash my scrubs after every use?

A: If every use involves contact with bodily fluids, infectious diseases, or other substances, then you should wash your scrubs.

 

Q: Can I use fabric softener on my scrubs?

A: No, as it can reduce the effectiveness of your scrubs' protective coatings.

 

Q: How often should I change my scrubs?

A: Aim to change your scrubs at least once a week, or more often if you've been caring for patients with infectious diseases.

 

Washing your scrubs regularly is crucial for maintaining good hygiene and preventing the spread of infection.