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You most likely wear scrubs to work every day as a travel nurse and unfortunately end up wearing some of your work home with you; it’s one of the hazards of the job. However, it can get pretty expensive to replace several pairs of scrubs if they get stained, ripped or discolored.
They won’t last forever, but there are ways to extend the life of your uniform. Here are five tips for taking care of your scrubs.
Treat stains immediately
It’s probably not realistic to whip out a bleach pen every time you spill something on your scrubs, but you can keep stains from setting permanently by blotting them with a wet cloth or alcohol wipe when you notice them. Hairspray can often reduce ink and oil stains, and sprinkling a bit of artificial sweetener from the cafeteria on a dark spot can help as well.
If you don’t realize your scrubs are stained until you get home, don’t despair. Using a stain treatment on your clothes immediately after you take them off can still help, especially if you wash them within a few hours or at least soak them in cold water.
Tie drawstrings before you put your scrubs in the wash
Don’t risk pulling the drawstring out of your scrub bottoms and having to thread it back in with a safety pin. Tie the waist in a knot or a bow before washing your scrubs; you’ll also prevent the string from getting frayed or discolored when it tangles with the rest of your laundry load.
Wash your scrubs separately
You might be tempted to throw your scrubs in with your towels, sheets and other clothes, but avoid taking shortcuts and always wash them separately. You’ll prevent hospital germs from contaminating your other laundry, and you’ll keep your scrubs from getting discolored or snagged by other clothing pieces.
Always use a hot cycle for your scrubs
Ensure you kill bacteria and keep your scrubs as sanitary as possible by washing them in hot water with detergent. Stains can become permanent if you use hot water, however, so soak any tough spots in cold water or use a stain treatment first. If you’re worried about colors bleeding or fading, turn your scrubs inside out before washing them.
Dry your scrubs on a low heat cycle
Keep your pants and tops from shrinking in the dryer by only using a low heat cycle or hanging them to air dry. If you need to get rid of wrinkles but don’t want to use extra heat, try hanging them in the bathroom while you shower or using a damp cloth to iron them.
Though your scrubs are meant to take a lot of wear and tear, these tips can help you hang on to them a bit longer and look fresh when you head to work. Share your tips for keeping your scrubs clean below!
