How to Wash Your Scrubs Like a Pro

🧼 Why Proper Scrub Care Matters

Scrubs aren’t just comfortable—they’re essential. They:

• Help maintain a sterile environment
• Allow easy identification of healthcare staff
• Act as a barrier against bacteria and bodily fluids

Given their importance, it’s crucial to clean scrubs effectively to prevent contamination and protect both you and your patients.

👕 Top Scrub-Washing Tips

1. Wash Scrubs Separately

Always wash scrubs apart from your regular laundry. While it may seem convenient to toss everything into one load, scrubs can carry bacteria and contaminants from your shift. Designate a separate laundry hamper and avoid mixing scrubs with household clothing to reduce infection risk.

2. Pretreat Stains Promptly

Scrubs often encounter bodily fluids, ink, and medication stains. Pretreating is the best way to prevent permanent damage. Here’s how to tackle common offenders:

• Blood: Use cold water first—never hot, as it sets protein stains. For white scrubs, bleach is effective. For colored ones, try an enzyme-based pretreatment.
• Feces: Rinse off solids, then apply a stain remover like OxiClean. Wash in cold or lukewarm water.
• Vomit: Scrape off solids, soak in warm water with a splash of ammonia, rinse, then apply a stain stick before washing.
• Medication: These stains can be stubborn—apply a stain stick or spot treatment immediately.
• Ink: Dab gently with rubbing alcohol or diluted ammonia. Be cautious not to spread the stain further. Always disinfect the area where pretreatment occurs to keep your home safe.

3. Main Wash Routine

After treating any stains, it’s time to wash your scrubs properly:

• Turn them inside out to reduce lint and preserve color.
• Add 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar for natural disinfection and deodorizing.
• Use cold or lukewarm water—hot water can set stains.
• Dry on high heat to kill lingering germs. But make sure stains are fully removed before drying; heat can make them permanent.

👚 Keep Your Scrubs Looking and Feeling Fresh

Regular and thoughtful care keeps your scrubs in great shape, ensuring you look professional and stay protected on every shift. Plus, clean scrubs contribute to a more hygienic workplace—something your patients and coworkers will appreciate.

For more nurse-friendly tips, industry news, and exciting career opportunities, check out GoodWork—your gateway to healthcare jobs with purpose.