Because we wear our medical scrubs so very often, it is rather understandable that they wear out quickly. There are certainly measures we can take, however, to ensure that our scrubs are durable, and stay in good shape longer. The first thing we must consider is fabric quality. Scrub uniforms made from high quality cotton can handle more wear and tear than cheap ones—and they are usually much more stylish. Durability is a wonderful characteristic for a set of nursing scrubs to hold, but the way in which we wash our scrubs, too, will determine how long they stay in good condition.
Choosing the kind of laundry detergent is the first important decision you make. Purchasing cheap detergent—which can oftentimes be quite harsh on fabric— can have harmful consequences for your nursing uniforms. Instead, make sure to purchase quality laundry detergent. This is particularly true for newly purchased scrubs. By starting a proper laundry regimen early on, your uniforms will have a much longer lifespan.
The spread of germs is, of course, a great concern for those in the medical profession. Our nursing scrubs are quite full of them after a long day in the workplace, so washing to kill them is incredibly important. For this reason, it is best to wash scrubs separate from the rest of your clothing—to avoid the spread. In many cases, it is even better to designate a separate hamper for your nursing uniforms. Putting your medical scrubs through a cold rinse initially will help break up anything that has dried or stuck to the fabric, but washing in hot water will be much more effective in killing the germs lingering.
Putting your uniforms through a hot wash cycle, and following that with a heated dry will kill the majority of germs that may be hanging out. This does, however, put strain on the fabric. If you have washed your scrubs clothing on a hot cycle, then line drying may help the fabric stay in good condition. The heat of the dryer, however, denatures cell membranes and is likely a better option for scrubs that you know have been exposed to more serious germs—use your best judgment! Color brightening products are certainly a good investment to keep the vitality of the fabric, but bleaching causes damage—so it should be avoided.
By taking care of your nursing scrubs early on, you will undoubtedly find that they last longer. Remember to always buy quality, and kill those germs! You’ll thank yourself later.