How To Wash Scrubs

Scrubs are not just a uniform for healthcare workers but a complete safety guard. Washing it daily in a proper way protects the doctor and nurses from serious germs and infections. But here is a common concern: how to wash scrubs?

If you have the same query, then don’t go anywhere because, in this blog, we have mentioned the top 6 steps to wash scrubs properly. So, let’s get started.

Table of Contents

Why Properly Washing Scrubs Matters?

Doctors and other healthcare workers are continuously exposed to bacteria, viruses, and

body fluids. A proper washing of their scrub is needed. Proper washing not only cleans

the scrub but also maintains the scrub’s durability and quality.

Some of the advantages of proper scrub washing are:

1) Proper hygiene

2) Eliminate wear and tear

3) Keep scrub looking fresh

But if you wash it improperly, it will lead to:

1) Shorter lifespan of scrub

2) Persistent stains and odour

3) And the risk of spreading germs

Steps To Wash Scrub Properly

Here are the pro steps for how to properly wash scrubs.

Step 1: Preparing Scrub For Washing

Before throwing the medical scrub in the washing machine, you need to go through some extra preparation steps. They are:

Find Out Stains

Medical scrubs usually get stains such as blood, ink, vomit, and sweat. Expose the stain

area and wash it with stain remover. It will lead to prevent the scrub from setting stains

permanently.

Turn Scrub Inside Out

Clothes are in continuous friction with each other when put in the washing machine together. To prevent the outside of scrub, which is needed for a good and fresh look, turn it inside out. It will help the scrub to last its color for a long time.

Separate Dark Color From Light

Always wash dark and light color scrubs separately. If you add both simultaneously then there is a great chance of color bleeding, leading to losing scrubs charming.

Step 2: Wash With Right Detergent

Detergents play an important role in washing a scrub. Choosing the right detergent leads to maintaining the scrub quality and preventing it from being damaging.

There are three types of detergents:

Mild Detergents: They maintain scrub durability and prevent irritations.

Antimicrobial Detergents: These detergents help in sterilization and make scrub microbial-free.
Bleach: Bleach is used if needed. Otherwise, avoid it because it affects the fabric quality.

Step 3: Choose The Right Water Temperature

Very hot water can damage the scrub quality. On the other hand, cold water does not clean scrub properly. So warm water is good for cleaning. However, if exposed to germs or infectious materials, then hot water washing for a limited time is important. Because some germs can live in warm water. Hot water is also used for shrinking scrubs.

Step 4: Washing Scrub In Machine

Once the water temperature is set, then how to wash scrubs in the washing machine?

The machine can do deep cleaning, unlike hand washing. First, add water to the machine. Then, put the scrub in it. Set a gentle cycle to avoid wear and tear. Take out the

scrub after a few cycles and check if it’s clean or not.

If you don’t have a machine, then you may wonder how to hand wash scrubs. Hand washing is a bit difficult to machine but worth it. Take water in a bucket. Put on

gloves to protect your hands from detergent side effects. Place the scrub in the bucket of water and use the brush to clean it.

After cleaning, wash off the scrub and make sure all the detergents are removed.

Step 5: Drying Scrub Properly

Once all the detergents are washed off, then hang it in a well-ventilated and sunny area. It will remove all the remaining germs.

Avoid high heat and over-drying because it will decrease its lifespan and damage the

fabric quality.

Step 6: Ironing and Storing the Scrubs

As soon as it gets dry, take it for ironing. Use low heat to remove the scrub wrinkles without affecting the fabric quality. After ironing, fold it properly and store it in a dry place. The storage place should be free of odor and dust.

How Often To Wash Scrubs?

Scrubs should be washed after every shift to keep you safe from infections. If you are working in an Emergency room or operating room, then it’s advised to wash separately in hot water.

Frequently About How To Wash Scrubs

Can you wash scrubs with normal clothes?

No, do not wash scrubs with normal clothes. Scrubs contain germs like bacteria and

viruses. It’s better to wash it separately.

Can I wash my scrubs in hot water?

Yes, but for a very few minutes. Normally, it is not recommended to wash scrubs in hot water. But if it is used in infectious wards, then washing it with hot water for a few

minutes are necessary.

How to wash figs scrub?

To wash figs scrub, use warm water, dry in good ventilation and iron it with low heat. Do not use hot water and high heat for ironing until you want to shrink it.