If you work in the medical field, you know how much of a challenge keeping your scrubs clean day in and day out can be. You work very hard and your scrubs are a reflection of that hard work. Having clean, crisp scrubs is a sign of professionalism and gives your patients and their family peace of mind that only first impressions can make. 

Having clean scrubs is also key for staying safe at work — in the medical field you deal with biohazardous waste on a regular basis. Disinfecting your scrubs properly is incredibly important to maintaining good health for yourself and those around you. Utilizing the following steps will help your scrubs stay in great shape and as well as keep you looking professional in the process.

Pre-wash and Pre-treat New Scrubs

Over time your scrubs will fade due to the constant washing that is needed to clean them for daily wear. It is disheartening to watch your once vibrant scrubs become dull. One way to avoid this is by pre-washing your scrubs. To pre-wash, you will need water mixed with vinegar. Wash the scrubs in this solution to set the color. This will help protect the longevity and quality of the fabric as well. Because vinegar is a natural disinfectant, feel free to continue using it for washing as well if you would like. 

Double Wash Your Scrubs

This is a tried and true technique that is designed to first remove stains and then to disinfect. Double washing is the safest and surest way to sanitize your scrubs thoroughly.

First Wash

Start by turning all of your scrubs inside out. This helps with pilling. Then use a color-safe stain remover on dirtier spots before washing. Run the scrubs through the cold cycle, as cold water is much better for getting out stains. Check to make sure all stains are gone and if so, go to the next step. If there are still stains, repeat the stain remover and cold cycle.

Second Wash 

Now that the stains have been removed from the first wash, we move on to the second wash and disinfection process. For this step, use color-safe bleach and wash on hot. Hot water is much better to aid in the killing of germs, but make sure no stains are left from the first wash, as hot water tends to set in stains. After the wash in hot water and bleach is done, your scrubs should be all clean and ready for your next shift.

Wash Scrubs Separately 

Due to the nature of cleaning and disinfecting your scrubs, you’ll want to wash them separately from your other clothing. The less extra clothing that is in the wash with your scrubs, the better. You can even separate the tops and bottoms for an even more thorough wash. 

Iron Your Scrubs

After your scrubs come out of the dryer, grab your clothes iron. Ironing your scrub makes them sharp, crisp and clean, and it also helps further disinfect them via heat. Just make sure to set the iron for the type of fabric your scrubs are made out of to avoid holes or burns. 

Wear Your Scrubs to Work Only

Proper fitting scrubs are comfortable, and it's pretty easy to forget you are wearing them, but to increase longevity of your scrubs, make sure to only wear them at work. Seeing them as a professional uniform and not comfy lounge clothing is essential to keep them from looking worn or tattered. 

Inspect and Store

After you have washed and pressed your scrubs, it’s time to look them over for any issues, flaws, stains or otherwise before you store them until your next shift. Fix any issues that may arise to avoid holes, set in stains or other issues that may cause added wear and tear on your scrubs. 

After you have inspected them, it’s time to properly store the scrubs. Keeping your scrubs safe after all that hard work is essential, so grab a plastic slip bag and store them until you need to wear them next. This will help increase the life of your scrubs and keep them looking fresh for the next time you wear them. 

Durable and Unique Scrubs for Every Personality

Blue Sky Scrubs is a scrubs lifestyle brand that offers handmade, comfortable and athletic-inspired medical apparel that helps keep you looking professional and approachable to your patients and clients. 

We love nothing more than uniting medical professionals with high quality products that meet their demands. After 15 years at Blue Sky, we are still innovating and brainstorming new ways we can make awesome scrubs for our amazing customers.

Check out our online shop and pick up all of the newest styles, colors and patterns.