Taking Better Care Of Your Medical Scrubs
Are you going through what seems like pair after pair of medical scrubs every year? Some people just shrug this off as part of the cost of working in the medical field. However, there are some ways you can make your scrubs last longer if you're interested in doing so.
Always pre-wash your scrubs.
New scrubs are clean when you purchase them, but this does not mean you should just put them straight on and wear them to work. If you pre-wash them with a cup of vinegar in the rinse water, this will help set the color so your scrubs are less likely to fade over time. Use cold water for this first wash; it's easier on the fabric, and since your scrubs are not contaminated yet, you don't need to be using hot water to sanitize them.
Pre-treat the stained areas, rather than soaking the whole scrub set.
When you come home with a badly stained set of scrubs, you may be tempted to just stick them in a tub of soapy water and soak them. This will get the stains out, but it can be hard on the fabric. A better approach is to use a stain-fighting spray or stick on just the areas that are soiled or stained. Let this sit for an hour or two, and then wash the scrubs as usual.
Hang your scrubs to dry if you have the time.
There might be times when you need the scrubs right away and have to put them in the dryer. But when you do have the time, it is better to let your scrubs dry on the clothesline or on a drying rack. This helps reduce wear on the material and reduce shrinkage. If you find that you are often having to put your scrubs in the electric or gas dryer because you need them immediately, this may mean you need to buy a few more pairs of scrubs for your rotation.
Use a sanitizing cleanser rather than hot water.
Washing in hot water is a traditional way to sanitize your scrubs. But if you want them to last longer, you should instead look for a sanitizing detergent that you can use in a cold water wash. Read the labels on sanitizing cleaners to find one that specifically states you can use it in cold water; not all products are designed this way. Cold water, in general, is much easier on scrubs.
With the tips above, your scrubs will last longer, retain their stretch, and experience less shrinkage.
Contact a clinic like ABB Healthcare to learn more.
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