Your scrubs are part of your work uniform, and with the proper care, they can stay comfortable, make you look sharp, and last much longer. Small things like how you wash, dry, and store them can make a big difference. In this article, we’ll share some practical tips that you can use today to keep your scrubs working as hard as you do.

Sort and pre-check before washing

Always check pockets, unzip zips, and turn scrubs inside out before washing. Remove pens, tissues, and small items that damage fabric or get trapped in the machine. Sort by color, dark, light, and white in separate loads to avoid colour transfer. Treat visible stains as soon as possible: rinse blood stains with cold water first (hot water sets blood), and apply a small dab of mild detergent or stain remover before washing.

Choose the proper wash settings

Avoid harsh chemicals and use mild detergents unless the care label allows it. For daily wear, washing at 30–40°C (cold to warm) cleans well and protects colours and fabric elasticity. If scrubs are heavily soiled or potentially contaminated (for example, with bodily fluids), follow your workplace protocol. Many hospitals recommend higher-temperature washes (up to 60°C) or specialist laundry services. When in doubt, check the manufacturer’s care label.

Avoid fabric softeners 

Fabric softeners smell nice, but they coat fibres and can block moisture-wicking finishes. That reduces breathability and makes scrubs less comfortable during long shifts. If you need softer fabric, a small splash of white vinegar in the rinse cycle (about half a cup) helps remove detergent residue without harming moisture-management properties. Always test on one garment first.

Use mesh bags and gentle cycles

Delicate scrubs or pieces with trims do better in a mesh laundry bag. A gentle or permanent press cycle reduces friction in the drum, which protects seams and colour. Fast spin cycles remove water and shorten drying time, but very high spins can stress buttons and seams; use balanced settings.

Drying

Line-dry scrubs in the shade when possible. Direct sunlight fades colours and weakens fabrics over time. If you use a tumble dryer, choose a low heat setting. High heat damages elastic, causes shrinkage, and makes fabric feel rough. For quicker drying and less wear, shake scrubs out before hanging to reduce wrinkles.

Ironing and finishing touches

Most scrubs only need a quick press on medium heat. Avoid ironing over prints, logos, or reflective tape. Use steam for stubborn wrinkles; steam is gentler than a very hot iron and helps revive fibres. Check pockets and seams after ironing—small repairs now prevent bigger tears later.

Repair early, rotate often

Fix loose threads, small tears, or missing buttons immediately. A quick stitch will extend the life of a scrub far more than waiting until the damage is big. Rotate several scrub sets during the week so no single set takes all the wear. This simple step spreads the strain and increases overall lifespan.

Practical stain fixes (quick guide)

• Blood: Rinse with cold water immediately, then wash.

• Oil/grease: Apply a little dish soap to break up oils before washing.

• Ink: Dab (don’t rub) with rubbing alcohol on a cloth, then wash.

Hygiene and laundry separation

If your scrubs are used around infectious patients, follow your employer’s guidance. Many health workers wash scrubs separately from household laundry to reduce cross-contamination. Use gloves when handling heavily soiled loads, and wash your hands after loading the machine.

Storage tips

Store scrubs in a cool, dry place. Hanging keeps them crease-free; folding works too if the shelves are clean. Avoid plastic bags for storage—these trap moisture and can lead to mildew. Label sets if you use multiple colours or sizes for team members.

Small extras that help

Keep a portable stain remover stick in your bag for on-the-spot treatment. Carry a spare scrub top for emergencies. Buying scrubs with reinforced seams and practical pocket placement from the start pays off; quality matters.

FAQ’s

1. How often should I wash my scrubs?

It is advisable to wash your scrub mildly after every long shift or at least twice.

2. Can I use bleach on my scrubs?

Bleach can damage colored scrubs, so use it only if the fabric allows. 

3. What’s the best way to remove tough stains like blood or iodine?

To remove high-stain marks like blood or iodine, pre-treat the stains with cold water and enzymatic stain removers before washing. 

4. Should I air-dry or tumble-dry my scrubs?

Air-drying can help preserve fabric integrity and color, but tumble-drying on low heat is acceptable for most blends. Always check the care label for the best care instructions.

5. How can I keep my scrubs looking new for longer?

Wash inside out, avoid fabric softeners, and rotate between multiple sets to reduce wear. Also, make sure to store them carefully.