Wear and Care
Keeping your scrubs clean isn’t just about looking professional—it’s about maintaining hygiene, durability and all-day comfort. As a healthcare worker, your scrubs face everything from spills to long shifts, making proper care an absolute essential. With the right washing and storage techniques, you can keep workwear fresh, stain-free and long-lasting. In this guide, we’ll break down expert-backed tips on how to wash, dry and store your scrubs, ensuring they stay as reliable as you are.
Understanding Scrub Care
Before you throw your scrubs in the wash, take a moment to check the fabric care label. Different materials need different treatments to stay in top shape. Since scrubs go through a lot, washing them after every shift is key to maintaining hygiene and preventing cross-contamination. To keep bacteria and stains from transferring, it’s best to wash them separately from your everyday clothes.
Treating Stains Pre-Wash
Scrubs often encounter tough stains like blood, medication and bodily fluids. Pre-treating stains before washing them ensures better results. Follow these steps for effective stain removal:
- Blood Stains: Rinse with cold water only and apply hydrogen peroxide or a salt-water solution before washing.
- Medication Stains: Use rubbing alcohol or dish soap to break down the stain before laundering.
- Bodily Fluids: Treat with a mixture of baking soda and water, then wash as usual.
- Ink Stains: Dab with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer before washing.
What is the Best Way to Wash Scrubs?
To keep scrubs in top condition, follow these 10 tips:
- Wash in cold water to prevent fading and shrinkage.
- Turn scrubs inside out to maintain color and reduce wear on the outer fabric.
- Use a gentle detergent to avoid irritation and fabric damage.
- Add white vinegar to the wash for odor control and fabric softening.
- Wash scrubs separately or with similar colors to prevent contamination.
- Avoid overloading the machine to allow thorough cleaning.
- Use oxygen-based bleach (if permitted by the fabric) for deep cleaning.
- Set the washer to an extra rinse cycle to remove any detergent residue.
- Do not use excessive fabric softener, as it can reduce breathability.
- Dry properly to maintain fabric integrity.
Specific Fabric Washing Tips
Cherokee uniforms come in a variety of fabric blends, available in scrubs for women, men's scrubs and unisex styles—each requiring specific care:
- Cotton Blends: Wash with cold water and mild detergent to prevent shrinkage.
- Polyester Blends: Resistant to wrinkles and shrinkage but should be washed in cold water to maintain color.
- Spandex-Infused Scrubs: Avoid high heat to maintain stretch and flexibility.
- Moisture-Wicking Scrubs: Use a detergent free of fabric softeners to retain moisture-wicking properties.
Drying and Ironing Scrubs
- Air Drying: Best for reducing wear and maintaining fabric integrity.
- Using a Dryer: If necessary, use a low-heat setting to prevent shrinkage.
- Ironing Tips:
- Cotton scrubs: use medium to high heat.
- Polyester scrubs: use low heat to prevent melting.
- Blends with spandex: use a cool setting to avoid damage.
Storing Scrubs Properly
Proper storage helps keep scrubs clean, fresh and ready for wear:
- Folding vs. Hanging: Fold scrubs neatly to prevent wrinkles or hang them to maintain their shape.
- Storage Solutions: Keep scrubs in a separate drawer or garment bag to prevent dust and contamination.
- Use Sachets: Place lavender or cedar sachets in drawers to keep scrubs smelling fresh.
When to Replace Your Scrubs
Even with the best care, scrubs don’t last forever. Signs that it’s time to replace them include:
- Visible thinning, fraying or holes.
- Stubborn stains that won’t wash out.
- Fading or loss of color vibrancy.
- Loss of stretch or comfort.
- Persistent odors despite washing.
Updating scrubs regularly ensures a professional look and maintains hygiene standards.
Invest in Care, Extend Your Wear
Taking care of your scrubs means taking care of yourself. This guide has all the essential tips to help them last longer, from washing and drying to proper storage. Cherokee’s high-quality fabrics are designed to last, but the right care keeps them feeling comfortable, looking professional and ready for every shift. With a simple routine, you’ll keep your scrubs looking and feeling as good as new.
