Wear & Care
In healthcare, staying fresh isn't just about personal comfort—it’s part of showing up professionally. Whether you’re on hour one or hour twelve of your shift, fresh-smelling scrubs support your confidence, your comfort and the respect you extend to every patient and colleague around you.
But let’s be honest—between sweat and the occasional rushed laundry day, even high-quality scrubs can start to hang onto odors that regular washing doesn’t always solve. The good news? It’s fixable. Let’s break down why scrubs smell in the first place, and what steps you can take to keep them fresh, shift after shift.
Common Causes of Odor in Scrubs
Even when scrubs look clean, they might still carry hidden odors. Understanding the cause can help maintain freshness, stay ahead of odors and extend the life of your uniform.
Residual Sweat and Bacteria Build-Up
Long shifts mean a lot of movement, a lot of sweating and plenty of contact with patients, gear and dirty surfaces. Over time, sweat, body oils and bacteria eventually settle into fabric fibers—especially in areas like underarms, waistbands and collars, creating stubborn smells that sometimes survive the rinse cycle.
Inadequate Washing Techniques
Using the wrong detergent or skipping pre-treatment steps can leave behind residues that contribute to lingering smells. Try incorporating detergents designed to eliminate odors into your washing routine, or pre-treat heavily soiled areas right from the start.
Detergent Buildup and Overloading the Washer
Too much detergent can backfire. Excess soap—and an overloaded machine—prevents proper rinsing, which traps odor instead of clearing it. Plus, musky residue builds up over time, creating that “clean-but-not-fresh” effect.
Poor Drying Practices
Leaving scrubs damp after washing or not drying them fully can lead to mildew and that dreaded musty smell. Airflow matters—so whether you're line drying or using a machine, make sure they’re fully dry before they hit your drawer.
By addressing these common issues and following proper care instructions, you can keep your scrubs smelling fresh, so you stay professional. Need a full breakdown? Learn how to properly wash your scrubs to eliminate stubborn smells and keep them fresh long-term.
How to Properly Wash Scrubs to Eliminate Odors
Keeping your scrubs smelling clean isn’t about adding more products—it’s about using the right ones, the right way.
Pre-Treating Stains and Odors
Before tossing your scrubs into the wash, treat high-sweat areas like underarms and waistbands with a stain remover or a DIY baking soda paste. If you're dealing with tough buildup, check out our guide on how to get deodorant stains out of scrubs without damaging the fabric.
Optimal Washing and Drying Techniques
Wash scrubs in cold water, as recommended for most performance fabrics, to preserve color, elasticity and fabric integrity. Use a detergent formulated to remove odors and target bacteria, since cold water alone won’t sanitize.
Letting damp scrubs sit—even for an hour—can undo all your wash-day effort. Dry them completely on medium heat or in a well-ventilated space. Avoid high heat, which can wear down fibers faster over time.
Choosing scrubs made with durable, easy-care fabrics can make odor prevention even easier. Here are a few Cherokee scrub styles that hold up shift after shift, wash after wash:
Core Stretch by Cherokee Workwear
$19.97
Price reduced from
$28.00
9 Colors
Preventing Odors in the Future
Choose Odor-Resistant Scrubs for Long-Term Freshness
Keeping your scrubs smelling fresh doesn’t stop at the laundry room. What they’re made of matters, too. Choosing scrubs designed to resist odor buildup can make your routine easier—especially during high-sweat, high-intensity days or back-to-back shifts with little time to reset.
That’s where our ATMOS Collection comes in. These scrubs are made with COOLMAX® Technology to draw moisture away from your skin, delivering a constant cooling effect that helps you stay dry and comfortable all shift long. Plus, with PROTX2® built into the fabric, Atmos resists odors and helps prevent visible sweat stains, so your scrubs stay fresher, cleaner-looking and shift-ready—no matter how sweaty your day gets.
Shop Atmos: Odor-Resistant Scrubs
Atmos by Cherokee
$41.97
Price reduced from
$59.00
8 Colors
Store Scrubs Properly
It’s important to let your scrubs breathe—just like you do after a long shift. Once your scrubs are clean, make sure they’re stored in a dry, well-ventilated space. Avoid plastic bins or overpacked closets, which can trap moisture and create the perfect environment for mildew.
Rotate Your Scrubs Between Shifts
Wearing the same set day after day without a full wash gives odors a chance to build up fast. Having multiple sets in your rotation allows each pair time to air out, dry fully and start fresh. It’s a simple way to protect both your scrubs and your peace of mind.
Deep Clean Your Scrubs Regularly
Even with proper care, scrubs benefit from a routine deep clean. Every few weeks, run a hot cycle with a laundry booster like vinegar or a fabric-safe disinfectant. It helps clear out buildup and resets your scrubs so they stay fresher, longer.
The Importance of Quality Scrubs
Laundry tips help—but quality scrubs do a lot of the heavy lifting. Cherokee scrubs are designed with easy-care performance fabrics that stand up to frequent washing. Durable stitching, moisture-wicking materials and odor-control technology help stop smells before they start—so you can focus on your patients, not your laundry.
Fresh-smelling scrubs aren’t a luxury—they’re part of showing up with confidence. When you care for your uniforms the right way (and start with styles built to perform), you extend their life and walk into every shift feeling fresh, professional and ready to give your best.
Looking to add a few more shift-proof styles to your rotation? Explore our odor-resistant, shift-tested scrubs for women and men built to keep up with every step of your day.