Caring for Your Scrubs
You invest in quality scrubs because they're built to last — but even the best-made uniform will break down early if it's not cared for correctly. Between bodily fluids, sanitizer, sweat, and the sheer washing frequency healthcare work demands, scrubs go through more abuse than almost any other garment in your closet. Here's how to keep them looking and performing their best for as long as possible.
Wash After Every Shift — But Do It Right
Daily washing is non-negotiable for hygiene reasons, but how you wash matters just as much as how often.
Wash in cold or warm water, not hot. Hot water breaks down stretch fibers faster and accelerates fading.
Turn scrubs inside out before washing to reduce friction on the outer fabric and protect any printed logos or designs.
Use a mild detergent without heavy fragrances or harsh brighteners, which can degrade fabric fibers and irritate skin over time.
Avoid overloading the washer — scrubs need room to move freely in the water for an even, effective clean.
Skip the Bleach When You Can
Bleach is tempting for stain removal, but it weakens fabric fibers and accelerates color fading, especially on dyed or printed scrubs. If your facility requires bleach for infection control protocols, follow that requirement — but for personal scrubs, an oxygen-based stain remover is gentler and often just as effective.
Treat Stains Immediately
Blood, ink, and other clinical stains set fast. The sooner you treat a stain, the better your odds of full removal.
Blood: Rinse with cold water immediately — hot water can set the protein and make it permanent.
Ink: Dab (don't rub) with rubbing alcohol before washing.
Iodine or betadine: Pretreat with a paste of baking soda and water, let sit, then wash as usual.
Dry With Care
High heat is one of the fastest ways to shrink scrubs and break down stretch fabric. When possible:
Use a low or medium heat setting on the dryer
Remove scrubs promptly to avoid prolonged heat exposure once the cycle ends
Air-dry when time allows, especially for fabric blends with spandex or elastane
Store Scrubs Properly Between Wears
Folding scrubs while slightly damp or stuffing them into a bag for hours before washing encourages bacterial growth and odor retention. Let scrubs air out before laundering if you can't wash immediately, and store clean scrubs folded or hung in a way that avoids deep creasing at stress points like the knees and elbows.
Rotate Your Scrubs
Wearing the same one or two pairs in heavy rotation accelerates wear. If your budget allows, having 5-7 sets in rotation spreads out the washing frequency per garment and extends the life of each pair significantly.
Know When It's Time to Retire a Pair
Even well-cared-for scrubs have a lifespan. Signs it's time to replace:
Fabric has thinned to the point of being see-through
Stretch no longer "recovers" — the garment stays stretched out
Seams are visibly fraying or have come apart more than once
Persistent staining or odor that survives a full wash cycle
Final Thought
A little intentional care goes a long way. Treating your scrubs as the working equipment they are — not just laundry to throw in with everything else — keeps them looking sharp, performing well, and lasting through far more shifts than careless washing ever would.
