How To Wash Scrubs: Laundry Care for Medical Professionals

After a long week of working 80+ hours, the last thing healthcare workers want to think of is their list of to-do’s. Let alone, laundry. Because, let’s face it, cleaning and maintaining your scrubs are crucial, not only for personal hygiene, but also for maintaining a professional appearance in healthcare settings. 

While taking the time to thoroughly wash your scrubs can seem like a daunting task, there is a solution! Enter Dependable Cleaners – we can take away all that stress and help check laundering your scrubs off your list.

Did you know? Dependable Cleaners is currently offering 25% off laundry services to healthcare workers. Contact us today to learn more!

From the outside, it may look as though scrubs are something that can be easily cleaned and cared for, but the truth is – they aren’t. When it comes to washing scrubs, it’s not just about getting rid of stains and odors; it’s about bacteria control, durability, and ensuring a clean and safe environment.

We’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to help you learn how to wash scrubs and ensure the cleanliness and durability of your scrubs; giving them lasting comfort while maintaining a professional appearance during those long and demanding shifts. 

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Why Proper Scrub Care Matters

Clean scrubs are essential for infection control, regulatory compliance, and patient safety in healthcare settings. Adherence to uniform standards ensures regulatory compliance and contributes to a standardized environment. Beyond appearance, clean scrubs improve the comfort and well-being of healthcare professionals, fostering a positive team environment. Regular cleaning also extends scrub durability, saving costs and ensuring effective protection. 

The significance of clean scrubs transcends aesthetics—it’s integral to infection prevention, patient safety, and maintaining a professional healthcare environment.

Recognizing that learning how to wash scrubs effectively might feel overwhelming, the significance of this task cannot be overstated. Dependable Cleaners addresses this concern by providing specialized scrubs cleaning services tailored for healthcare professionals, alleviating the added stress and worry associated with scrub care.

Washing Scrubs 101: The Basics

Sort by Colors and Fabrics
Begin by separating your scrubs based on color. Wash light-colored scrubs separately from dark ones to prevent color bleeding. Additionally, consider sorting them by fabric type, as different materials may require specific care.

Pre-Treat Stains
Before washing, address any visible stains, even those pesky sweat stains, by pre-treating them with a stain remover. This step ensures that stains are effectively treated during the wash cycle, enhancing the overall cleanliness of the scrubs.

Read More: What Stains Can Dry Cleaning Remove?

Select the Right Detergent
We suggest opting for a high-quality detergent suitable for healthcare apparel. Look for one with antibacterial properties to ensure thorough cleaning and disinfection. Avoid harsh chemicals that could potentially damage the fabric or irritate sensitive skin.

Wash in Cold Water
When considering how to wash scrubs, we advise using cold water as a preferred method. Cold water preservation maintains colors, prevents shrinkage, and is generally more energy-efficient. However, if the scrubs are heavily soiled, adjusting to a warmer water temperature may be suitable. 

Avoid Fabric Softener
While fabric softener may make clothes feel softer, they can reduce the absorbency of certain fabrics, which is undesirable for scrubs. Instead, consider using an extra rinse cycle to ensure all detergent is thoroughly washed out.

Dry on Low Heat or Air Dry
We suggest drying scrubs on a low-heat setting in the dryer or, for even better results, air dry them. High heat can break down fibers and lead to shrinkage, so a gentler drying method prolongs the life of your scrubs.

Double Check Care Instructions
Always refer to the care labels on your scrubs for specific instructions. Different fabrics may have unique requirements, and following these guidelines ensures optimal care and maintenance.

Read More: What Do Laundry Tag Symbols Mean 

Scrub Care Tips for Longevity

Being in the healthcare profession, you can go through hundreds of pairs of scrubs in your career, and the best way to reduce the number of scrubs you need is by prioritizing scrub maintenance. We’ve compiled a few tips below on how to maintain and best care for your scrubs in the long term. 

Tip #1: Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Choose a mild detergent for washing your scrubs. Harsh chemicals can break down fibers and affect the integrity of the fabric over time. Opt for a detergent specifically designed for healthcare apparel, and avoid bleach or other abrasive cleaning agents.

Tip #2: Proper Scrub Storage

Store your scrubs in a clean, dry, and well-ventilated area. Use breathable garment bags or cloth covers to protect them from dust. Hanging scrubs on hangers helps prevent wrinkles, and organizing them by sets makes it easy to locate complete uniforms.

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Tip #3: Rotate Your Scrubs

If you have multiple sets of scrubs, rotate them regularly to distribute wear evenly. This prevents overuse of specific sets and extends the lifespan of your entire scrub collection.

Why Dependable Cleaners is Your Trusted Scrubs Cleaning Service

Whether you are dealing with pesky bloodstains, liquid medication dye, ointment spots, or other stains and bacteria picked up while on the job, Dependable Cleaners is here to help. 

Convenient & Discounted Laundry Services for Medical Professionals

Dependable Cleaners is currently offering 25% off laundry services to healthcare workers. We are glad to support our health care workers and look forward to helping you launder your scrubs.

Dependable Cleaners recognizes the importance of scrubs that are clean, durable, and maintain a professional appearance. That’s why our process includes a specialized laundry soap with advanced stain removal, degreasers, and ultra-high-temperature water to ensure color-safe cleaning. Enhanced by activated oxygen bleach for effectiveness, your recently laundered scrubs will be returned sanitized, folded, and ready for storage or your next shift. With our services, you can enjoy: 

• FREE Pick Up and Delivery Services. In the healthcare sector, time matters. Enjoy free pickup and delivery for your scrubs and other laundry items. We’ll swiftly collect and return them to your preferred location, even if you’re not there when we arrive.

• • Same Day Service. Each of our dry cleaning locations are equipped to handle your quick-turnaround needs. Drop off your scrubs in the morning, and we’ll have them back to you by the end of the day.

• Self-Serve Kiosks. With your hectic schedule in mind, our self-serve kiosks offer a convenient option for dropping off or picking up your clothing anytime, day or night. Accessible 24/7, these kiosks are located at three of our Denver Metro dry cleaner locations.
• Stain Removal Experts. Our team excels in tackling the most challenging stains, offering meticulous care to ensure your garments are thoroughly cleaned. Each order undergoes a 7-point inspection, guaranteeing professional-quality cleaning with every service.

Dependable Cleaners recognizes the importance of scrubs that are clean, durable, and maintain a professional appearance. That’s why our scrub cleaning services include a specialized laundry soap with advanced stain removal, degreasers, and ultra-high-temperature water to ensure color-safe cleaning. Enhanced by activated oxygen bleach for effectiveness, your recently laundered scrubs will be returned sanitized, folded, and ready for storage or your next shift.

With Dependable Cleaners, you can trust that your scrubs will not only meet the highest standards of hygiene, but also stand the test of time, allowing you to focus on what matters most – providing excellent care to those in need. Find a dry cleaning location near you today!