How to Launder Your Medical Scrubs
Would it surprise you to learn that there are a large number of medical personnel that show up to work wearing scrubs that are not laundered? In fact, the Committee to Reduce Infection Deaths or RIP claim that one-third of all medical staff do not wash their scrubs before a new shift.
- Keep in mind that the RIP has made
it a mission to help reduce the spread of disease that can cling to
hospital staff clothing when they leave the hospital, go home, and
then wear them again the next day not laundered. They are advising
that hospitals all over the United States to enforce a policy that
does not allow hospital staff to go outdoors during their shift
while wearing uniforms. Therefore, it is crucial that you know how
to properly launder your hospital scrubs. - Purchase a good stain remover
since this is a common problem with scrubs. Hospital staff comes in
contact with bodily fluids that easily causes stains. In addition,
medicine that is accidentally spilled on scrubs can stain. Spray the
stains thoroughly and follow the instructions on the bottle to allow
the scrubs to sit before you wash them. - Next, to keep the color of your
scrubs looking new for as long as possible turn them inside out
before you wash them. Use the pre-wash option on your washing
machine using the cold water option. Remember, when pre-washing, you
do not want to put any soap in the dispenser, as this is only to
rinse off the residue before you actually start the wash cycle. - Use a liquid laundry detergent and
put the wash cycle to the longest one that your washing machine has.
Put the water temperature selection to hot and then turn on your
washing machine. - Dry your scrubs in a cool setting
on your dryer. If you make it too hot, you will find that the cotton
shrinks, especially during the first few times you wash them.