Medical scrubs, the most vital uniform of healthcare workers, help in maintaining hygiene in the work environment. However, there are several factors that can affect the longevity of the attire. Some of them are frequent washing and exposure to harsh chemicals. This can create issues for individuals and healthcare facilities.
Nowadays, medical scrubs are not just a functional garment but an identity of a healthcare professional. They are not only about hygiene but also commitment towards patient care. This is what makes care for medical scrubs so important. Therefore, one must maintain their longevity and quality. This blog will provide tips on how to take care of scrubs.
Choosing the Right Scrubs
Quality and comfort are necessary when it comes to choosing the right scrub. Thus, one of the scrub maintenance tips includes selecting a garment that fits well with one’s daily routine. People must choose fabrics that are breathable and help them withstand long hours of shifts. Cotton and moisture-wicking materials can be an excellent choice.
Scrubs must have the potential to tolerate frequent washing and heavy use. Wearers must look for fabrics that are resistant to pilling and shrinking. While observing care for medical scrubs, people must consider the softness of the fabric. It provides comfort that can make a significant difference in an individual’s work life.
One must ensure that the garment is not tight or loose in the case of both men’s scrubs and women’s scrubs. A good fit can eliminate discomfort and allow for unrestricted movement. People should go for the ones that secure their professional image. To extend scrub life, it is essential that wearers buy scrubs that fit them well.
A uniform must have a sufficient number of pockets for keeping instruments, pens, etc. Scrubs having pockets at strategic positions are quite helpful in times of emergency. If people care for medical scrubs, they will get an attire that lasts several years.
Pre-Washing and Care Labels
After buying a new scrub, it is crucial to follow some steps to ensure its long-lasting performance. Medical uniform care in the UAE includes understanding care labels and pre-washing. It is a critical exercise to maintain the integrity of the attire. Pre-washing helps to get rid of residues that must have accumulated because of the manufacturing process.
Pre-washing removes chemicals that can lead to skin irritation or allergies. It also helps in setting the colour of the fabrics that at times, gets affected because of frequent washing. Some of them shrink if they are washed for the first time. Pre-washing helps in such scenarios and ensures a consistent fit.
Care labels help a lot during the care of medical scrubs. It contains information on how to care properly for them. The labels guide on the temperature that should be maintained during washing. It is similar to the steps that people must take while washing their lab coats. This assists in avoiding fabric damage.
There are some fabrics that are sensitive to the contact of certain detergents and chemicals. This makes washing scrubs properly very vital. It includes washing them with a gentle and fragrance-free option. People must go for bleaching only if it is allowed.
Washing and Drying Tips
Proper washing and drying are important to maintain the longevity of the garments. Care for medical scrubs includes washing the light-coloured uniform separate from the dark-coloured ones. This is to prevent the process of colour bleeding. The latter can damage the colour of the scrubs and make it unwearable.
People can choose warm water as it is tolerable for most scrubs. It is a necessary step to ensure long-lasting scrubs in the UAE. Wearers must avoid harsh detergents and fabric softeners as they can reduce their absorbency. In order to remove stains, one must use a stain remover before washing.
Air drying is a good option as it prevents shrinkage and maintains the shape of the scrubs. They should be left to dry on a drying rack or a line for good results. It is a necessary part of the care for medical scrubs. In case of tumble drying, people can use a low heat setting to prevent fabric damage.
High heat must be avoided at any cost as it can lead to shrinkage and further damage to the scrubs. One of the essential scrub maintenance tips is to check the label for particular drying instructions.
Stain Removal Strategies
Medical scrubs often get exposed to stains resulting from blood, bodily fluids and even food particles. Hence, effective stain removal strategies are crucial to maintain the appearance of the uniform. Shoes too get affected because of stains from body fluids and must be washed with care. In the case of blood stains, the sooner the action is, the quicker the result.
One can use cold water rinse immediately to prevent the blood stain from setting. Wearers can also use enzyme-based detergents to care for medical scrubs. These are specially designed to remove difficult stains. It is critical to follow the instructions to understand factors regarding pre-soaking or direct application.
For stubborn blood stains, one can also use a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution. Extending scrub life is vital and therefore, only tried and tested methods should be considered. At first, people must take any kind of washing solution and test it on a small portion of the fabric.
Bodily fluid stains also affect the longevity of an attire. Thus, in order to get rid of this, wearers must at first, rinse it with cold water. It will wash away as much of the fluid as possible. They can use enzyme-based detergents to care for medical scrubs in this case.
Preventing Fading and Shrinking
Maintaining the original colour of the scrubs is important for its appearance. One can wash like colours together to prevent colour bleeding. Medical uniform care in the UAE can be tricky and it is one such example. There is a chance of dark colours bleeding onto lighter fabrics after a few washes.
It is necessary to use cold water whenever possible as hot water can cause colour fading. A mild, fragrance-free detergent can be a great option for delicate fabrics. People must avoid using bleach or fabric softeners as it can lead to colour loss. Another technique is to wash the attire inside out to protect the outer surface.
It is essential to adhere to the care label instructions to avoid shrinking of the uniforms. People who care for medical scrubs can opt for air drying to prevent shrinkage. When using a washing machine, they must not overload it. Doing so may cause the garments to shrink due to excessive friction.
Ironing and Folding
While ironing and folding are not that crucial when it comes to medical uniforms, taking the right steps can help. After washing scrubs properly, people can look for specific ironing instructions on the label. It will include guidance on maintaining the optimum temperature and steam setting. Ironing while the garments are damp can help eliminate wrinkles.
Wearers can add a pressing cloth between the iron and the attire to protect the fabric. One can also iron it inside out to avoid making the uniform shiny or damaged. It is crucial to iron along the seams and inside pockets to remove the wrinkles. To avoid their setting, it is critical to hang the scrubs immediately after ironing.
Final Thought
Care for medical scrubs is vital to ensure their longevity and performance. It helps in maintaining hygiene and reflects a professional’s commitment to his work. By following the tips, one can extend the lifespan of his uniform. People should choose the right scrubs, pre-wash them and focus on the care labels.
Beta Medical is the leading choice for healthcare experts who look for comfort and functionality in their uniforms. It specializes in providing long-lasting scrubs in the UAE. The company provides high-quality medical attire that can withstand the medical environment. They are very particular when it comes to quality and customer satisfaction.
