Taking Proper Care of Your Scrubs Scrubs are what differentiate nurses from doctors and other hospital employees. Therefore, it is important to take proper care of them. Whether you are a practicing RN or studying to be a nurse, clean scrubs forms an essential part of your everyday routine. Clean scrubs not only help you come across as a well-dressed nurse, but are also important for your safety, as well as the safety of your patients. Nursing scrubs generally need to be washed every day, however daily washing can cause your scrubs to fade or appear worn in a short period of time. Here are few tips that will help you keep your medical attire in the best condition. High-Quality Scrubs Whenever you pick up a medical scrub, make sure it is made up of highquality material. Scrubs made from low-quality fabric will stain, wrinkle, and wear faster as compared to their counterparts. You need to stay away from cheap scrubs, as you would need to replace them more often. Also, pre-treat new scrubs as it will set the color of the scrubs and prevent fading. To pre-treat the scrub, mix half a cup of vinegar with cold water and wash the scrub with this mixture. Save It For Work Scrubs must be kept clean and free of bacteria. They must be disinfected properly to avoid contamination; therefore, it is always advised to change into your scrub only after you reach the hospital. Clean scrubs must be packed away in an airtight bag to protect them from germs and other contagious microorganisms. After your shift, change your clothes before indulging in other activities or returning back home. This will lengthen the scrubs life and prevent stains. First Wash Cycle With Cold Water After treating the scrubs, the first wash cycle should be with cold water. Turn the scrubs inside out and set the load size to large. The second wash cycle should be with warm water to remove any stains. Washing with cold and hot water alternatively will help remove any stains on the scrubs and disinfect them properly. In the second washing, you can add color safe
bleach to disinfect them completely. This will help kill bacteria and keep them clean. VIP Treatment For Scrubs Don’t treat the scrubs like any piece of clothing as they need to stay clean, fresh and disinfected. Having said that, w ash them daily and avoid washing them with other clothing. It is recommended that you possess more than one set so that you can alternate between the two, keeping them clean and disinfected. Hot Ironing the Scrubs Even if you think your scrub looks great without ironing, do not skip this step. Hot-pressing not only keeps your scrubs clean and tidy, it also helps kill any bacteria present on them. While in the hospital, your scrub may come across plenty of micro-organisms, it is essential to keep the scrubs perfectly disinfected. Avoid Perfumes on the Scrubs While some people love wearing perfumes to work, nurses should refrain from this activity. Avoiding perfumes on your scrubs can help you keep them stain-free. If you love wearing perfumes, spray them on your undershirt or skin, but make sure to avoid wearing it on your scrubs. You should also avoid getting lotions on your scrubs. Now you know how to maintain your scrubs. Follow these steps to enjoy a clean, professional appearance while serving your patients.
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