Five top tips to make your scrubs last

Aside from being super comfortable and practical, your medical scrubs are there to protect you while you're on your rounds. It's only fair that you return the favour and make sure that your nursing scrubs are well protected and ready to work just as hard as you do.

The secret to creating a long-lasting relationship with your nursing scrubs can be summed up in these five simple steps.

1. Make a good first impression
   As with all relationships, you only get one chance to make a first impression, in the case of scrubs, this means pre-treating them before your first wear. The best way to do this is to soak them in a small basin of cold water with a half a cup of vinegar. This will set the colour and prevent your scrubs from fading with age. Approach the first wash tenderly, using only cold water and regular detergent and turning your scrubs inside out to protect them.


2. Make them feel special
   Don't go mixing your medical scrubs in with your other laundry! Make them feel special by putting in a little effort and washing them separately. This allows you to give your scrubs the proper treatment they need including adding disinfectant to the load. And, your other clothes will love you for it too!


3. Don't wear them out!
   Many nurses and medical professionals wear their scrubs outside of work. If you stick to wearing them only on the ward, in theatre or within your work area, your medical scrubs will last much longer. Plus, by bagging dirty scrubs after your shift, you'll be helping to stop the spread of infection.


4. Remember, unlike girlfriends, scrubs don't like perfumes!
   Although it might be lovely to walk around smelling wonderful, giving your nursing scrubs a dose of your favourite perfume spray or lotion can leave them with permanent discolouration and stains. Apply your fragrance onto your skin or an undershirt rather than onto your scrubs.


5. Scrubs need to be washed in different temperatures.
   Give your scrubs a little heat treatment to kill any bacteria that may be lurking in the fabric. However not all scrubs are made the same. Make sure you check the washing instructions and remember to hang your scrubs in the shade inside out to prevent fading. You want your scrubs to look great for a long time, as scrubs should last well for at least 1 year.

 

These five simple steps will help you to get great mileage from your nursing scrubs. If you're looking for a great new pair of scrubs that will be with you for the long haul, try our elitecare¨ scrubsÑthe perfect match for nurse superheroes! Our elitecare Cargo and Mid Rise Pants, plus Classic range, are our most popular scrubs. We are also the first to stock koi scrubs in Australia, which are fast becoming a popular choice with nurses, with their super soft material and fashionable styles.