Feb 21, 2026

How to Wash Scrubs for Longevity and Freshness

Introduction to Medical Scrubs

In the fast-paced world of healthcare, your medical scrubs are more than just a uniform. They serve as a barrier, a statement of professionalism, and a daily reminder of the responsibility you carry.

Day in, day out, these garments endure everything from ink stains to medication spills and contact with bodily fluids. Proper scrub care isn't just about keeping up appearances; it is a crucial front-line defense against infection, grime, and unpleasant odors.

Well-maintained scrubs help you look and feel professional throughout the longest shifts. It's not just about comfort. It's about confidence, hygiene, and keeping your uniform ready for whatever your workday brings.

Your approach to how to wash scrubs can make a visible difference. Regular, thoughtful cleaning doesn't just protect fabric quality, it also helps prevent the growth of bacteria and odor-causing microorganisms.

Below you’ll find a comprehensive guide on how to wash scrubs so they remain clean, fresh, and ready for every shift, without risking unwanted fading or shrinkage.

How To Wash Scrubs Step By Step

Learning how to wash scrubs properly goes beyond throwing them in with the rest of your laundry. Follow these steps to keep your medical scrubs in top shape and extend their life.

Step 1: Pre-Treatment

Successfully removing stains begins before the wash even starts. Medical scrubs are magnets for tough stains (think blood, ink, and oil-based spills).

Key pre-treatment steps include:

Pre-treat stains as soon as possible
Gently rub a suitable stain remover or a mix of dish soap and water on the affected spot.
For protein-based stains like blood, apply hydrogen peroxide, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with cold water.
Let stain remover sit
Allow your chosen product (like a pre-treatment spray or stick) to penetrate the fabric before tossing the scrubs into the wash.
Test, don’t guess
Always test your treatment on a hidden area first, especially for colored or delicate fabrics.
Targeted approaches for stubborn stains
For ink stains, try gently dabbing rubbing alcohol using a cotton swab.
For oil-based stains, baking soda can help absorb excess oil before treating the area.

Pre-treating stains quickly helps keep scrubs stain free and ready for the next wear.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Detergent

The right detergent matters. Scrubs blends are mostly cotton, polyester, or technical fabrics with moisture wicking properties that don’t fare well with harsh chemicals.

Checklist for choosing your laundry detergent:

Opt for a gentle detergent made for delicate fabrics.
Avoid heavy-duty detergents with bleach, unless the care label states otherwise.
Eco-friendly detergents are ideal if you want to be kind to both fabric and environment.
Skip fabric softeners (they can reduce your scrubs’ moisture wicking performance and leave residue).
Check the care label before using any additives, as some blends require more gentle approaches.

Step 3: Washing Machine Settings

The settings on your washer can mean the difference between vibrant, long-lasting scrubs and faded, misshapen ones after just a few washes.

Essential washing machine tips:

Wash scrubs in cold water to minimize shrinkage, fabric thinning, and color fading.
Use a gentle cycle; less agitation reduces wear.
Select a low heat or cool wash setting if sanitizing is not required.
Sanitize with an oxygen based bleach (never chlorine) if infection risk is high, but always read the care label.
Wash dark colored scrubs separately to prevent color transfer.
Avoid overloading the washing machine so every garment gets thoroughly cleaned.

For more about scrub fit check out our comprehensive fit guide.

Step 4: Drying and Ironing

Drying scrubs properly is as important as washing them. High heat is the enemy of both vibrant colour and fit.

Keep your scrubs looking professional:

Tumble dry on a low heat setting or choose air drying if time allows. High heat causes shrinkage and damages elastic fibers.
Skip fabric softener sheets (residue can impact fabric’s breathability).
Take your scrubs out of the dryer immediately to prevent wrinkles.
Iron while they’re slightly damp, using a medium setting. Lay a damp cloth over delicate spots to avoid scorching.
For best results, reshape scrubs before drying to help them maintain their form and professional look.

Want more on ironing tips and drying best practices?

What Else To Consider When Caring for Medical Scrubs

Daily washing is only half the battle. How you store and handle scrubs can impact their durability and cleanliness.

Storing Scrubs Properly

Storage plays a surprisingly important role in maintaining clean scrubs and maximizing their lifespan.

Smart storage tips:

Keep scrubs in a cool, dry space to avoid encouraging moisture and bacterial growth.
Hang scrubs rather than folding them. This prevents sharp creases that can wear down fibers.
Invest in a scrub organizer or a sturdy hanger so sets remain ready to wear.
For on-call rooms or travel, use breathable bags that let air circulate but keep dust out.
Protect colors and integrity by keeping scrubs away from sunlight. Prolonged light exposure leads to premature fading.

Looking for durable options made for healthcare workers? Browse our men’s and women’s scrubs.

Hand Washing Techniques

Some scrubs (especially high quality or specialty fabric blends) will last longer if hand washed.

A gentle approach makes a difference for delicate fabrics and tough stains:

Fill a sink or basin with cold or cool water.
Add a small amount of gentle detergent designed for medical scrubs.
Submerge scrubs and gently rub soiled spots with your fingertips.
Let them soak for 10–15 minutes if stains persist, but never use hot water as you risk shrinking or fabric damage.
For tough stains, use a soft-bristle brush in spiral motions.
Rinse thoroughly with cool water to remove soap and residue.
Air dry flat or hang as soon as possible.

This method minimizes agitation and helps keep your scrubs in top shape.

Fabric Care

Different fabric types require specific care strategies. Paying attention to these details prevents thinning fabric, color loss, and shrinkage:

Cotton fibers: Sensitive to high heat and can shrink easily; benefit most from cold water and low heat drying.
Blended fabrics: Follow care label instructions closely; polyester blends need less heat and are more resistant to shrinking than pure cotton, but can be damaged by excessive heat or harsh detergents.
Moisture wicking or performance fabrics: Avoid fabric softeners and opt for gentle, PH-neutral detergents.

A quick check of your scrub’s care label is always worth the extra seconds.

Extending Scrub Life

Scrubs are an investment in your professional appearance and personal comfort. With thoughtful habits, you ensure they last longer and look better.

Here’s how to further extend the life of your scrubs:

Rotate multiple pairs for even wear and reduced stress on each set.
Remove scrubs from the wash promptly to prevent wrinkles and mold.
Avoid wearing scrubs outside healthcare settings to limit exposure to dirt and germs.
Handle with clean hands and avoid contact with personal care products, lotions, or alcohol-based hand sanitizer, which can cause staining.
Prioritize proper storage and keep backup scrubs clean and ready.

Regular inspection can help spot thinning fabric, fraying seams, or faded prints before they affect your professional look.

A well-cared-for set of medical scrubs remains soft, holds its fit, and carries you confidently from one shift to the next.

Conclusion

Proper care and maintenance of medical scrubs are essential for extending their life, maintaining hygiene, and preserving a professional appearance.

By following the steps in this guide (pre-treating stains, using the right detergent, choosing gentle washing and drying methods, and storing scrubs properly), you give your uniform the best chance to stay bright, functional, and comfortable.

Remember, always check the care label and avoid excessive heat to keep your scrubs in top shape. Clean, well-maintained scrubs help healthcare workers focus on what matters most: providing high-quality patient care in a safe and professional environment.

Take pride in your appearance, care for your scrubs, and step confidently into every shift knowing your uniform is as ready as you are.

Ready to update your scrub set? Discover new styles that suit your professional needs in the women’s and men’s collections.