Can you wash scrubs?

The common question is, can you wash your scrubs? Well, the answer is yes. However, scrubs should be treated differently to your other laundry as they can be infected or badly stained. If you are washing your scrubs at home, put them in a separate load to any other clothes to avoid any cross-contamination.

Pre-treat your scrubs before first use

All new scrubs should be washed separately in cold water with ½ cup of vinegar. This helps to set the colour and prevent fading.

How to wash your scrubs

When washing, turn your scrubs inside out to prevent them from rubbing against each other and pilling.

In accordance with the Department of Health Technical Memorandum 01-04: Decontamination of linen for health and social care which was published in March 2016:

All enhanced processes should use a washing cycle that has either:

• a thermal disinfection cycle that reaches 71ºC for at least three minutes or 65ºC for at least ten minutes; or

• a chemical disinfection process that satisfies the requirements in the section ‘Disinfection of linen’ (in the ‘Management and provision’ volume).

How to remove stains from your scrubs

Your scrubs will become host to a huge variety of stains, which is to be expected. But don’t rush in and grab the bleach! In order to maximize the lifespan of your uniform and to keep looking professional you need to be able to treat each stain individually.

Stains can be stubborn. The best way to remove stains is to identify each stain and treat it accordingly.

Washing at the right temperature

Wash your scrubs at the hottest temperature allowed for the particular fabric your uniform is made from. If you’re mixing up different garments in one load, use the lowest maximum temperature for the whole wash. Note: you are advised to wash garments with similar colours.

Wonderwink washing instructions (view range here)

 

Range	Fabric composition	Max washing temperature	Washing instructions
WonderWork	65% polyester, 35% cotton	40° C	Machine wash warm with similar colours. Do not bleach. Tumble dry low.
W123	100% polyester	30° C	Machine wash cold with similar colours. Do not bleach. Tumble dry low.
WonderFlex	52% cotton, 45% polyester, 3% spandex	30° C	Machine wash cold with similar colours. Do not bleach. Tumble dry low.
Wonderwink HP	90% polyester, 1 % spandex	30° C	Machine wash cold with similar colours. Do not bleach. Tumble dry low.
WonderLab lab coats	65% polyester, 35% cotton	40° C	Machine wash warm with whites. No bleach. Tumble dry low.
WonderTech	55% polyester, 44% cotton, 3% spandex	30° C	Machine wash cold with similar colours. Do not bleach. Tumble dry low.
Base Layers	97% rayon, 3% spandex	30° C	Machine wash cold with similar colours. Do not bleach. Do not tumble dry.

Jaanuu washing instructions (view range here)

 

Range	Fabric composition	Max washing temperature	Washing instructions
Womens tops	52% cotton, 28% polyester, 17% lyocell (rayon), 3% spandex	30° C	Machine wash cold inside out. Tumble dry low. Do not use fabric softener. Do not bleach. Do not dry clean.
Womens trousers	52% cotton, 28% polyester, 17% lyocell (rayon), 3% spandex
Mens tops	90% polyester, 10% spandex or 92% polyester / 8% spandex
Mens trousers	90% polyester, 10% spandex or 92% polyester / 8% spandex

 

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