How to Wash and Care for Your Scrubs: A Practical Guide for South African Healthcare Workers

Introduction

Your scrubs go through a lot — long shifts, repeated washes, and everyday wear. The good news is that with the right care habits, you can keep your scrubs looking sharp and holding their colour wash after wash. Whether you wear our Premium Scrubs or Signature Scrubs, these guidelines will help you get the most out of every set.

1. Machine Washing: The Basics

Machine washing is perfectly fine for most scrubs — the key is using the right settings:

• Temperature: Use a warm wash (30–40°C) for everyday washes. Hot water (above 60°C) can cause shrinkage and accelerate colour fade over time.
• Cycle: A gentle or normal cycle is ideal. Reserve heavy-duty cycles for heavily soiled loads only.
• Detergent: Use a mild, colour-safe liquid detergent. Powder detergents can sometimes leave residue on darker fabrics.
• Load size: Avoid overloading the machine — scrubs wash better with room to move freely.

2. Colour Separation: Protect What You Paid For

Colour bleeding is one of the most common reasons scrubs look tired after just a few washes. Follow these rules:

• Wash darks with darks and lights with lights — always separate new scrubs for the first two or three washes.
• Turn scrubs inside out before washing to reduce surface friction and preserve colour vibrancy.
• New scrubs, especially dark navy, black, or deep teal shades, may bleed slightly in the first wash — this is normal and settles quickly.

3. Bleach and Fabric Softener: What to Avoid

These are two of the most common mistakes that shorten the life of your scrubs:

• Bleach: Avoid chlorine bleach on coloured scrubs — it will strip colour and weaken fabric fibres. If stain removal is the goal, use an oxygen-based stain remover (like Vanish Oxi Action) instead.
• Fabric softener: Skip the softener. It coats fibres and can reduce breathability and moisture-wicking performance over time. If you want a softer feel, add a small amount of white vinegar to the rinse cycle instead — it naturally softens without leaving residue.

4. Stain Handling: Act Fast

Healthcare environments mean stains are inevitable. The faster you treat them, the better your chances of full removal:

• Rinse immediately — flush the stain with cold water as soon as possible. Hot water can set protein-based stains (blood, food).
• Pre-treat with a stain remover like Vanish or a small amount of dish soap directly on the stain. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes before washing.
• Blood stains: Always use cold water. Hot water will set blood stains permanently.
• Ink or dye: Dab (don't rub) with surgical spirits or a specialist ink remover before washing.
• Avoid scrubbing vigorously — this can spread the stain and damage fabric weave.

5. Drying Your Scrubs

Drying is where a lot of the damage happens if you're not careful:

• Air drying is best. Hang scrubs on a hanger or drying rack in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Direct sunlight will fade colours faster, especially on darker shades.
• Tumble drying: If you must use a dryer, use a low heat setting. High heat causes shrinkage and weakens fabric over time. Remove scrubs while still slightly damp and hang to finish drying.
• Avoid drying dark scrubs in direct midday sun — South Africa's UV index is high year-round and will bleach fabric noticeably.

6. Ironing and Finishing

• Most scrubs don't need ironing if removed from the dryer promptly and hung neatly.
• If ironing is needed, use a medium heat setting and iron on the reverse side to protect the outer surface.
• Avoid ironing over printed logos or embroidery directly.

7. Storing Your Scrubs

Proper storage is the last step in keeping your scrubs in top condition:

• Store folded or hung in a clean, dry cupboard — avoid damp spaces.
• Keep scrubs away from direct sunlight in storage (even through a window) to prevent gradual fading.
• If you rotate between multiple sets, allow each set to fully air out between wears — this reduces odour and extends fabric life.
• Designate a separate section of your wardrobe for work scrubs so they don't pick up lint or residue from other garments.

How Many Sets Should You Have?

We recommend having at least 3–4 sets in rotation. Rotating sets reduces wear per item and extends the life of each piece significantly. It also means you always have a clean, pressed set ready — even on back-to-back shifts.

Browse our Premium Scrubs range and Signature Scrubs range to find your next set.

Quick Reference: Scrub Care Dos and Don'ts

Final Word

Your scrubs are a daily investment — both in your professional appearance and your comfort on shift. A consistent care routine doesn't take much effort, but it makes a real difference in how long your scrubs last and how good they look. If you have any questions about care specific to a product, feel free to get in touch with us directly.