How to Wash, Shrink, Dry & Iron Scrubs the Right Way: Expert Tips for Cleaning Medical Scrubs in the Washer or Dryer (2025 Guide)
Introduction
Medical scrub sets take a beating, from everyday stains and germs to nonstop wear and tear. Proper cleaning is more than just keeping them looking neat—it’s essential for maintaining hygiene, durability, and a professional appearance. This 2025 guide provides expert advice on how to properly wash, shrink, dry, and iron your scrubs, even if you’re at home or on the job.
How Clean Shrubs Make a Difference:
More Than a Uniform, Your Shield and Signature
Scrubs aren’t just workwear. They protect you from germs, show your professionalism, and keep you comfortable during long shifts. Treating them well matters:
– Prevents infection: Proper wash stops the germs from spreading and keeps patients safe.
– Long-lasting durability: Taking care of your scrubs gently can help them last longer, saving you money.
– Appearance: Who would not like to appear neat and clean? Wearing clean, neat scrubs builds trust and shows you care.
HOW TO WASH SCRUBS:
Treat stains before wash:
Before stains set, act fast and clean your scrub from the stains.
Blood / Iodine
Gently dab with cold water and hydrogen peroxide to lift the stain without setting it deeper.
Ointments / Body Oils
Apply dish soap on the stain, then rinse with warm water to break down grease.
Bodily Fluids (vomit, urine, etc.)
Remove solids first, then apply a baking soda and water paste. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes before rinsing.
Try to pre-treat the stain while it’s still fresh and damp; that way, it’s easier to remove. Allowing it to dry first can make the cleaning process more difficult.
How to Wash Scrubs for the First Time
Washing new scrubs isn’t just a matter of tossing them in. Whether new or worn out, knowing how to wash them helps keep their color, fit, and quality.
Check the Care Label
First, always check the tag—different fabrics, such as cotton, polyester, or spandex blends, require different washing settings.
Wash Scrubs Separately
Keep your scrubs separate from household clothes to prevent contamination and preserve fabric quality.
Turn Inside Out
Keeps the outer fabric and printed logos safe from wear and tear during washing.
Use Cold or Warm Water
Using cold water can help prevent color bleeding on new scrubs, while warm water is better for tackling light stains.
Choose a Gentle Detergent
Use a mild or antibacterial detergent specifically designed for medical clothing. Avoid using bleach unless you’re facing severe contamination.
Pro Tip: For your first wash, add a color catcher sheet to prevent dye transfer, especially when washing dark or brightly colored scrubs.
Washing Scrubs through the washing machine:
If you want to know how to wash scrubs in washing machine without damaging the fabric, here’s an easy guide for you:
- With the machine on gentle spinning, use cold or warm water
- Use a mild or antibacterial detergent.
- Turn the scrubs inside out to protect the color and prints
- Wash them separately from your regular clothes
Hand washing scrubs:
- Use lukewarm water to wash
- Add mild detergent
- Soak your scrub for 10-15 minutes
- Gently rub the areas with stains
- Rinse thoroughly and air dry
Washing mistakes that can damage your scrub:
Here’s a concise “what to avoid” checklist for washing scrubs—no fluff, just the key mistakes that damage fabric, hygiene, or fit:
- Using chlorine bleach, which fades the color and weakens the fabric
- Ignoring treating the stains properly
- Drying the fabric on high heat
- Not washing scrubs separately
- overloading the washer, leaving no space for scrubs to be washed properly
Drying and Ironing Your Scrub the Right Way.
How to dry scrubs:
Want to know the right methods on how can you put scrubs in the dryer without damaging the fabric and preserving its quality, Don’t worry we have got you.
Machine Dry:
- Dry Cotton scrubs on high heat
- Use low heat for Polyester/Spandex scrubs. High heat melts them.
- Remove the scrubs from the dryer when they’re slightly damp—this makes ironing easier and prevents them from becoming too dry.
Air Dry:
- Hang indoors to prevent sun fading.
- Smooth out wrinkles by hand before drying.
- Knowing how to dry scrubs with air dray
How to iron scrubs:
Can you Iron scrubs? Yes definitely, but here’s how to iron scrubs properly:
- For Cotton Iron at high heat
- For Polyester/spandex fabric, Iron at Low heat.
- Turn your Scrubs inside out and then iron them.
If you’re out of time to iron it, Steam is your best friend!
Shrinking the scrubs made easier:
Have you bought new scrubs that need to be shrunk, but you don’t know how to shrink scrubs without compromising quality and durability? Don’t worry, we’ve got the answers for you.
First, know what your fabric is; not all scrubs shrink the same way.
- If it’s 100% cotton, it will shrink quickly.
- Blends, such as cotton/poly, are fine. They don’t shrink much, even after repeated washes.
- Synthetic fabrics (such as polyester, rayon, and spandex) won’t shrink with heat, but can melt or become damaged.
Make sure to check the care label before trying any shrinking methods. Here are a few methods to do shrinking properly:
- Turn the scrubs inside out, wash them in hot water, dry on high if the fabric allows, and try them on after each step to prevent shrinking.
- Soak the scrubs in hot, not boiling, water for 30 minutes. Wrap them in a towel to remove excess water, then place them flat on a clean surface. Stretch the fabric gently while it is still damp, and pull it to achieve a customized fit.
Keep in mind that these methods scale down all features—length, width, arms, and legs. It’s not suitable for precise fitting.
- If your scrubs are too long in the legs but fit perfectly in the waist, or vice versa, shrinking may alter the proportions. That’s when a quick hem or alteration job comes in handy.
Rapid Disinfection Tips:
Want to ensure your scrubs are thoroughly cleaned after a tough shift? Here are a few tips on how to clean scrubs that might help you:
- Put ½ cup of white vinegar in the rinse cycle.
- Use an antibacterial detergent.
- Only dry on high heat if the fabric permits.
Final Thoughts: How to Clean Shrubs
Your scrubs serve as more than a uniform—they’re your everyday protection in a challenging setting. Whether you’re tackling tough stains, seeking the ideal fit, or wanting to prolong their lifespan, the way you wash, dry, shrink, and iron your scrubs is crucial.
By adhering to these professional suggestions, you’re not only preserving fabric—you’re safeguarding your health, ensuring hygiene practices, and showcasing professionalism during each shift. From pre-treating spots to selecting the appropriate heat level, each minor action contributes to cleaner, more durable scrubs that appear as polished as your commitment to work.
So proceed—regard your nursing scrubs as the stars of your professional attire. They deserve it.
Scrubs Care Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Most of the scrubs are machine washable. Just be sure to wash them as described above.
Should you wash your scrubs in hot or cold water? It depends on the fabric and the level of dirtiness. Cold water is usually best; it keeps colors bright, prevents shrinking, and is gentle on materials like polyester and spandex. Hot water is ideal for a deep clean after a tough shift, especially when using cotton scrubs, but it can damage synthetic fabrics. For a good balance, warm water is a safe choice; it kills germs without harming your scrubs.
Are you concerned if scrubs go in the dryer? Yes you can, but be sure to check the fabric type to ensure they are suitable for drying. Cotton can handle medium to high heat and helps kill germs. Polyester and spandex do best on low heat to prevent damage. Remove them, then slightly dampen and air-dry the rest. Always check the care label and avoid over-drying to keep your scrubs looking and fitting great.
Wash your scrubs after every shift to prevent germs and keep them fresh, even if you think they’re clean enough. Have 3-5 pairs to rotate if you work often.
Use an antibacterial and enzymatic detergent, such as Tide Ultra Oxi or Lysol Laundry Sanitizer, to kill germs and break down stains. Add oxygen bleach (OxiClean) for tough stains without fading. Avoid chlorine bleach and fabric softeners, as they can damage fabric and block moisture-wicking properties.
Scrubs can shrink in the washer, especially those made of 100% cotton, when washed in hot water. Blended fabric, such as polyester or spandex, resists shrinkage but can be damaged by high heat. Always check the care label and wash in cold or warm water to prevent shrinking.
To prevent fading, wash scrubs inside out in cold water with a mild, color-safe detergent. Avoid using bleach, opt for low heat or air-drying, and wash with similar colors only. Add a color catcher sheet for extra protection.
Scrubs wrinkle after washing due to over-drying, high heat, or leaving them in the dryer for too long. Cotton especially wrinkles without the use of fabric softeners or proper drying. To reduce wrinkles, remove scrubs while they are still damp, smooth them by hand, or hang them immediately. Turning inside out and using a gentle cycle also helps prevent creasing.
