How to Wash Scrubs? At What Temperature Should They Be Washed and How Should They Be Dried?
The question of how to wash scrubs cannot be answered with a single temperature or program. The fabric type, the product's care label, the color structure, and the type of soiling it has been exposed to during use must all be considered. This guide explains the key points to consider for washing, drying, stain treatment, and long-term care of scrubs.
How to Wash Scrubs?
Short answer: Before washing scrubs, check the product's care label; separate colors, empty pockets, check zippers and drawstrings, and use a washing program appropriate for the fabric. For washing temperature, refer to the product's own care instructions rather than a general online temperature rating.
How to wash scrubs? This is one of the most frequently researched care topics, especially for healthcare professionals who have recently acquired medical scrubs. Because scrubs are used frequently in demanding work environments, incorrect washing habits can negatively affect the fabric's appearance, color, elasticity, or fit over time.
However, it's not correct to wash all scrub models in the same way. One model might be made of lycra fabric, another of terry cotton or a different textile blend. Therefore, the first step is always to check the care label inside the product and the washing instructions specified by the manufacturer.
If you're unsure how to differentiate between fabric options, you can compare terry cotton, alpaca, and lycra medical apparel fabrics using our Medical Apparel Fabric Selection Guide .
At what temperature should scrubs be washed?
The most accurate answer: There is no single washing temperature that applies to all scrubs. The correct temperature can vary depending on the fabric composition, dye, manufacturing specifications, and care label of the scrub. Therefore, the care label should be the primary reference when considering the washing temperature for scrubs.
You may find online recommendations for a single temperature for all medical gowns. However, applying the same temperature to all fabric types is not a proper care approach.
For example, a product made with lycra, which contains flexible fibers, may not have the same care requirements as another surgical gown with a different fabric composition. Excessively high temperatures can affect the structure, elasticity, color, or dimensions of some textile products.
- Maximum washing temperature indicated on the care label.
- Fabric composition and product's specific care requirements
- The washing procedure your organization uses for medical work clothes.
If there is an established washing procedure, particularly one determined by the hospital or clinic, the institution's current practice should be considered before adopting personal hygiene habits.
What should be done before washing scrubs?
Proper care isn't just about choosing the right washing machine program. A few simple checks before the scrubs go into the machine can help protect both the jersey and other laundry.
Check your pockets.
Pens, paper, notes, cards, metal objects, or forgotten personal items can damage both the jersey and the washing machine during washing.
Separate the colors.
Instead of randomly putting light and dark colored scrubs in the same washing machine, especially during the first few washes, it's safer to separate them according to the product care instructions.
Check the zippers.
For scrubs with zippers, checking the zipper, drawstrings, and similar details before washing can reduce the risk of the fabric snagging on other items.
Examine the stain beforehand.
Normal everyday dirt and stains from blood, antiseptic solution, or other work-related causes should not be treated in the same way. The treatment method may vary depending on the type of stain.
For stubborn stains on uniforms, you can also check our guide on How to Remove Stubborn Stains from Medical Scrubs and Surgical Uniforms .
Should scrubs be washed inside out?
As with many colored textiles, turning the scrubs jersey inside out before washing can help reduce direct friction between the outer surface and the drum and other garments. However, this practice does not replace the product's care instructions.
Especially with dark navy, black, burgundy, petrol blue, or brightly colored medical uniforms, users want the color to retain its appearance for a long time. This depends not only on the washing method but also on the detergent used, temperature, drying method, and the product's manufacturing characteristics.
Which detergent should be used when washing scrubs?
When choosing a detergent, the restrictions on the product care label should be considered. Using more detergent does not necessarily mean a cleaner result. Using too much product can lead to residue on the fabric or insufficient rinsing.
- Adjust the amount of detergent according to the product's usage instructions.
- Do not use bleach indiscriminately if it is not suitable for the fabric.
- When choosing detergent for colored garments, check the textile's care instructions.
- Check the jersey label before using any additional products.
- If your employer has a specific laundry policy, follow it.
How to Wash Lycra Scrubs?
Lycra scrubs are a preferred choice for work environments requiring intense movement due to their flexible structure. However, the presence of flexible fibers in the fabric necessitates extra attention to the manufacturer's instructions during care.
Basic approach for Lycra scrubs: Use the temperature and program indicated on the product label; avoid unnecessarily high heat, chemicals not listed as suitable on the label, and care procedures that could damage the fabric.
You can browse Owlet Medikal's different scrub options in the Scrubs models category.
To compare the usage characteristics of lycra, terry cotton, and other medical fabrics, you can consult our medical fabric guide .
How to Wash Terry Cotton Scrubs?
For medical uniforms made from terry cotton fabric, the washing temperature and program should be determined directly according to the product care label. It is incorrect to assume that all products sold under the same fabric name have identical production, dyeing, or care characteristics.
Therefore, instead of following a general rule like "terry cotton scrubs must be washed at this temperature," it's best to use the care instructions provided for the product you purchased.
For more information on the elasticity, handling, and care properties of different fabrics, please refer to our Terrycotton, Alpaca, and Lycra Fabric Selection Guide .
Can scrubs be put in a dryer?
Short answer: Whether scrubs are suitable for tumble drying should be checked on the product's care label. It's not accurate to give a single "tumble dryer safe" or "not tumble dryer safe" answer for all scrubs models based solely on fabric type.
The drying process can affect the appearance of a fabric as much as washing. Especially with heat-sensitive fibers, excessively hot drying methods can negatively impact the fabric's structure.
If the care label does not permit tumble drying, the garment should be dried naturally in a manner appropriate to the garment. If machine drying is permitted, the program and temperature indicated on the label should be used.
| Maintenance Question | The Right Approach |
|---|---|
| At what temperature should scrubs be washed? | The temperature should be based on the temperature indicated on the product's care label. |
| Can it be put in the dryer? | Check the drying symbol and manufacturer's instructions on the label. |
| Can it be ironed? | Ironing should be done according to the fabric and product label. |
| Can bleach be used? | It should only be used if permitted by the product label and manufacturer's instructions. |
| Can different colors be washed together? | They should be separated considering the possibility of color transfer and care instructions. |
Can scrubs be ironed?
The need for ironing scrubs depends on the fabric. Some fabrics may achieve a smoother look after washing and proper drying, while others may require ironing.
Instead of guessing the iron temperature based on the fabric name, it's better to check the iron symbol on the product label. Applying excessively high heat, especially to products containing flexible fibers, can damage the fabric structure.
Can stained scrubs be washed like normal laundry?
Not all stains are the same. Everyday dirt, food or drink stains should not be treated with the same care process as blood, body fluids, or other substances that may be encountered during healthcare services.
Important: If scrubs show significant contamination with blood or potentially infectious body material, your healthcare facility's infection control and textile/uniform procedures take precedence. In such a case, follow your institution's current practice instead of taking the scrub home and treating it as routine laundry.
In normal stain care, the stain should be noticed as early as possible, and care should be taken to avoid indiscriminately mixing unknown chemicals that could damage the fabric.
For blood, antiseptic, and other stubborn stains, you can check out our separate scrubs stain removal guide .
How often should scrubs be washed?
The frequency of scrub washing can vary depending on the work environment, duration of use, the institution's dress code, and how soiled the uniform is. Therefore, it is not accurate to give a fixed "how often to wash" rule that applies to all healthcare workers.
A work environment with high patient contact or one that requires the institution to change its daily routine may not have the same conditions as a different clinical setting.
The key criteria here are:
- Institutional procedure of the unit worked in
- Whether the jersey is visibly dirty
- Type of contact that occurs during the study
- Product usage and maintenance instructions.
- Whether the company provides professional washing services.
Should newly purchased scrubs be washed before first use?
If a newly purchased scrub product includes specific first-use instructions from the manufacturer or seller, these should be followed. Paying attention to the care label is especially important for colored textiles during the first wash, as this will benefit future use.
When choosing a new uniform, you should consider not only ease of care but also fabric, size, fit, and suitability for the work environment. You can review the Scrubs Uniform Selection Guide for more information on these topics.
10 Common Mistakes Made When Washing Scrubs
- Don't throw it in the machine without reading the care label.
- Use the same temperature for all fabric types.
- Washing light and dark colors together without checking them.
- Washing without emptying the pockets
- Thinking that using more detergent will clean better.
- Using bleach that is not suitable for the fabric.
- Applying high heat directly without checking the stain.
- Not checking the dryer instructions.
- Determining the iron temperature without looking at the fabric label.
- Ignoring the institution's procedure for contaminated work clothes.
Avoiding these mistakes can help you maintain your scrubs more effectively and preserve their appearance for as long as possible.
Practical Washing and Maintenance Sequence for Scrubs
| My name | What should be done? | From where? |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Read the care label. | To determine the correct temperature and program. |
| 2 | Empty your pockets | To protect the jersey and the machine. |
| 3 | Check the colors. | To reduce the risk of color transfer. |
| 4 | Perform a stain check. | To determine if special intervention is needed. |
| 5 | Choose the appropriate program. | To protect the fabric structure. |
| 6 | Use the correct drying method. | To avoid unnecessary heat damage. |
| 7 | Iron according to label instructions if necessary. | To maintain a professional appearance. |
Discover Easy-to-Maintain Scrub Models
You can determine the right medical uniform for you by comparing fabric, cut, color, and style options that suit your work routine.
Browse Scrub Models: Women's Scrubs, Men's ScrubsFrequently Asked Questions About Scrubs & Washing
How do you wash scrubs?
When washing scrubs, first check the product care label. Empty pockets, separate colors appropriately, and select the temperature, detergent, and program according to the fabric's care instructions.
At what temperature should scrubs be washed?
There is no single temperature range that applies to all scrub models. Washing temperature can vary depending on the fabric composition and product specifications, so the temperature indicated on the care label should be used as the guideline.
At what temperature should lycra scrubs be washed?
For scrubs containing Lycra, the product care label should also be checked. The presence of Lycra alone is not sufficient to determine a specific washing temperature.
Can scrubs be put in a dryer?
The product's suitability for use with a tumble dryer should be checked using the symbols on the care label. If it is not permitted on the label, the tumble dryer should not be used.
Should scrubs be washed inside out?
For colored textiles, inside-out washing may be preferred to reduce friction on the outer surface. However, the product's specific care instructions should always take precedence.
Can scrubs be ironed?
Ironing requirements and the appropriate temperature vary depending on the fabric. High temperatures should not be applied without checking the ironing symbol on the product's care label.
Can scrubs be washed with bleach?
Bleach use depends on the product's care instructions. It is especially important not to use bleach on colored or stretchy fabrics unless permitted by the label.
Can blood-stained scrubs be washed at home?
Work clothing contaminated with blood or potentially infectious body material must follow the healthcare facility's infection control and uniform procedures. This process takes priority if the institution uses dedicated collection or professional washing.
How often should scrubs be washed off?
Washing frequency may vary depending on the work environment, company policy, usage duration, and the degree of soiling of the uniform. Instead of a fixed number of uses, the company's and product's care instructions should be followed.
How should dark-colored scrubs be washed?
When using dark-colored scrubs, check the care label, separate the colors, and choose a washing program and detergent suitable for the fabric.