Nursing scrubs have changed very little through the years. Yes, there were those sleek gray factory uniforms with the spandex and cotton combinations that made you want to scream. But there was always one bit that was out of place, and that was the apron. Yes, scrub pants. It’s remarkable how much difference a wash top can make!
No, we’re not talking about that nurse’s uniform from the olden times. Nursing scrubs have improved significantly over the decades, but one thing hasn’t changed: no matter where nurses go, they need white vinegar. A lot of it. Washing a white shirt by hand is no easy job, and the cloth can easily become stained by the residue left behind by the detergent. So it’s a fantastic thing that hospitals and medical care facilities now have a quick wash-clothe alternative: a quick trip to their pantry and a fast run for their white vinegar…
“What’s in a jar you ask?” Well, besides white vinegar, there are a couple of other things you’ll need for your quick trip to the laundry room. White vinegar is fantastic for staining those pesky stains on nursing scrubs, since it is a bleach which will not leave a greasy residue on your clothes. Combine 1 cup of white vinegar with two cups of warm water in a spray bottle, and use this solution to wash your uniforms. Repeat the process as necessary until the stains are removed.
Medical staff also handle a great deal of bodily fluids on a regular basis. From plasma and blood to stem cells, there are a whole lot of different bodily fluids which find their way onto scrubs and uniforms. To keep them from staining your nursing scrubs, dabbing them with olive oil each time they are washed helps a lot. It’s a great cheap fix for stains which frequently appear on medical staff uniforms. Make certain to keep the oil available though, or it will get expensive!
A quick trip to a local scrub store is all it takes to update your wardrobe. A visit to a scrub store changes your perspective about what is available. As an example, rather than thinking only of white and black scrubs, consider getting a few more pairs of black and white scrub pants, and maybe even a pair or two of white cotton drawstring pajamas. There are so many variations on nursing scrubs, and it is very likely that a wash shop has something to offer everyone. You don’t even have to take the day off of work to get the look you’ve been dying to get.
Before you actually clean your nursing scrubs, you want to take a moment to blot the stains out with a stain remover like rubbing alcohol. Some stains, such as blood or bodily fluids, will soak in and will leave a blot. To remove these stains, try blotting with alcohol on a piece of cotton and then wiping it with cold water.
Now that you are wearing clean scrubs uniforms, it is time to upgrade your color scheme. If you are like most physicians, you have light skin and dark hair. If this describes you, then you want to decide on a color scheme that will go nicely with your light skin and dark hair. Nurses with lighter skin tend to look best in white, pink, light green, or aqua; nurses with dark skin look good in navy, grey, brown, or black.
Selecting the kind of scrub is crucial too, as you don’t need your scrubs to battle with everything you are wearing. You want to look both fashionable and comfortable. You can opt for either a solid color or patterned one, but if you choose a solid color like blue or green, be sure the pattern is not too active so that it doesn’t stand out in your professional attire. If you do not feel comfortable wearing that patterned scrub, then proceed with a plain color and simple design.
For a professional look, you should definitely choose scrubs that have a double layer. In this manner, any dirt or bodily fluids you don’t wish to show will be hidden, making you look even more professional. Since nurses spend as much time in a patient’s room, they want pants that can withstand frequent jumps and changes of direction. A wonderful wash pair with a pair of trousers, a beige or white shirt, and solid top will remain comfortable.
Of course, there are also some comfortable scrubs that are fantastic for the office. A wash set using a thin cotton jersey and a flat top that are mid-calf length is perfect for the office. These kinds of scrubs are made very comfortable by their reflective material and smooth fit, so that you won’t have to worry about being uncomfortable. They’re a tiny bit more dressy than your run-of-the-mill scrub pants, but they’re a lot more comfortable. Whichever kind of nursing uniform you choose, you’re guaranteed to look amazing!