Nursing scrubs have changed very little over 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 are not talking about that nurse’s uniform from the olden times. Nursing scrubs have improved significantly over time, but one thing has not changed: regardless of where physicians go, they want white vinegar. A lot of it. Washing a white shirt by hand is no easy task, and the fabric can quickly become stained by the residue left behind by the detergent. So it’s a good thing that hospitals and medical care centers now have a quick wash-clothe alternative: a quick trip to their pantry and a fast run for their white vinegar…
“What is in a jar you ask?” Well, besides white vinegar, there are a few 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’s a bleach which won’t leave a greasy residue on your clothing. 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 blood and plasma to stem cells, there are a lot of different bodily fluids that find their way onto scrubs and uniforms. To prevent them from staining your nursing scrubs, dabbing them with olive oil each time they are washed helps a lot. It is a great cheap fix for stains which frequently appear on medical staff uniforms. Make certain to keep the oil on hand though, or it will get expensive!
A fast visit to a local wash shop is all it takes to update your wardrobe. A visit to a scrub store changes your perspective about what is available. For instance, rather than thinking only of white and black scrubs, consider getting a couple 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 likely that a wash shop has something to offer everybody. 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 spots, like blood or bodily fluids, will soak in and will leave a stain behind. 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’s time to update your color scheme. If you are like most nurses, you have light skin and dark hair. If this describes you, then you certainly need to pick a color scheme that will go nicely with your light skin and dark hair. Nurses with lighter skin often look best in white, pink, light green, or aqua; nurses with dark skin look good in navy, gray, brown, or black.
Selecting the kind of scrub is crucial too, as you don’t need your scrubs to clash with everything you are wearing. You want to look both comfortable and fashionable. You can opt for either a solid color or patterned one, but if you decide on a solid color like green or blue, be sure that the pattern is not too active so that it doesn’t stand out from your professional attire. If you don’t feel comfortable wearing that patterned wash, then proceed with a plain color and simple design.
For a professional look, you should definitely choose scrubs with a double layer. In this manner, any dirt or bodily fluids you don’t want to show will be hidden, making you look more professional. Since nurses spend so much time in a patient’s room, they want pants that can withstand frequent jumps and changes of direction. A nice scrub set with a pair of trousers, a white or beige shirt, and solid top will remain comfortable.
Of course, there are also some comfortable scrubs that are fantastic for the office. A scrub set with a thin cotton jersey and a flat top that are mid-calf length is fantastic for the office. These types of lotions are made very comfortable by their reflective cloth 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 are a lot more comfortable. No matter which kind of nursing uniform you choose, you are sure to look amazing!