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 amazing 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 progressed significantly over the decades, but one thing has not changed: no matter where nurses go, they need white vinegar. A lot of it. Lay a white shirt by hand is no easy task, and the cloth can quickly become stained by the residue left behind by the detergent. So it’s a fantastic thing that hospitals and health care centers now have a quick wash-clothe alternative: a quick trip to their pantry and a fast run to their white vinegar…
“What is in a bottle you ask?” Well, besides white vinegar, there are a couple of other things you’ll want for your quick visit to the laundry area. White vinegar is fantastic for staining those pesky stains on nursing scrubs, because it is a bleach which won’t 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 clean your uniforms. Repeat the process as needed until the stains are removed.
Medical staff also deal with 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 keep them from staining your nursing scrubs, dabbing them with olive oil every time they are washed helps a lot. It is a great cheap fix for stains that 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 upgrade your wardrobe. A trip to a scrub store changes your perspective about what is available. For instance, rather than thinking only of white and black scrubs, think about getting a couple more pairs of black and white scrub pants, and possibly even a pair or two of white cotton drawstring pajamas. There are a lot of variations on nursing scrubs, and it is very likely that a scrub store has something to offer everyone. You don’t even need to take the day off of work to get the look you have been dying to get.
Before you actually wash your nursing scrubs, you need to take a minute to blot out the stains with a stain remover like rubbing alcohol. Some spots, like blood or bodily fluids, will soak in and will leave a blot. To remove these stains, try blotting with alcohol onto a piece of cotton and then wiping it with cold water.
Now that you’re wearing clean scrubs uniforms, it is time to upgrade your color scheme. If you’re like most nurses, you have light skin and dark hair. If this describes you, then you want to pick 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.
Choosing the style of scrub is crucial too, because you don’t want your scrubs to battle with everything you are wearing. You need 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 blue or green, make sure that the pattern isn’t too busy so that it will not stand out from your professional attire. If you do not 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 concealed, which makes you look even more professional. Since nurses spend as much time in a patient’s room, they need pants that can withstand frequent jumps and changes of direction. A wonderful wash pair with a pair of trousers, a white or beige shirt, and solid top will always be 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 fantastic for the office. These types of lotions 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 little bit more dressy than your run-of-the-mill wash pants, but they’re a lot more comfortable. No matter which kind of nursing uniform you choose, you’re guaranteed to look amazing!