Nursing scrubs have changed very little through the years. Yes, there were those sleek gray factory uniforms with the spandex and cotton mixtures that made you want to scream. But there was always one bit that was out of place, which was the apron. Yes, scrub pants. It’s remarkable how much difference a wash top can create!
No, we’re not talking about that nurse’s uniform from the olden times. Nursing scrubs have progressed significantly over time, but one thing hasn’t changed: no matter where physicians go, they need white vinegar. A whole lot of it. Lay a white shirt by hand is not an easy job, and the cloth can easily become stained by the residue left behind from the detergent. So it’s a good 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 is in a bottle you ask?” Well, besides white vinegar, there are a few other things you’ll want for your quick trip to the laundry area. White vinegar is great for staining those pesky stains on nursing scrubs, since it’s a bleach which will not leave a greasy residue on your clothing. Combine one cup of white vinegar with two cups of warm water in a spray bottle, and use this option to wash your uniforms. Repeat the process as needed 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 which 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’s a great cheap fix for stains that often 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. As an example, rather than thinking only of black and white scrubs, consider getting a couple more pairs of white and black scrub pants, and maybe even a pair or two of white cotton drawstring pajamas. There are a lot of variations on nursing scrubs, and it’s 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’ve been dying to get.
Before you actually wash your nursing scrubs, you want to take a moment to blot the stains out with a stain remover like rubbing alcohol. Some stains, like 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’re wearing clean scrubs uniforms, it is time to update 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 well with your light skin and dark hair. Nurses with lighter skin tend to look best in pink, white, light green, or aqua; nurses with dark skin look great in navy, gray, brown, or black.
Selecting the style of scrub is crucial as well, because you don’t want your scrubs to battle with everything you’re 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, be sure the pattern isn’t too active so that it will not stand out in 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. This way, any dirt or bodily fluids you do not want to show will be hidden, which makes 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 scrub set with a pair of pants, a beige or white shirt, and solid top will always be comfortable.
Needless to say, 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 types of lotions are made very comfortable by their reflective cloth and smooth fit, so you won’t have to worry about being uncomfortable. They are a tiny bit more dressy than your run-of-the-mill scrub pants, but they’re a lot more comfortable. Whichever type of nursing uniform you choose, you’re sure to look amazing!