Nursing scrubs have changed very little over the years. Yes, there were those sleek gray factory uniforms with the spandex and cotton mixtures that made you want to shout. But there was always one piece that was out of place, and that was the apron. Yes, scrub pants. It’s amazing how much difference a wash top can create!
No, we are not talking about that nurse’s uniform from the olden days. Nursing scrubs have improved significantly over the decades, but one thing has not changed: no matter where nurses go, they want white vinegar. A whole lot of it. Washing a white shirt by hand is no easy task, and the cloth can quickly become stained by the residue left behind from the detergent. So it’s a good thing that hospitals and medical care centers now have a fast wash-clothe solution: a quick trip to their pantry and a fast run for their white vinegar…
“What’s in a bottle you ask?” Well, besides white vinegar, there are a few 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, since it is a bleach which won’t 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 deal with a lot of bodily fluids on a regular basis. From blood and plasma to stem cells, there are a whole 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 which frequently appear on medical staff uniforms. Be sure to keep the oil on hand though, or it will get expensive!
A quick visit to a local wash shop is all it takes to update your wardrobe. A trip to a wash shop changes your perspective about what’s available. As an example, instead of thinking only of black and white scrubs, think about getting a few more pairs of white and black 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’s very likely that a wash shop 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 clean your nursing scrubs, you want to take a minute to blot out the stains with a stain remover like rubbing alcohol. Some stains, such as blood or bodily fluids, will soak in and will leave a stain behind. 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 update your color scheme. If you are like most nurses, you have light skin and dark hair. If this describes you, then you want to decide on a color scheme that will go well 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 great in navy, grey, brown, or black.
Selecting the kind of scrub is crucial too, as you don’t want your scrubs to clash 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 in 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 appearance, you should definitely choose scrubs that have a double layer. This way, any dirt or bodily fluids you do not want to show will be hidden, making you look 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 nice scrub set with a pair of pants, 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 fantastic for the office. These kinds of scrubs are made very comfortable by their reflective material and smooth fit, so you won’t need to worry about being uncomfortable. They are a little bit more dressy than your run-of-the-mill wash pants, but they’re a great deal more comfortable. Whichever kind of nursing uniform you choose, you’re guaranteed to look amazing!