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 shout. But there was always one piece that was out of place, which was the apron. Yes, scrub pants. It’s amazing how much difference a wash top can make!
No, we’re not talking about that nurse’s uniform from the olden days. Nursing scrubs have progressed significantly over time, but one thing hasn’t changed: no matter where nurses go, they want white vinegar. A whole lot of it. Lay a white shirt by hand is no simple task, and the cloth can quickly become stained by the residue left behind by the detergent. So it’s a good thing that hospitals and health 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 visit to the laundry area. White vinegar is fantastic for staining those pesky stains on nursing scrubs, because it’s a bleach that 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 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 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 every 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 fast trip to a local wash shop is all it takes to upgrade your wardrobe. A trip to a wash shop changes your perspective about what is available. As an example, instead of thinking only of white and black scrubs, think about getting a few more pairs of white and black 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 wash your nursing scrubs, you want to take a moment to blot the stains out with a stain remover like rubbing alcohol. Some spots, such as 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’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 certainly need 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 pink, white, light green, or aqua; nurses with dark skin look great in navy, gray, brown, or black.
Selecting the kind of scrub is crucial as well, because you don’t want your scrubs to battle 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 blue or green, make sure that the pattern is not too active so that it will not stand out from 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 appearance, you should definitely choose scrubs with a double layer. This way, 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 want pants that can withstand frequent jumps and changes of direction. A nice wash pair 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 scrubs 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 wash pants, but they’re a lot more comfortable. Whichever kind of nursing uniform you choose, you’re sure to look amazing!