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 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 the decades, 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 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 health care facilities now have a quick wash-clothe solution: a quick trip to their pantry and a quick run to their white vinegar…
“What’s 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 area. White vinegar is fantastic for staining those pesky stains on nursing scrubs, since it is a bleach that won’t leave a greasy residue on your clothes. Combine one 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 lot of bodily fluids on a regular basis. From plasma and blood to stem cells, there are a whole lot of different bodily fluids which find their way onto scrubs and uniforms. To keep 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 available though, or it will get expensive!
A quick visit to a local wash shop is all it takes to upgrade your wardrobe. A visit to a wash shop changes your perspective about what is available. For instance, rather than thinking only of black and white scrubs, think about getting a few more pairs of black and white 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 likely that a scrub store has something to offer everybody. 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 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’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 decide on 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 good in navy, gray, brown, or black.
Choosing the kind of scrub is crucial too, as you don’t need your scrubs to clash 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 green or blue, be sure the pattern is not too active so that it will not stand out from your professional attire. If you don’t feel comfortable wearing that patterned scrub, then go 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 do not wish to show will be concealed, which makes you look more professional. Since nurses spend so much time in a patient’s room, they need 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 remain comfortable.
Needless to say, there are also some comfortable scrubs that are perfect 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 scrubs are made very comfortable by their reflective cloth and smooth fit, so that you won’t have to worry about being uncomfortable. They are a little bit more dressy than your run-of-the-mill wash pants, but they are a lot more comfortable. Whichever kind of nursing uniform you choose, you are guaranteed to look amazing!