Nursing scrubs have changed very little over 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 bit that was out of place, and that was the apron. Yes, scrub pants. It’s amazing how much difference a scrub top can create!
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 easy job, and the cloth can easily become stained by the residue left behind from 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 for 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 great for staining those pesky stains on nursing scrubs, because it’s a bleach which 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 plasma and blood to stem cells, there are a whole lot of different bodily fluids that 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 that frequently appear on medical staff uniforms. Make certain to keep the oil on hand though, or it will get expensive!
A quick visit to a local scrub store 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 white and black scrubs, consider getting a couple more pairs of white and black scrub pants, and possibly 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 have been dying to get.
Before you actually clean your nursing scrubs, you need to take a moment 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 blot. To remove these stains, try blotting with alcohol onto a piece of cotton and then wiping it with cold water.
Now that you are wearing clean scrubs uniforms, it is time to update your color scheme. If you are like most physicians, 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 white, pink, light green, or aqua; nurses with dark skin look great 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’re wearing. You need to look both fashionable and comfortable. You can opt for either a solid color or patterned one, but if you choose a solid color like green or blue, make sure that the pattern isn’t too active so that it doesn’t stand out in your professional attire. If you don’t feel comfortable wearing that patterned scrub, 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 concealed, making you look even more professional. Since nurses spend so much time in a patient’s room, they want pants that can withstand frequent jumps and changes of direction. A wonderful wash pair with a pair of pants, a white or beige shirt, and solid top will always be 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 perfect for the office. These kinds of scrubs are made very comfortable by their reflective cloth and smooth fit, so you won’t need to worry about being uncomfortable. They’re a little bit more dressy than your run-of-the-mill scrub pants, but they are a great deal more comfortable. Whichever type of nursing uniform you choose, you’re guaranteed to look amazing!