Nursing scrubs have changed very little over the years. Yes, there were those glossy gray factory uniforms with the spandex and cotton mixtures 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 improved significantly over time, but one thing has not changed: no matter where nurses go, they need white vinegar. A lot of it. Washing a white shirt by hand is no easy job, and the fabric can easily become stained by the residue left behind from the detergent. So it’s a fantastic thing that hospitals and health care facilities now have a quick wash-clothe alternative: a quick trip to their pantry and a fast run to their white vinegar…
“What’s in a jar you ask?” Well, besides white vinegar, there are a few other things you’ll want for your quick trip to the laundry room. White vinegar is great for staining those pesky stains on nursing scrubs, because 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 solution 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 plasma and blood to stem cells, there are a lot of different bodily fluids that find their way onto scrubs and uniforms. To keep them from staining your nursing scrubs, dabbing them with olive oil every time they are washed helps a lot. It is 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 fast visit to a local wash shop is all it takes to update your wardrobe. A visit to a scrub store changes your perspective about what is available. As an example, rather than thinking only of white and black scrubs, consider 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 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 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 upgrade your color scheme. If you are like most physicians, you have light skin and dark hair. If this describes you, then you certainly want to pick a color scheme that will go well with your light skin and dark hair. Nurses with lighter skin often look best in pink, white, light green, or aqua; physicians with dark skin look great in navy, gray, brown, or black.
Selecting the kind of scrub is crucial too, as you don’t need 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 green or blue, make sure that 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 appearance, you should definitely choose scrubs with a double layer. This way, any dirt or bodily fluids you don’t wish to show will be hidden, making 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 wash pair with a pair of trousers, 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 types of scrubs are made very comfortable by their reflective material and smooth fit, so you won’t need to worry about being uncomfortable. They’re a tiny bit more dressy than your run-of-the-mill wash pants, but they are a great deal more comfortable. No matter which kind of nursing uniform you choose, you are guaranteed to look amazing!