Nursing scrubs have changed very little through 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 bit that was out of place, and that was the apron. Yes, scrub pants. It’s remarkable how much difference a scrub 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 need white vinegar. A whole lot of it. Washing 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 medical care centers now have a quick wash-clothe solution: a quick trip to their pantry and a fast run to their white vinegar…
“What is in a jar you ask?” Well, besides white vinegar, there are a couple of other things you’ll want for your quick trip to the laundry room. 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 clothes. Combine 1 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 necessary until the stains are removed.
Medical staff also deal with a great deal 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 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. Make certain to keep the oil on hand though, or it will get expensive!
A fast visit to a local wash shop is all it takes to update your wardrobe. A trip to a scrub store changes your perspective about what is available. As an example, rather than thinking only of black and white 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 a lot of variations on nursing scrubs, and it’s likely that a wash shop has something to offer everybody. 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 wash your nursing scrubs, you want to take a moment to blot the stains out with a stain remover like rubbing alcohol. Some stains, like 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’re like most nurses, you have light skin and dark hair. If this describes you, then you certainly want to decide on a color scheme that will go nicely with your light skin and dark hair. Nurses with lighter skin often look best in pink, white, light green, or aqua; nurses with dark skin look good in navy, grey, brown, or black.
Choosing the kind of scrub is crucial too, because you don’t want your scrubs to clash 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 is not too busy so that it will not stand out from your professional attire. If you don’t feel comfortable wearing that patterned wash, then go with a plain color and simple design.
For a professional appearance, 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, 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 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 scrub set with 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 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 wash pants, but they’re a great deal more comfortable. Whichever kind of nursing uniform you choose, you’re guaranteed to look amazing!