How to care for your scrubs

At Happythreads, we’re proud to provide healthcare professionals with high-quality scrubs that are durable, comfortable, and stylish. To help you get the most out of your scrubs, it’s important to take care of them properly. Follow our easy tips to ensure your scrubs last longer and stay in top condition. 🌟

The best way to wash scrubs for long-lasting wear

Washing your scrubs correctly is key to maintaining their look and performance over time. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your scrubs remain fresh and clean:

• Turn scrubs inside out before washing - Always turn your scrubs inside out before placing them in the wash. This helps protect the outer fabric from friction, which can cause fading or pilling, especially for printed or embroidered scrubs.
• Wash at 60°C to kill germs effectively - For hygiene purposes, especially in a medical setting, wash your scrubs at 60°C. This temperature effectively kills bacteria without damaging the fabric, making it a safe option to maintain cleanliness while preserving the quality of your scrubs.
• Use mild detergents and avoid bleach - Harsh chemicals, such as bleach or detergents with colour brighteners, can weaken the fabric and cause colours to fade. Choose a mild detergent that’s gentle on the material while strong enough to remove stains and bacteria.

Drying scrubs: Best practices to preserve quality

Drying your scrubs the right way is just as important as washing them. Follow these tips to maintain their shape and appearance:

• Air dry or tumble dry on low heat - Whenever possible, air drying is the gentlest option for your scrubs, especially for cotton-rich or blended fabrics. If you’re short on time, use a tumble dryer on a low heat setting to prevent shrinkage and wear.
• Shake out scrubs to minimise creasing - Right after washing, give your scrubs a good shake before hanging them to dry. This helps reduce creasing, meaning less time ironing later on.

How to maintain the longevity of your scrubs

Taking a few extra steps can significantly increase the lifespan of your scrubs, even if they’re worn daily.

• Rotate your scrubs to prevent overuse - To give your scrubs some rest between wears and washes, rotate between multiple sets. This helps reduce wear and tear on each pair, prolonging their lifespan.
• Sort by colour to avoid bleeding - When washing scrubs, always group similar colours together to prevent dye from bleeding. For example: Whites should always be washed separately.
• Dark colours such as navy, black, or charcoal should be grouped.
• Brighter colours like pink, red, and teal can be washed together.

Additional tips for keeping your scrubs in top shape

To ensure your scrubs look as good as they feel, keep these tips in mind:

• Low-heat ironing: Always iron scrubs inside-out and on a low heat setting to avoid damaging the fabric. If you have a clothes steamer, use it to gently remove wrinkles.
• Clean your machine filters regularly: This helps reduce lint buildup and ensures your scrubs are getting properly cleaned each time.

By following these garment care tips, you’ll keep your Happythreads scrubs looking sharp and feeling comfortable throughout your shifts. Whether you’re a doctor, nurse, or healthcare professional, maintaining the quality of your scrubs is essential for both hygiene and appearance.

Explore our full collection of scrub tops, scrub trousers and accessories. 🧡