Before you slip into that brand new pair of scrubs, run them through a gentle, cold-water cycle with 0. 5 cups (120 mL) of vinegar. This will set the scrubs’ color, preventing it from fading through regular washes. [3] X Research source
Wash your scrubs separately from your other clothes after every use to avoid spreading contaminants to your other clothes. Take off your scrubs at work or as soon as you get home, and keep them in a separate hamper from the rest of your clothes. Also, wash them separately from your everyday clothes. [6] X Research source
Check to see if your scrubs can be washed with hot water and bleach. If your scrubs’ cleaning label has a triangle, they can be bleached. Check for at least 3 dots within a basin symbol for all-clear on hot water. [9] X Research source You can also add a laundry sanitizer like Lysol or a pine-oil product like Pine-Sol to the load (according to the instructions on the package) for added disinfecting power. However, do a spot test on your scrubs first to make sure it won’t discolor them. [10] X Research source
Alternatively, dry your scrubs outside for a few hours until they’re completely dry. Opt for a drying place with sunshine, if possible, which can help to disinfect them. [11] X Research source
For particularly stubborn stains, machine-wash them after this process with chlorine or oxygen bleach. Spot test the ammonia on a hidden place of your scrubs, like inside the waistband. If the ammonia discolors your scrubs, you can do without it, but you may need to use more dish soap and rub the stain for longer.
If an ammonia spot test discolors your scrubs, skip this ingredient.
Be aware that some inks might be impossible to get out, but try anyway—you might just save your scrubs.
