Nursing Scrubs Stain Removal Tips and Tricks

Medical scrubs are prone to stains due to their frequent use in healthcare settings. Whether you're dealing with common stains like blood or bodily fluids, or other substances like food or ink, here's a stain removal tips to help you keep your medical scrubs looking clean and professional:

 

Act quickly: The sooner you address a stain, the better chance you have of removing it completely. Try not to let the stain set into the fabric.

 

Check the care label: Before attempting any stain removal technique, read the care label on your medical scrubs. It will provide instructions on the recommended cleaning methods and any specific precautions.

 

Pre-treat the stain: Depending on the type of stain, you can use various pre-treatment methods. Here are a few common ones:

 

1. Blood

Face it, it’s inevitable. Rinse the stained area under cold water as soon as possible. Then, soak the scrub in cold water mixed with enzyme-based detergent for about 30 minutes before laundering.

 

2. Coffee

A quick fix for a coffee stain is beer! Simply rub it in and wash on your usual wash cycle. Of course, if you are on your way to work and spill coffee, you probably don’t have beer on hand. Rubbing alcohol also helps remove the stain.

 

3. Urine

Urine is a common tough stain that nurses frequently have. Urine can be removed by adding ¼ cup of baking soda to your regular detergent. Fill the fabric softener cup with vinegar and wash normally.

 

4. Food

Scrape off any excess food particles gently. Pre-treat the stain by applying a small amount of dishwashing liquid or liquid laundry detergent directly to the stain. Gently rub the fabric together or use a soft brush to work the product into the stain.

 

5. Pen Ink

Blot the ink stain gently with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb excess ink. Pre-treat the stain by applying rubbing alcohol or an ink stain remover to the affected area. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before blotting again.

 

6. Sweat

For sweat stains, mix one tablespoon of vinegar with ½ cup of water. Blot onto the stains and wash.

 

Remember, different types of stains may require specific treatment methods or additional steps. Always refer to the care label and the specific stain removal instructions provided by the manufacturer, if available.

 

I also recommend keeping a Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover Pen in your work bag for quick stain removal!

 

Do you have any other tips for stain removals?