Washing Medical Uniforms

medical-scrubs-and-uniforms Taking care of patients’ medical needs can cause uniforms to be contaminated and stained. When purchasing medical uniforms choose uniforms that are durable and contain soil release for easy care, like the ones available at All Uniform Wear.

A professional appearance promotes patient trust in your capabilities and skills. Keeping your medical uniform in good repair and clean is important to presenting a professional image. Proper washing of medical uniforms will help maintain that image.

Proper laundering of medical uniforms will have the following benefits:

• Stain free medical uniform
• New looking medical uniform
• Longer lasting uniforms
• Profession appearance
• Clean smelling medical uniform

While caring for patients, wear protective clothing (when available) over medical uniforms when there is risk of contact with substances that may stain or contaminate medical uniforms. Prevention will keep medical uniforms looking new longer.

Immediate treatment of stains will prevent stains from setting in. When possible, remove stain as soon as possible. Keeping a travel size stain remover in your pocket or purse will make it convenient. A full size stain remover bottle or stick could be kept in your locker.

When a medical uniform is contaminated, remove immediately and place in a plastic bag until it can be washed. There are disinfectants that can be added to the laundry to assure that the uniform is disinfected properly. Keep medical uniforms in their own laundry hamper to prevent cross contamination and to prevent others from coming in contact with contaminated uniforms.

To reduce wear and tear on uniforms, wash in cold water. There are laundry detergents that are specially formulated to work best in cold water. Warmer water temperatures may break down fibers faster. When possible air dry medical uniforms, because the heat from the dryer can also break down fibers. The sun will act as a disinfectant for uniforms dried outside. Extended exposure to direct sun can fade colors on medical uniforms. Try to take uniforms off the clothesline as soon as they are dry or dry uniforms in the shade when temperatures are high enough.

Though shorter wash cycles cause less wear on uniforms, saves energy, and saves money, when it comes to medical uniforms, sometimes it is best to use a longer wash cycle. Reasons to use longer wash cycles when laundering medical uniforms:

• Heavily soiled uniform
• Contaminated medical uniform
• Stained uniform
• Uniforms that have an odor

Use adequate water levels to assure the uniform is properly washed and rinsed.

Having several uniforms will assure there are full loads when washing medical uniforms, which saves money on detergent, water use, and energy use. Purchase affordable medical uniforms from AllUniformWear.com.

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