Wondering how to get stains out of scrubs? The short version: act quickly, blot instead of rubbing, rinse the stain from the back with cold water, pretreat it, wash as the care label directs, and check that the stain is gone before anything goes in the dryer. That routine handles most everyday marks. Below, we cover each step plus tips for common stains like coffee, ink and makeup.
Before you start, read the care label on your scrubs. It tells you the water temperature, drying method and whether any bleach is allowed. Every tip in this guide comes second to that label.
The Basic Scrub Stain Removal Routine
This general routine works as a starting point for most stains:
- Act fast. Fresh stains are easier to lift than ones that have dried or been through the wash.
- Blot, don’t rub. Press a clean cloth or paper towel on the stain to soak up as much as you can. Rubbing can spread the stain and push it deeper into the fabric.
- Rinse from the back with cold water. Run cold water through the back of the fabric to push the stain out the way it came in.
- Pretreat. Work a little liquid laundry detergent or a stain remover suited to your fabric into the spot with your fingers, then let it sit for the time the product directs.
- Wash as the care label says. Use the water temperature and cycle listed on the label.
- Check before drying. Heat from the dryer can set a stain. If you can still see it, repeat the pretreat and wash, and let the garment air dry in between.
How to Remove Stains From Scrubs by Type
Different stains respond to slightly different approaches. These are general tips; always test any product on a hidden area, like an inside seam, first.
Protein stains
Protein-based stains, such as blood, egg or dairy, are best handled with cold water. Hot water can set them. Rinse cold, pretreat with detergent and wash as directed. If your scrubs are soiled with bodily fluids at work, follow your facility’s procedures for handling and laundering soiled clothing.
Coffee, tea and juice
Blot right away and rinse with cold water from the back. Pretreat with liquid detergent, let it sit, then wash. Avoid drying until the mark is completely gone.
Ink
Ink can be stubborn, especially from a pen that leaked in a pocket. Place a clean cloth under the stain and dab – don’t rub – with a stain remover made for ink, following the product’s directions. Test it on a hidden spot first, since some products can affect color. Wash as directed and check before drying.
Makeup, lotion and oily stains
Gently scrape off any excess, then work a small amount of liquid laundry detergent into the spot. Let it sit before washing. Oily stains can need more than one round.
Sweat marks and collar rings
Pretreat necklines and underarms with liquid detergent before each wash rather than waiting for buildup. Regular, gentle washing is easier on fabric than scrubbing out a heavy stain later.
Colored Scrubs vs White Scrubs
Color matters when you treat stains:
- Colored scrubs: Never use chlorine bleach on colored scrubs. It can cause permanent light spots. Stick with detergent and color-safe stain removers, tested on a hidden area first.
- White scrubs: Check the care label before using any bleach or whitening product. Only use one if the label allows it, and follow the product’s directions exactly.
- Dark scrubs: Rubbing at a stain can leave a lighter, worn-looking patch on darker colors. Blot gently and let the pretreatment do the work.
If you wear white – such as the Wink WorkFlex Unisex Chest Pocket V-Neck Scrub Top in White – wash it with other whites so it doesn’t pick up dye from colored items. You can find more white options on our white scrubs page. For tips on keeping colors looking their best, see how to keep scrubs from fading.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Using hot water first. Heat can set many stains. Start cold.
- Drying a stained garment. The dryer can lock a stain in. Air dry until you’re sure it’s gone.
- Mixing cleaning products. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners. Use one product at a time and rinse well between attempts.
- Scrubbing hard. Aggressive rubbing can damage fibers and fade color.
- Ignoring the label. Fabric blends react differently. A poly-cotton set such as the Unisex Cargo Solid V-Neck Scrub Set (65% polyester, 35% cotton) and a stretch blend with spandex may have different care instructions.
Prevent Stains Before They Happen
A few habits make stain removal much easier:
- Keep a stain remover pen or small packet of detergent in your bag for quick pretreatment after your shift.
- Cap pens before putting them in your pockets.
- Keep a spare scrub top at work so you can change and treat the stain sooner.
- Store worn scrubs separately from clean clothes, and wash them soon after your shift.
For a full laundry routine, read our guide on how to wash scrubs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to get stains out of scrubs?
Blot the stain, rinse it from the back with cold water, pretreat with liquid detergent or a suitable stain remover, and wash as the care label directs. Check that the stain is gone before drying.
Can I use bleach on my scrubs?
Never use chlorine bleach on colored scrubs. For white scrubs, use a bleach or whitening product only if the care label allows it.
Why did a stain come back after washing?
Some stains aren’t fully removed in one wash, especially if they were dried or treated with hot water. Pretreat again, wash as directed and air dry until the stain is gone.
With a gentle routine and a little patience, most everyday marks come out without harming your scrubs. If a set is past saving, browse our scrub sets for a fresh one – shipping is free on all US orders.
