Learning how to wash scrubs well is mostly about building a simple routine: read the care label, empty the pockets, turn your scrubs inside out, wash them with similar colors on the settings the label recommends, and dry them gently. Do that every time and your scrubs will keep their color, shape and stretch for longer. Here’s the routine step by step.
Start With the Care Label
Every garment’s care label is the most reliable guide you have. It tells you the water temperature, whether the item can go in the dryer, and whether bleach is allowed. Fabrics vary, and the label is written for that specific piece, so always follow it over any general tip, including the ones in this article.
If your workplace has its own rules about laundering work clothes, follow those as well. Some employers launder scrubs on site or ask staff to handle them in a particular way.
Before You Wash: Quick Prep Steps
A minute of prep saves a lot of frustration. Before scrubs go in the machine:
- Empty every pocket. Scrubs can have a lot of pockets. Our Women’s Cool Stretch V-Neck Cargo Top and Pant Set has 8 on the pants alone, so check them all for pens, tissues, tape and receipts.
- Tie drawstrings loosely. A tied drawstring is less likely to slip back into the waistband or tangle with other clothes.
- Turn scrubs inside out. This reduces rubbing on the outer surface of the fabric.
- Sort by color. Wash darks with darks, brights with brights and whites with whites.
- Pre-treat stains. Deal with spots before washing, since the dryer can make some stains harder to remove. Our guide on how to get stains out of scrubs has more detail.
Washing Scrubs: Water, Detergent and Cycle
Water temperature. Use the temperature on the care label. For colored scrubs, cold or warm water is a common choice when the label allows it.
Detergent. Use the amount the detergent package recommends for your load size. More isn’t better; extra detergent can leave residue on fabric.
Bleach. Never use chlorine bleach on colored scrubs. For white scrubs, only use bleach if the care label says it’s allowed. If you have white scrubs, like the white options on our white scrubs page, wash them separately from colors.
Fabric softener. If the care label advises against fabric softener, skip it. When in doubt, leave it out.
Load size. Don’t overpack the machine. Scrubs need room to move through the water to get clean, and a crowded drum adds friction.
Drying Scrubs Without Damage
Drying is where a lot of wear happens. A few gentle habits help:
- Follow the label’s drying instructions, including any heat setting it lists.
- If the label allows tumble drying, a lower heat setting is the gentler option.
- Take scrubs out promptly so they don’t sit wrinkled in the drum.
- Hang tops on a hanger and lay or hang pants straight if you air dry.
- When air drying, choose a spot out of strong direct sunlight to help protect the color.
Scrub Care by Fabric Type
Our scrubs come in a few different blends, and knowing yours helps you read the label with confidence.
Stretch blends with spandex. Many of our sets, including the Women’s Ultra-Soft Luxe Stretch Jogger Scrub Set, are 93% polyester, 7% spandex. The Women’s Stretch V-Neck 2-Pocket Scrub Set (77% polyester, 20% rayon, 3% spandex) and the Jaanuu Xenos petite pants (76% polyester, 18% rayon, 6% spandex) also have stretch. Spandex is what gives these scrubs their room to move, so treat them gently and follow the label closely on heat. Our stretch scrubs fabric guide explains these blends in more detail.
Poly-cotton blends. Our unisex sets and the Women’s Mock Wrap Scrub Set are 65% polyester, 35% cotton. The Wink WorkFlex pieces use the same blend with mechanical stretch. Follow the label for temperature and drying.
100% polyester knit. The Vel Endeavor men’s jogger pants are 100% polyester single jersey. As always, the care label is your guide.
Simple Scrub Care Habits That Add Up
Beyond wash day, a few everyday habits help your scrubs last:
- Change out of scrubs after your shift and put them straight into the laundry basket instead of leaving them in a pile.
- Don’t let stains sit. Treat them as soon as you can.
- Rotate your sets. Owning enough scrubs to rotate through the week spreads the wear across them.
- Keep colors together. Washing similar shades together helps keep each set looking consistent.
- Store them neatly. Fold or hang clean scrubs so they’re ready for your next shift.
Want to keep your darks and brights vibrant? Read our guide on how to keep scrubs from fading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I wash scrubs inside out?
Yes, turning scrubs inside out is a simple way to reduce rubbing on the outside of the fabric. Always follow the garment’s care label for temperature and drying.
Can I use bleach on my scrubs?
Don’t use chlorine bleach on colored scrubs. For white scrubs, use bleach only if the care label says it’s allowed.
Should I wash new scrubs before wearing them?
Many people wash new clothes before wearing them, and that’s fine once you’re sure of the fit. Try them on first, because returns must be unworn and unwashed with the original tags attached.
A good wash routine takes only a few extra minutes and helps your scrubs look sharp shift after shift. When it’s time to add a new set to the rotation, we’d love to help you find one.
