Your scrubs go through a lot. Twelve-hour shifts. Multiple washes a week. Hospital corridors, procedure rooms, and everything in between. How you care for your medical scrubs directly affects how long they last — and how well they perform.
Whether you wear FlexGO™ or FlexPRO™ scrubs, this guide covers everything you need to know to keep your scrubs clean, colourfast, and in peak condition.
Why Proper Scrub Care Matters
Medical scrubs are engineered workwear — not just clothing. Features like antimicrobial finish, moisture-wicking properties, and non-transparent fabric are built into the fabric at a technical level. Harsh or incorrect washing degrades these finishes over time.
How To Wash Your Medical Scrubs
1. Sort Before You Wash
Always wash scrubs separately from regular clothing. Dark colours — maroon, navy, Galaxy Blue — should never be washed with light-coloured garments. Separate pastels from darks.
2. Use the Right Water Temperature
Machine wash in cold or lukewarm water — up to 40°C maximum. Hot water breaks down fabric finishes and causes colours to bleed, especially in vibrant shades like Coral Pink or Pastel Lilac.
3. Choose a Mild Detergent
Use a gentle, pH-neutral liquid detergent. Avoid bleach, harsh powders, or fabric softeners with strong solvents. These degrade the antimicrobial treatment on your scrubs.
4. Don't Over-Soak
Soaking for extended periods weakens the fabric and affects colour consistency. Wash promptly after a shift rather than leaving scrubs sitting in water.
5. Drying
Tumble dry on low heat or line dry in the shade. Direct sunlight fades vibrant shades over time. Avoid high heat — it causes shrinkage and affects the stretch in FlexPRO™ scrubs.
6. Ironing
Use low to medium heat if needed. Do not iron directly over the logo patch.
Daily Care Tips for Hospital Wear
- Wash scrubs after every shift without exception
- Store clean scrubs separately from clothes worn outside the hospital
- Check for pilling or stiffness after 30–40 washes — time to rotate in a fresh pair
- Never mix disinfectant-soaked garments with your regular scrub wash cycle
How Many Scrub Sets Do You Need?
For healthcare professionals working 5 days a week, having 3 to 4 sets ensures you always have a clean pair ready without over-washing any single set. This extends fabric life significantly.
Caring for Specific Colours
| Colour | Category | Wash Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Wine Berry | Maroon | Wash with similar darks, cold water |
| Charcoal / Galaxy Blue | Grey | Separate from light colours |
| Navy | Dark | Cold wash, shade dry |
| Orchid Pink / Coral Pink | Light | Separate from darks, gentle cycle |
| Pastel Lilac | Light | Gentle cycle, shade dry |
| Ceil Blue / Aqua Green | Mid-tone | Separate from deep darks |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bleach on my medical scrubs?
No. Bleach degrades the antimicrobial finish and causes permanent discolouration. Use a mild detergent and wash at 40°C or below.
How do I keep maroon scrubs from fading?
Wash in cold water with similar dark colours. Avoid direct sunlight when drying. Use a colour-safe detergent without bleach.
How often should I wash my hospital scrubs?
After every shift. Medical scrubs worn in clinical settings should be washed daily to maintain hygiene and preserve the antimicrobial finish.
Will the stretch in FlexPRO™ reduce after washing?
Not if washed correctly. Machine wash on a gentle cycle at 40°C or below and tumble dry on low. Avoid high heat.
Can I wash FlexGO™ and FlexPRO™ scrubs together?
Yes, if they are the same colour. Both follow the same care instructions. Always sort by colour, not fabric type.
What detergent is best for antimicrobial scrubs?
A mild, pH-neutral liquid detergent. Avoid enzyme-heavy or bio-detergents with bleaching agents.
Care Gear scrubs are engineered to perform through long shifts and frequent washes. Follow these instructions and your scrubs will stay in peak condition far longer.
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