When it comes to healthcare, the right uniform is not just a requirement—it’s a critical tool for safety, professionalism, and comfort. At Happythreads, we specialise in providing high-quality nursing scrubs designed to meet the rigorous demands of healthcare environments. Here’s our expert guide on selecting and caring for your nursing scrubs to ensure they remain durable and hygienic.
Nursing Uniforms in Healthcare
Nurses play a crucial role in a range of healthcare environments, from dynamic hospital settings to quieter residential care facilities, often being the very pulse of healthcare operations. Their uniforms are more than just identifiers—they are critical components for maintaining hygiene, reinforcing professional identity, and comforting patients.
At Happythreads, we prioritise the needs of healthcare professionals by offering uniforms that are not only durable and comfortable but also professional in appearance. These uniforms not only support hygiene practices but also enhance the confidence of nursing staff.
Selecting the Right Nurse Uniform
Features of High-Quality Nursing Scrubs
Investing in quality nursing scrubs is key for ensuring that they withstand numerous wears and washes. When choosing nurse uniforms, consider the following features to guarantee durability, comfort, and functionality:
- Strong, yet breathable fabrics: Select materials that provide both durability and comfort. Fabrics like polyester-cotton blends or advanced synthetics offer the necessary toughness for frequent washing while allowing the skin to breathe, reducing the risk of discomfort during long shifts.
- Stain-resistant and easy to maintain: It’s important that the uniforms are low maintenance and can keep a clean appearance over time. Look for scrubs treated with stain-resistant technologies that make it easier to wash away dirt and fluids, a common issue in medical settings.
- Functionality and comfort: Our line of nurse uniforms is designed with the wearer in mind, crafted from robust materials that support functionality without sacrificing comfort. Features like multiple pockets, adjustable fits, and stretch fabrics ensure that nurses not only look professional but also feel great, even during extended hours.
Adhering to Uniform Care Instructions
Following Manufacturer Guidelines
It's crucial to adhere to the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. These guidelines are specifically tailored to the type of fabric and include recommended washing temperatures and methods. For instance, our polyester/cotton blend tunics are designed to withstand washes at temperatures up to 60 degrees celsius. This high temperature ensures thorough cleanliness while preserving the fabric's durability and appearance.
Washing Temperatures
Understanding the correct temperature to wash your nurses' uniforms is essential for maintaining both hygiene and fabric longevity. Different brands and fabric types may have specific requirements. Here are the recommended washing temperatures for each brand we offer:
The maximum temperatures for each brand are listed in the table below:
| Brand | Composition | Maximum Washing Temperature | Recommended Temperature |
| Koi Classics | 55% Cotton/45% Polyester soft twill | 60° | 40° |
| Orange Standard | 35% Cotton/65% Polyester plain weave | 60° | 40° |
| Koi Lite | Body: 100% Polyester Dobby Rib trim: 95% Polyester 5% Spandex |
60° | 40° |
| Koi Basics | 95% polyester 5% Spandex microfiber stretch | 60° | 40° |
| Koi Next Gen | 73% polyester, 22% rayon, 5% Spandex stretch twill | 60° | 40° |
| Koi Cureology | 100% Polyester stretch twill | 60° | 40° |
| Cherokee | 35% Cotton/65% Polyester plain weave | 60° | 40° |
| Dickies | 35% Cotton/65% Polyester plain weave | 60° | 40° |
| HappyFIT | 35% Cotton/65% Polyester plain weave | 60° | 40° |
| Budget | 50% polyester and 50% cotton plain weave | 60° | 40° |
Before washing your nursing uniforms, it's essential to review the care instructions on the label. These instructions provide the correct washing methods, ensuring that you maintain the quality and durability of your scrubs. Here are some tailored tips for washing nurses' uniforms:
- Check the fabric: At Happythreads, our nurses' scrubs are typically made from polyester and cotton blends or just polyester. However, it's crucial to check each item’s label before washing to confirm the fabric type and avoid any damage.
- Temperature settings for cotton scrubs: For uniforms made of 100% cotton, a cold wash is advisable. Cotton is a natural fibre that can shrink or lose colour at high temperatures.
- Using the right detergent: Choose a detergent that is effective in killing bacteria to ensure your scrubs are not only clean but also hygienic. For healthcare settings, this is particularly important to prevent the spread of infections.
- Adding vinegar: To help maintain the colour vibrancy of your scrubs, add half a cup of vinegar to the wash cycle. Vinegar is a natural fabric softener that helps preserve colours and also acts as a mild disinfectant.
Home vs. Commercial Uniform Laundering
Studies have shown that home washing at the recommended temperatures is effective at eliminating most pathogens, including MRSA. For general purposes, washing uniforms at 30°C with a quality detergent usually suffices. However, for more thorough cleansing, particularly in the wake of infectious outbreaks, a 60°C wash cycle is recommended.
Enhanced Techniques for Washing Nursing Uniforms
Effective Stain Removal and Laundry Separation
- Pre-treat stains promptly: To effectively manage stains on nursing uniforms, it's crucial to address them immediately. Apply a stain remover or a solution of diluted mild detergent directly to the stained areas before washing. This pre-treatment helps break down the stains, making them easier to remove during the wash cycle.
- Separate laundry loads: Always wash uniforms separately from other clothing to prevent colour transfer and contamination. Sorting your laundry by colour can also help maintain the integrity and quality of the fabric over time.
- Opt for gentle detergents: To ensure the longevity of your uniforms, avoid harsh chemicals and choose milder detergents. Both biological and non-biological detergents can be effective, however, selecting a detergent without bleach will further help preserve the fabric and extend the life of your uniforms.
Drying and Ironing Nursing Scrubs
Tips for Preserving Uniform Quality
Mindful drying: While using a tumble dryer might be convenient, air drying your nursing scrubs is preferable to minimise the risk of shrinkage. If you need to use a dryer, choose a low heat setting to protect the fabric.
Careful ironing: To prevent damage to your uniforms, avoid ironing over areas with logos or embroidery. If ironing is necessary, use the recommended settings and place a protective cloth between the iron and the fabric to avoid direct contact.
Ensuring Longevity and Hygiene in Nurse Uniforms
Proper care of nurse uniforms is essential for maintaining their appearance, functionality, hygiene, and comfort. By selecting high-quality nursing scrubs and adhering to these care tips, you can ensure that your uniforms meet the demands of the nursing profession effectively.
- Wash before each shift: To prevent contamination, ensure that uniforms are freshly washed before each shift.
- Store properly: To maintain hygiene, avoid wearing scrubs outside the hospital. Use adequate changing and storage facilities to keep uniforms clean and ready for use.
At Happythreads, we are committed to supporting our healthcare professionals by providing durable, comfortable, and professional-looking nurse uniforms. Embrace the perfect blend of functionality and style with Happythreads, where your professional appearance is our priority, shop our nursing scrubs now!
Further Reading
Scrub Care Guide
