So you’ve researched how to choose medical scrubs and picked your favourite set, they are comfortable, hardwearing, and easily washed—the perfect combination of features for the demands of the healthcare industry. However, if you want to get the best out of your scrubs in the long term, caring for them properly should be part of your routine, ensuring that they look great and maintain their durability whatever you throw at them.
So, with scrubs care in mind, here we look at how to get the wrinkles out of scrubs so you can project a professional image and ensure they look great for years to come. Read on and discover our top tips for getting wrinkles out of scrubs.
Why Wrinkle-Free Scrubs Matter for Healthcare Professionals?
For healthcare professionals around the world, maintaining wrinkle-free scrubs is an important element of the role. This is due to the fact that, not only do wrinkles give a less professional appearance, but they can also harbour bacteria and compromise hygiene standards on the ward. However, alongside presenting a polished and clean image, which is essential for patient confidence and trust, ironing your scrubs at the right time can also increase the longevity of the garments—helping your favourite set of scrubs look great for longer.
But why do wrinkles occur in the first place and how can you ensure your scrubs look crisp and crease-free on every shift? Below, we look at the cause of wrinkles, techniques for removing them, and give you some quick tips for preventing wrinkles to help you spend less time at the ironing board.
Understanding the Causes of Wrinkles in Scrubs
Wrinkled clothes are a concern for any professional in any industry, but for healthcare professionals they can also prevent an issue with hygiene as well. Factors such as improper storage, the quality of fabric, and washing and drying practices can all contribute to the formation of wrinkles in scrubs and, subsequently, provide places for bacteria to develop.
However, by identifying these causes, healthcare workers can implement effective strategies to keep their scrubs wrinkle-free and maintain a pristine image in their demanding work environments. Read on to learn more.
1. Improper Storage
Wrinkles in scrubs often result from improper storage methods, and leaving your scrubs piled up or folded incorrectly can lead to unsightly creases. To prevent this, healthcare professionals should fold their scrubs neatly and store them in a designated area, allowing for easier wrinkle-free access when needed.
2. Ignoring Care Labels
Neglecting to follow the care instructions on the scrubs' label can result in wrinkled items that won’t last as long. Pay attention to the recommended washing machine and dryer settings to maintain the fabric's integrity, and as a general rule, wash inside out, avoid high heat, and don’t use bleach.
3. Low-Quality Fabrics
The choice of fabric can significantly impact the wrinkle-resistance of scrubs. Opting for high-quality fabric blends can reduce wrinkle formation, ensuring a more polished appearance during long shifts and enhancing the overall durability of your favourite set of scrubs.
4. Bad Washing and Ironing Habits
Improper washing and drying practices contribute to scrub wrinkles. Using the correct settings on both the washer and dryer and avoiding overloading can help maintain the scrubs' smoothness, preserving a professional look for healthcare professionals. Additionally, ironing at the wrong time or using the wrong setting makes it harder to remove wrinkles and impacts the durability of fabrics.
5. Not Sorting Before Washing
Failing to sort scrubs properly before washing can cause friction between different fabrics and lead to more wrinkles. Separate scrubs and delicate fabrics based on the material type and colour to prevent this issue, also, use a suitable fabric softener that won’t damage your scrubs in the wash.
Techniques for Removing Wrinkles from Scrubs
When it comes to maintaining a crisp and professional appearance, knowing effective techniques for removing wrinkles from scrubs is essential for healthcare professionals. Whether it's through traditional steam ironing, gentle steaming, or utilising wrinkle-release sprays, these methods offer quick and efficient solutions to eliminate wrinkles and creases. Explore our top techniques below.
1. Ironing Scrubs
While most people hate ironing, it is the most accessible way to get rid of wrinkles from scrubs. However, it’s important to select the appropriate heat setting for the fabric, smoothing out any creases to ensure a crisp, presentable appearance without damaging the garment. Additionally, try using a flat iron on scrubs when they’re still slightly damp — it’s much easier to remove wrinkles using the iron before they’ve had time to really set in after storage.
2. Steaming Scrubs
Most people don’t own a clothes steamer, however, it’s still possible to steam your clothes to remove wrinkles, and although not as effective as ironing, it can be useful for fabrics that don’t readily crease. Hanging them in the bathroom when you have a shower is a great way to do this. However, for those that do own a garment steamer, simply hang the scrubs and run the steamer over the fabric to relax the wrinkles, giving you that fresh and well-maintained look without overly stressing the fabric.3. Wrinkle-Release Spray
Wrinkle-release sprays and other wrinkle removers offer a convenient solution for time-pressed healthcare professionals, and while they won’t always work, they can be good for a quick fix. Applying the spray to wrinkled areas and gently tugging the fabric helps smooth out the wrinkles without the need for ironing or steaming—and you can even make your own with a simple spray bottle and some white vinegar.
4. Dryer with Ice Cubes
To quickly remove wrinkles, toss a few ice cubes into the dryer with the wrinkled scrubs and run it on high heat for about 10 minutes. The ice cubes will melt and create steam, which will help smooth out the wrinkles.
5. Damp Towel and Heat
Place a damp (but not wet) towel over the wrinkled areas of the scrubs. Then, use a clothes iron on low heat to press over the towel gently. The steam from the damp towel will help release the wrinkles without direct contact of the iron on the fabric. If this doesn’t work, try using a hairdryer on stubborn wrinkled garments.
6. Professional Laundry Service
Consider using a professional laundry service or dry cleaner that specialises in handling healthcare apparel. They have the expertise and equipment to ensure your scrubs return wrinkle-free and properly sanitised.
Quick Tips for Preventing Wrinkles in Scrubs in Future
Healthcare workers will already know that prevention is the best kind of cure, and the same is true for dealing with wrinkles in scrubs. So, check out our DIY hacks for dealing with wrinkles before they become a problem.
1. Proper Folding
A crucial step in preventing wrinkles is to fold scrubs neatly after laundering. This method minimises creasing and facilitates organised storage, making it easier for healthcare professionals to maintain wrinkle-free scrubs.
2. Timely Removal from Dryer
Promptly removing scrubs from the dryer once the cycle ends prevents wrinkles from setting in due to prolonged exposure to heat and humidity, preserving the scrubs' smooth and polished appearance. Additionally, try adding dryer sheets to the load to help soften the fabrics.
3. Hanging Scrubs
Rather than throwing your scrubs in a pile after washing and/or drying, try hanging scrubs on a coat hanger. Hanging allows the fabric to breathe and reduces the chances of wrinkles, ensuring that healthcare professionals can wear wrinkle-free scrubs whenever needed. Additionally, avoid the dryer altogether and air dry your scrubs—you’ll be surprised at how gravity can work to reduce wrinkles!
4. Wrinkle-Resistant Fabrics
When purchasing new scrubs, go for fabrics labelled as wrinkle-resistant or easy-care such as these Infinity Cherokee scrubs. These materials are designed to minimise wrinkling and will make it easier to keep your scrubs looking smooth and neat.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining wrinkle-free scrubs is essential for healthcare professionals who want to present both professionalism and maintain hygiene. By understanding the causes of wrinkles and implementing proper techniques for removal and prevention, healthcare workers can ensure their scrubs always look their best. Whether through ironing, steaming, or using wrinkle-release sprays, these tips can help healthcare professionals keep their scrubs in top condition.
For more information on how to care for scrubs properly and how healthcare providers can choose the right scrubs for any role, explore the ScrubsIQ blog today.