Medical scrubs work harder than almost any garment you own — twelve-hour shifts, hourly washes, hospital-grade contaminants. The right care routine is the difference between a scrub top that fades and sags in three months and one that still looks sharp after three years.
1. Wash cold, every time
Hot water breaks down the elastane and polyester blends that give modern scrubs their stretch and moisture-wicking. Cold water (30 °C / 86 °F) cleans performance fabric just as effectively with a fraction of the fiber damage.
2. Turn garments inside out
The visible face of the fabric takes the abrasion in the drum. Inside-out washing protects color saturation and the smooth outer hand-feel — especially important for deep navy and teal tones.
3. Skip fabric softener entirely
Softeners coat fibers in a waxy film that kills moisture-wicking. If your scrubs feel less breathable over time, softener residue is almost always the cause. A cup of white vinegar in the rinse cycle strips it.
4. Low heat or line dry
High dryer heat is the #1 cause of premature elastic failure in waistbands. Tumble low, or hang dry — performance fabric dries fast enough that it barely costs you time.
5. Treat stains the same shift
Betadine, blood and ink set permanently with heat. Flush cold, dab — never rub — with an enzymatic pre-treater, then wash. Keep a stain pen in your locker.
Buying tip: all LEINYS Core scrubs are engineered for 75+ commercial wash cycles. Care for them right and cost-per-wear drops below a disposable cup of coffee.
