Are you nearing the end of your online DNP or FNP program at a prestigious school such as Duquesne University and you’re looking to get a jump start on the essential gear you’ll need in your future job? As a forensic nurse you’ll be wearing scrubs regularly, so you’ll want to pick up on a few sets that you can constantly rotate. Now because scrubs aren’t exactly cheap, and they tend to get soiled rather quickly, it’s also wise to put a little effort into caring for them.
As a forensic nurse, it will be your job to collect and preserve evidence that may advance legal action. What this means is that you need to be incredibly precise when examining and detailing the body. You could be working in a prison, hospital, or even at a police department.
So how exactly do you look after your scrubs? Here we’ll take a look at the very best way you can care for your scrub so you can extend their lifespan.
Make Sure You Pre-Treat Them
Here's a step that many people aren't aware of. Did you know that before you wear your scrubs for the first time you should actually pre-treat them? In order to do this, you'll want to wash them on their own with a half a cup of vinegar in cold water. This actually works to "set" the color in your scrubs so you won't have to deal with fading. This will extend the lifespan quite a bit.
Wash Scrubs Separately
Moving forward your scrubs should always be washed separately and treated fairly delicately. They need to be thoroughly disinfected, so that means they need a much deeper cleaning than your typical clothes. Most experts recommend washing your scrubs twice in order to fully disinfect them. One of those washes they should be turned inside out for.
It's also a good tip to add one tablespoon of vinegar to the washing machine before you start the wash cycle. You'll want to be sure that you steer clear of fabric softener, but dryer sheets are typically okay to use.
Go Ahead and Dry Them
While you may be used to hanging your jeans, trousers, blouses, and delicates on the line, you can go ahead and throw your scrubs in the dryer on the high temperature. This helps to disinfect them even further. If you prefer not to use the dryer, you can lay them flat to dry instead.
Reserve Your Scrubs for Work
The final tip is to make sure your scrubs are kept for the ‘office’. There is no need to be wearing them around the house, doing chores, or as pajamas. This will only cause them to age faster, which means you'll also be replacing them that much faster.
Extend the Lifespan and Enjoy Fresh Clean Scrubs
By following these tips you'll be sure to extend the lifespan of your scrubs, which will help to save you a lot of money as you finish up your online DNP and prepare to enter the workforce.
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