To properly wash Fig scrubs and maintain their quality, always wash them in cold water, turned inside out, and tumble dry them on low heat. This approach helps preserve the fabric, color, and fit of your scrubs for lasting wear.
Proper care for your Fig scrubs is essential to extend their lifespan and keep them looking professional. Following specific washing and drying instructions can prevent common issues like fading, shrinking, and fabric damage.
Essential Steps for Washing Fig Scrubs
Caring for your medical apparel goes beyond just getting it clean; it's about maintaining its integrity and appearance. Here's a detailed guide:
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Pre-Wash Preparation:
- Turn Inside Out: Before placing your scrubs in the washing machine, always turn them inside out. This crucial step protects the outer surface of the fabric from abrasion during the wash cycle, helping to prevent pilling, fading, and damage to any logos or embellishments.
- Separate by Color: Wash your Fig scrubs with similar colors to avoid dye transfer. Separate darks from lights to maintain the vibrancy of each garment.
- Check Pockets: Ensure all pockets are empty to prevent items from damaging the washing machine or the scrubs themselves.
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Washing Cycle:
- Use Cold Water: Always wash your Fig scrubs in cold water. Cold water helps to prevent color bleeding, minimize shrinkage, and is generally gentler on the fabric, which helps maintain the elasticity and shape of your scrubs. It also contributes to energy savings.
- Gentle Cycle (Optional but Recommended): While not explicitly stated, using a gentle or delicate cycle is often recommended for performance fabrics like those used in Fig scrubs. This reduces agitation, further protecting the material.
- Detergent Choice: Use a mild laundry detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals, excessive amounts of detergent, or detergents with strong bleaching agents that can break down fabric fibers and cause colors to fade.
Drying Your Fig Scrubs
Drying methods are just as important as washing for the longevity of your scrubs:
- Low Heat Tumble Dry: After washing, tumble dry your Fig scrubs on a low heat setting. High heat can cause synthetic fabrics to shrink, lose their shape, or damage the stretch components. Low heat helps to gently dry the fabric without compromising its integrity.
- Remove Promptly: As soon as the drying cycle is complete, remove your scrubs from the dryer. This helps to prevent wrinkles and reduces the need for ironing.
- Air Drying (Alternative): For an even gentler approach that extends the life of your scrubs, consider air drying. Hang them on a hanger or lay them flat. This method is particularly beneficial for preserving the elasticity and color of the fabric.
Quick Care Reference Table
For a quick summary of the essential care instructions, refer to the table below:
| Care Aspect | Recommendation | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Washing | Wash in cold water, inside out | Prevents fading, shrinking, and protects fabric. |
| Drying | Tumble dry on low heat | Avoids heat damage, maintains fabric elasticity. |
| Separation | Wash with similar colors | Prevents dye transfer. |
| Detergent | Use a mild laundry detergent | Gentle on fabric, avoids damage. |
| Ironing | Low heat if necessary, inside out | Prevents scorching or damaging embellishments. |
Additional Tips for Scrub Longevity
- Avoid Bleach: Bleach can weaken fabric fibers and cause colors to fade prematurely. If sanitization is a concern, consider laundry additives specifically designed for colored garments or high-temperature washing if the fabric allows (though Fig scrubs prefer cold water).
- Stain Treatment: Treat stains as soon as possible. Gently blot the stain and apply a suitable stain remover before washing. Always test stain removers on an inconspicuous area first.
- Folding and Storage: Store your clean, dry scrubs folded neatly or hung in a closet to prevent creasing and maintain their shape.
By adhering to these simple yet effective care instructions, your Fig scrubs will remain comfortable, vibrant, and professional, supporting you through long shifts. For more general fabric care advice, you might find resources on apparel maintenance tips helpful.
