On average, healthcare professionals wear the same scrub for 12 to 36 consecutive hours and work at three healthcare institutions simultaneously. For them, the uniform should be considered more than just a piece of clothing—it is their first personal protective equipment (PPE) when they start working.
With constant use, medical attire inevitably deteriorates. However, there are various ways and reasons to take care of it and extend its lifespan as much as possible.
Whether it's uniforms and gear or lab coats purchased individually, proper care means saving money and helping healthcare professionals perform their daily tasks better than regular clothing. These garments require special care to fulfill their purpose.
Let’s explore the importance of taking care of your medical attire and some tips on how to achieve this, according to Colorchain's garment care guide.
Maintaining the Durability of Fluid-Resistant Uniforms
Before discussing the importance of caring for fluid-resistant materials and how to do so, let’s understand a bit about their origins and components.
The beginnings of water-repellent fabric date back to 1824, when a Scottish chemist created the first waterproof fabric by combining naphtha with rubber and adhering it to the fabric. Two hundred years later, science has evolved this concept with less viscous fabric to create a more breathable and comfortable material for daily use. This is where the fluid-resistant fabric used in nursing uniforms, medical uniforms, and other garments comes from.
Thanks to this, healthcare personnel enjoy greater protection against biological fluids that could be hazardous to them. This keeps their skin protected and safeguards those around them.
Additionally, this fabric does not shrink or stretch, does not wrinkle, and is lightweight, which means it dries quickly after washing. Some fluid-resistant garments also have chlorine-resistant properties that help prevent discoloration when in contact with this chemical.
However, to maintain these features, special care must be taken when washing this fabric. These tips may help:
- Never use fabric softener, as its components weaken the fluid-resistant property.
- Do not rub against rough surfaces or twist the material excessively.
- If hand-washing, ensure the garment is free of detergent after rinsing, as this neutralizes the textile's protection.
- If you have chlorine-resistant clothing, use disinfectants based on perborates or peroxides, dissolved in water. Two teaspoons per liter of water is sufficient.
Increased Durability and Utility of Garments
A recent study by Electrolux revealed that 90% of the clothes we discard could still be used, especially if properly cared for. Besides protecting the fluid-resistant material, properly treating uniforms and gear means they will last and maintain their utility for much longer.
If you want to wear your favorite work garments for a long time, it’s important to give them special care to maintain their high performance during your busy days.
To take care of them, consider some of these tips:
- Never expose to high temperatures and dry in the shade.
- If ironing is absolutely necessary, do so inside out and place a cloth between the iron and the garment.
- Do not iron labels or prints, as they can be damaged by heat.
- Avoid mixing garments of various colors, especially white uniforms, as it's natural for clothing to release color.
Preserving the Status Factor Provided by Medical Attire
It's important to note that well-maintained, clean medical uniforms contribute to the status of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals in their environment. Quality attire that remains in good condition can help convey self-confidence to the wearer.
Moreover, the power of an outfit also reflects how it makes those around you feel. Well-presented medical garments can make the patients being treated feel that they are in good hands—which is invaluable.
To explore Colorchain's catalog of specialized medical attire, visit our website here.
