How to Wash Medical Scrubs the Right Way: HSE Ireland Guide for New Nurses

During a single shift, your scrubs can be exposed to bacteria, bodily fluids, and contaminants you do not want coming home with you including MRSA and Clostridioides difficile. The good news is that proper laundering dramatically reduces contamination risk.

Medical scrubs should not be treated like everyday laundry. Proper washing protects both you and the people around you. At Diamond Designs, we have been supplying healthcare uniforms across Ireland since 1989. Working closely with Irish healthcare professionals and as Ireland's exclusive distributor of Grey's Anatomy and Skechers scrubs, we understand what it takes to keep clinical uniforms hygienic, durable, and compliant with Irish laundering standards. Here is exactly how to do it, in line with HSE Ireland's infection prevention guidelines.

Quick Answer: What Temperature Should Scrubs Be Washed At?

For clinical scrubs in Irish healthcare settings, 60°C for a minimum of 10 minutes is the recommended standard. This temperature removes almost all microorganisms and aligns with HSE Ireland infection prevention guidelines. After known infectious exposure, wash at 70°C or above where the fabric allows.

Always check the care label before washing above 60°C. Below are the typical maximum wash temperatures for well-known brands.

Step-by-Step: How to Wash Medical Scrubs

1. Change Before You Leave

Do not wear your scrubs home. Change at the end of every shift. HSE Ireland guidelines are clear that scrubs should not be worn in public spaces, on public transport, or anywhere outside the clinical environment.

2. Bag Them Up

Place used scrubs into a clean, sealed plastic or laundry bag for the journey home. Keep them well away from your other belongings to prevent cross-contamination.

3. Treat Stains Before Washing

If there is a visible stain, deal with it before it goes into the machine. Apply a gentle stain remover or diluted detergent, blot (do not rub), and leave for 5–10 minutes. For blood, always use cold water first as hot water sets the stain permanently.

4. Wash Scrubs Separately

Scrubs should always be washed separately from everyday household clothing. Sort by colour (darks with darks, lights with lights), turn them inside out to protect any logos or embroidery, and do not overload the drum.

5. Get the Temperature Right

Always check the care label first. Washing above the recommended temperature can cause shrinkage, particularly with polyester-cotton blends.

6. Dry Thoroughly

Tumble dry or hang on a line to ensure scrubs are completely dry before storing. Both tumble drying and ironing help reduce any remaining microbes after washing. They are not a substitute for proper washing, but they are a worthwhile extra step.

7. Store and Transport Cleanly

Keep clean scrubs folded in a dry spot and carry them to work in a separate clean bag. Never mix with unwashed or used scrubs.

8. Wash Your Hands

Always perform hand hygiene after handling soiled laundry. It is a simple step that is easy to skip, but it matters.

Which Scrubs Hold Up Best to Frequent Washing?

For healthcare workers in Ireland, investing in scrubs made from high-quality, fade-resistant fabrics is essential for maintaining hygiene standards over time. Here is how the brands we stock compare:

Barco Strong scrub sets are engineered for industrial-level durability and can be washed up to 70°C, making them well-suited for high-risk clinical environments where maximum decontamination temperatures are required.

Grey's Anatomy and Skechers scrubs are typically suited to 60°C washes, which meets the HSE Ireland recommended standard for clinical uniforms. Their polyester, spandex, and cotton blends are breathable, soft, and designed to withstand repeated washing without losing colour, fit, or stretch.

With a rotation of 3–5 sets and proper care, most quality scrubs hold up well for 1–2 years. The main causes of premature wear are washing above the recommended temperature, using bleach on coloured fabrics, and overloading the drum.

Always check the care label for the specific style you own before washing at high temperatures.

Stain Quick Reference

Do's and Don'ts for Washing Scrubs in Irish Healthcare Settings

Do:

• Wash scrubs after every single shift, no exceptions

• Wash at 60°C as standard for clinical uniforms in Ireland

• Treat biological stains with cold water first

• Wash scrubs separately from all household laundry

• Tumble dry or iron to reduce residual microbes

• Wash your hands after handling soiled laundry

Don't:

• Wear scrubs outside the clinical environment or on public transport

• Wash above the care label's recommended temperature

• Mix clean and used scrubs in the same bag

• Use dry cleaning as a substitute for hot washing

• Assume one shift is too short to require a fresh set

FAQs

Can I wash scrubs with my regular laundry?

No. Scrubs should always be washed separately from household or personal items. Mixing them risks cross-contamination and increases the risk of clinical pathogens transferring to everyday clothing.

Can polyester scrubs withstand washes up to 70°C?

Some polyester fabrics may shrink or lose their fit at higher temperatures. Barco Strong scrubs are specifically designed for washes up to 70°C. Grey's Anatomy and Skechers scrubs are generally suited to 60°C. Always check the care label for your specific style.

Can I dry clean scrubs instead of washing them?

It is not recommended for clinical scrubs in Ireland. Dry cleaning solvents do not achieve the same level of decontamination as a hot wash and can leave chemical residues on the fabric. If your scrubs are labelled dry-clean only, raise it with your procurement or HR team as most clinical scrubs are designed for machine washing.

Do I really need to wash them after every single shift?

Yes. HSE Ireland guidelines are clear on this. Every shift means a fresh set, with no exceptions. If your scrubs become visibly soiled mid-shift, they should be changed before the end of the day too.

Does tumble drying actually make a difference?

It does. Tumble drying and ironing both help reduce the small number of microbes that can survive a wash cycle. They are not a substitute for proper washing, but they are a worthwhile extra step.

How long do scrubs typically last with regular washing?

With proper care and a rotation of 3–5 sets, most scrubs hold up well for 1–2 years. Washing above the recommended temperature, using bleach on colours, or overloading the drum are the main causes of premature wear.

HSE Ireland Scrub Laundering: At a Glance

Diamond Designs has been supplying healthcare uniforms across Ireland since 1989. As Ireland's exclusive distributor of Grey's Anatomy and Skechers scrubs, we work with Irish healthcare professionals to provide clinical uniforms built for performance, comfort, and compliance. Browse our full range of scrubs →