Do You Need New Scrubs? How to Tell It’s to Replace Your Old Ones
Professionals in the medical field know how important quality scrubs can be. Your uniform not only protects you from bodily fluids and chemicals, but they need to be comfortable for long shifts and hands on work. Wear and tear is normal for all types of clothing and no pair of scrubs can last forever.
It is important to know the signs of wear and tear on your scrubs so you know when to replace them. Having worn out scrubs can not only be uncomfortable, but dangerous as well. Here are some of the ways you will be able to tell if your scrubs need to be replaced.
Look for Signs of Deterioration
Working in the medical field is demanding, and when you wear scrubs daily, you’ll definitely notice when they are in need of replacement. When looking for signs of wear and tear, it should be quite easy to tell when your scrubs have seen their last days. Busted out or loose seams, rips and frays, impossible-to-get-out stains, or the fabric being stretched out are all signs of deterioration and mean their protective effect is lessened, which could be a hazard and a good indication it's time for a new set of scrubs.
Discomfort
Ill-fitting scrubs are not only uncomfortable, but they can be dangerous if they are too large (tripping hazard, snag hazard) or too small (restriction of movement.) You need your scrubs to fit perfectly in order for you to do your job safely and you also deserve to be comfortable while running around on a 12-14 hour shift.
Color Fading
A bright, fresh pair of scrubs not only displays to your patients and co-workers that you are prepared and ready for the day, but it shows you care about your appearance and it gives an air of professionalism that is essential when working the floor in a clinic or hospital. There are a wide range of colors and patterns of scrubs on the market so as long as it is approved with your work’s dress code, you can use your scrubs to display your personality.
Exposure to Chemicals and Biohazardous Waste
Due to the nature of exposure to blood, urine, fecal matter and other bodily fluids, it is important to have fresh, clean scrubs during your shift, as well as extra sets at home. When you have patients who are at risk or have low immunity to catching infections, it is of the utmost importance to wash and change your scrubs daily, as well as make sure your sets are free of tears in case you will be dealing with hazardous waste. Fresh scrubs not only save you from unnecessary risk to yourself, but also benefits compromised patients as well.
Temperature Can Affect Your Scrubs’ Longevity
Climate can play a part in how often you will need to wash or buy new scrubs, as each different kind of climate comes with its own set of ways for your scrubs to get stained or damaged. Depending on your locale, you may have seen the damage salt from salting ice during winter can cause by deteriorating the bottoms of your scrubs. On the other hand, excessive heat can cause you to sweat and stain your scrubs. Always keep an extra pair or two of scrubs in your locker or car as weather can be unpredictable.
Quality Scrubs Last Longer
While you save money upfront when you buy cheap scrubs, you will end up losing that savings in the end — the cheaper the scrubs, the more likely they are to wear out much faster than their quality counterparts. Scrubs that are made from cheap materials will often find the stitching coming out or the colors fading or transfering when you wash them. Superior scrubs may cost a little more, but the extra comfortability and durability you get is well worth the larger price tag. And with better quality scrubs, you won’t need to replace them nearly as often.
Changes in Trends in the Field
Like many other professions, trends can influence how often you replace your scrubs and what color they might need to be. Blue replaced white and black seems to be replacing blue at the current moment. Staying up to date on trends shows your healthcare organization is with the times and shows that you take pride in your work by knowing the latest trends in the field.
High Quality Handmade Scrubs for Medical Professionals
Blue Sky Scrubs is a scrubwear lifestyle brand that is handmade, comfortable and athletic-inspired for your busy day helping patients or clients. We love nothing more than uniting medical professionals with high quality products that meet their demands. After 15 years, we are still innovating and brainstorming new ways we can make awesome scrubwear for our amazing customers.
Click out our online shop and pick up all of the newest styles, colors and patterns.
