Proper care of your uniforms and accessories will help maintain their appearance, extend their lifespan, and ensure you always look professional.

 

Caring for Your Uniforms

Always wash uniforms in cold water using a mild detergent. Before washing, check the detergent ingredients and avoid products containing chlorine, as chlorine-based detergents can gradually cause white garments to develop a gray or yellow tint.

Do not use bleach on professional uniforms. Bleach can damage the stain-resistant finishes applied to many healthcare garments and may shorten the life of the fabric.

If your uniform includes colored trim, braid, or embroidery, you can help preserve the color by soaking the garment in vinegar before its first wash. Use approximately ½ cup of vinegar for a half-full washer or 1 cup for a full load. Allow the garment to soak for 30 minutes, drain the water, and then wash according to the care instructions. Some customers also choose to add a small amount of salt during the first wash to help set colors.

Treat stains as soon as possible using products such as Shout®, Zout®, or OxiClean®. Always inspect the garment after washing to ensure the stain has been removed. Placing a stained garment in the dryer can permanently set the stain, making it much more difficult to remove.

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Drying Your Uniforms

Excessive heat can shorten the life of your uniform by breaking down fabric fibers and affecting the garment's fit and appearance. For best results, remove uniforms promptly from the washer, shake them out, and hang them to air dry. If a dryer is used, select a low-heat setting and dry only for a short period.

 

Embroidered Garments

If your uniform has embroidery, do not trim or remove the threads on the inside of the garment behind the embroidered design. These threads are part of the stitching structure that secures the embroidery. Cutting them may cause the design to unravel over time.

 

Professional Footwear Care

Healthcare professionals should invest in quality footwear that is comfortable, supportive, easy to clean, and properly fitted. Leather shoes are often preferred for their durability and professional appearance.

To extend the life of leather footwear, clean and polish shoes regularly using an oil-based polish. This helps condition the leather and protect it from drying, cracking, or peeling. If your shoes are exposed to water or bodily fluids, clean and polish them as soon as possible.

Don't forget to wash your shoelaces periodically. For best results, secure them to a cloth or garment with a safety pin during washing.

 

Caring for Professional Accessories

Keep your clinical tools and accessories as clean as your uniform. Stethoscopes should be disinfected regularly using alcohol or approved cleaning solutions. Alcohol prep pads are convenient for quickly cleaning the chest piece between uses.

We also recommend nylon blood pressure cuffs, which can be easily wiped down with alcohol pads, along with bandage scissors and other commonly used clinical instruments.