How can I keep my scrubs from fading?

[TeleRN311]

All of my scrubs are Cherokee flexibles. I really want to keep these looking nice and not faded. What's the best way to wash and dry them so that they stay the same color? I thought maybe washing in cold and then hang drying.

[caliotter3]

I would start with the washing in cold and hang drying. I've also read recently that most of the time clothes can come clean by washing in plain water with no detergent. Frankly, I don't trust this, I would put in at least a little detergent to get a fresh smell. But maybe using less detergent in your scrubs load might help with retaining the color.

[sekishin]

Put a little vinegar in with your detergent:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2323616_use-vinegar-laundry.html

It prevents fading, among other benefits.

[virgo,student nurse, CNA]

Hello, I use cold water wash, hang to dry and clorox color safe bleach. If you iron your scrubs you can try ironing on a low heat setting.

[TeleRN311]

I would start with the washing in cold and hang drying. I've also read recently that most of the time clothes can come clean by washing in plain water with no detergent. Frankly, I don't trust this, I would put in at least a little detergent to get a fresh smell. But maybe using less detergent in your scrubs load might help with retaining the color.

Yeah some hospital smells aren't pleasant and I feel like they just soak into my clothes so I'll continue to use detergent!

[MindNinja]

I know you said you had all Cherokee scrubs...but Grey's Anatomy brand scrubs don't fade at all - it's the type of fabric they use.

[Callisonanne]

Our scrubs for nursing school had to be soaked in white vinegar/water mixture for 30 minutes and then washed normally when we first got them. The company said it sets the dye in from the factory. I washed mine every time and in 2 years they barely faded. 1/2 cup vinegar for 1/2 a load and 1 cup for full load. It also helps if there is an emblem on the scrubs to stop bleeding of the two colors.

[K+MgSO4, BSN]

Inside out. Stops the bleeding of colour. I want my uniforms washed on a high temp to get rid of the bugs!! it is just part of the job - coloured scrubs & uniforms fading.

[NsugaBuga]

Dont toss them around in the dryer til theyre bone dry. Take them out half way, and hang them. Works for all clothes.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

You could also try a laundry detergent for dark colors.

[Moondog72]

Vinegar for the first wash only. Inside out, cold water setting, and low heat on the dryer. Do not used color safe bleach.

[metabolicfrolic]

I find the color safe bleach (Clorox 2) to be fantastic at getting the color to stay. I primarily wear Cherokee and Urbane scrubs, and the color looks stays brighter.