How to remove stains from lab coat??

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I start clinicals in September, and I've been using my lab coat for Micro. I have been careful but it does have a few tiny stains from class. Will they come out with bleach? I was also wondering if alcohol would help, since we use that to decolorize in some staining procedures. Any ideas? It would be nice if I didn't have to buy a new one, as I assume the stained one won't be acceptable. Thanks!

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Specializes in LTC.

try a search on stain removal or something simular. I somehow remeber seeing a lot of posts on this kind of thing.

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Thanks. I tried doing searches but came up with nothing. Also tried a google search. I haven't actually tried to get them out yet, as I still have a few more weeks of Micro.

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I start clinicals in September, and I've been using my lab coat for Micro. I have been careful but it does have a few tiny stains from class. Will they come out with bleach? I was also wondering if alcohol would help, since we use that to decolorize in some staining procedures. Any ideas? It would be nice if I didn't have to buy a new one, as I assume the stained one won't be acceptable. Thanks!

Try a little bleach mixed in water and use a rag and dap the stains...worked wonders on my white uniform when I was a waitress, we got splashed on all day and this method kept us look clean throughout the shift ;)

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My boys (including husband) and I keep the makers of Shout quite profitable :)

I think they make an extra-strength one, too.

Eventually, I had a spot on the back of my uniform vest that I couldn't get out to save my life; no one else seemed to see it, though!

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And the verdict is in -- bleach took the stains out completely! A soak cycle in my washer got most of it out. There was still a faint yellow spot, which I spot treated with bleach on a paper towel and it was gone after a few minutes.

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Specializes in Level III cardiac/telemetry.

Just so you know - if you ever get blood on any of your clothes, dab them w/peroxide. When I did my phlebotomy internship I was doing a draw and the rubber stopper on the tube was messed up and I ended up dripping blood all down a ladies skirt and pantyhose. I was horrified but the phlebotomist I was working with just put some peroxide on a cotton ball and starting dabbing at it and it disappeared. I never would have thought of that and would have gone straight to bleach!

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And the verdict is in -- bleach took the stains out completely! A soak cycle in my washer got most of it out. There was still a faint yellow spot, which I spot treated with bleach on a paper towel and it was gone after a few minutes.

:monkeydance: :beer: Wonderful!!!!!

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Specializes in LDRP.

Use a bleach pen (clorox makes them). Apply, let sit for a minute, then wash w/ bleach. GL!

Later: Glad you got the stain out! ;)

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Specializes in LTAC, Homehealth, Hospice Case Manager.

Another helpful hint for the peroxide is to wash the area with cold water & hand soap afterward...peroxide will cause white material to yellow. I found alcohol preps to be great for light ink marks, but heavy ones also need good ole hand soap & water. :wink2:

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