Washing scrubs?

ThatBigGuy · Mar 18, 2017

I wear a t-shirt underneath. Pit problem solved.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Mar 18, 2017

I never had the problem of lingering perspiration after washing scrubs. However, I have an active lifestyle outside of work that involves running 30+ miles per week.

I sweat profusely in my activewear and workout clothing. The clothing articles that are made of synthetic materials (lycra, polyester, nylon, etc.) sometimes smelled sweaty and funky even after I had laundered them.

To solve the problem, I soak these clothing articles in warm water and vinegar as soon as I undress. I fill a 5-gallon bucket with water and half a cup of vinegar. Vinegar is a natural antibacterial solution. My sweaty clothes soak for 30 minutes.

I launder my activewear with Win Detergent, which is designed to penetrate synthetic materials. It also has special enzymes that destroy bacterial odors that arise on clothes when sweat mixes with oils on our skin. I wash with warm water.

My routine leaves my workout clothing smelling fresh and clean with no hint of sweaty odor (or vinegar). Since many scrubs and nursing uniforms are made of cotton-polyester blends, perhaps this routine will eliminate the sweaty armpit odor in your clothes?

I know this was perhaps TMI, but I knew I was not the only one who had this problem. Cheers and good luck to you.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Mar 18, 2017

Is your detergent rated for hot water? Most are intended to be used in warm water

RNperdiem, RN · Mar 18, 2017

A mother I know has three children who play sports. She adds Borax to the laundry water to get out the sweaty smell.

sevensonnets · Mar 18, 2017

I second Commuter's vinegar suggestion. It works for me.

SmilingBluEyes · Mar 18, 2017

My scrubs are not a problem but my son's athletic clothes always were. Vinegar in the wash cycle is what I do. And if needed, a second wash with baking soda. My machine has a "sanitize cycle" I use. Works great. And a really good anti-perspirant. I like Mitchum. It literally has to be washed off in the shower; still so dry my armpits don't soap well at first. It's that good. They make a spray you can use, as well.

NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN · Mar 18, 2017

I use Gain with bleach (tropical scent) and the same in dryer sheets. I, too, wear layers to work: labcoat, scrub top, and a tee (turtleneck during winter months). I also use a goes-on-dry antiperspirant deodorant. Never let 'em see ya sweat.

dd131 · Mar 18, 2017

Thanks for the suggestions! I have my scrub tops soaking in vinegar as we speak!

I'm thinking it's because I'm putting on too much deodorant.... I'm terrified of the dreaded sweat stains, and ceil blue isn't very forgiving!

And it's strange, I can sniff test the area right out of the dryer and smell nothing, but once the steam from the iron touches them, I get a big puff of deodorant/sweat smell.

Maybe I'm just paranoid, but I DO NOT want to be smelly. :dead:

caliotter3 · Mar 19, 2017

You might consider taking one out of the lady's playbook and shave your armpits so that bacteria have a less welcoming area to hang out.

Ben_Dover · Mar 19, 2017

You might consider taking one out of the lady's playbook and shave your armpits so that bacteria have a less welcoming area to hang out.

^^^^

Coming from a pro! :roflmao:

May I add taking a shower too?

Okaaayyyy, I get it!

that was a joke!!!!

amoLucia · Mar 19, 2017

They sell laundry pre-wash 'sticks' that you apply to an area just before you toss it into the washer. 'Spray & Wash" comes to mind.