Washing scrubs?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

So, maybe this is an embarrassing question, but....

I've noticed when ironing scrubs, that there seems to be a lingering odor of perspiration and deodorant in the armpit area. I don't seem to have this problem with any other of my clothes.

I always wash scrubs separately in hot water. Does anyone have any other tips on how to prevent this from happening? Thanks in advance!

Specializes in LTC, SNF, Rehab, Hospice.

I have found the same problem. Or the smell starts once I get overheated at work. Spray and Wash pits after work each time and leave to work until you do laundry. It helps.

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Are you using a dry stick antiperspirant? That stuff creates a film on your skin and on your shirts. It was the biggest culprit on yellow armpits on my husband's shirts. That stuff does. not. come. off. easily. I bought him and myself roll-ons and problem solved.

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Norwex laundry detergent!

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Specializes in retired LTC.

Oxydol laundry detergent used to work for a boatload of laundry issues. Not sure if they still make it, but it had like an Oxy-Clean ingredient in it that helped also.

You could also add a scoop of the oxy to the washer.

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Why are you ironing your scrubs??!! Even when I was lucky enough to find 100% cotton scrubs, I never ironed them. Wash them, toss them into the dryer, and fold them up as soon as the dryer goes off. Done!

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Specializes in Psych, Peds, Education, Infection Control.

OxyClean is my best friend for lingering funk.

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I like creases!

I iron every day of my life, sometimes twice.

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I have shared the same problem, except it is with all my clothes and I don't have to iron them to notice the smell. I started using unscented deodorant. Problem solved.

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HA!! Yes the T-shirt, I do this too... a whole lot cheaper as well...

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Specializes in NICU, Infection Control.

You IRON??? Will you marry me?? jk! I gave that up years ago. My son was in speech therapy, the therapist showed him a picture of an ironing board, and asked him what it was. He didn't know. He didn't know what an iron was either. I told the therapist to get rid of those pictures, nobody ironed any more.

It does look nice, tho.

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Vinegar for sure! Another trick that works for me is putting my deodorant on at night before I go to sleep, I sweat way less.

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My mom uses a toothbrush and detergent to scrub out any left on deodorant in the armpit area.

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