Washing scrubs?

[dd131]

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!

[3ringnursing, BSN]

Quote from ThatBigGuy

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

Not in August in Oklahoma. An extra layer is not something I would ever want.

We live in AZ, which means thermonuclear melt down hot from April through the end of October (with horrible daily humidity July through August) - my son wears a tight tee made out of that moisture wicking material that dries fast under his uniform shirt. He swears it's no more uncomfortable than without, but I see your point. Hot is miserable. Course, this also means double the laundry with stink-pit on laundry day, and he doesn't have the patience for pit pre-treating. I made him a deal: I do his shirts only, and he owes me a favor at a time of my choosing (so far he's had to go get me lunch, pick the cat up after surgery at the vet, and take my car to the mechanic). This arrangement works out for me, and he doesn't attract flies after he washes his clothing. Win-win.

[dec2007]

I like creases!

I iron every day of my life, sometimes twice.

Bless your heart!!! My son does this too!

[thenicelady]

My armpits smell WAY WORSE when I shave! So I just...don't.

I haven't shaved in over a year and don't plan on starting again anytime soon. Having shaved pits makes me sweat a lot more and smell way, way worse. Apparently this has to do with the amount of good bacteria that hangs out when you have pit hair. They don't flourish in a shaved pit environment, but the stinky ones def do.

I also only use aluminum-free deoderant, which alleviates the issue of pit stains. If you can't give up the aluminum, you can use a paste of baking soda and vinegar to get out the stains and lingering odor. I keep vinegar and amr and hammer in my laundry room, it is a total lifesaver.

I also invested in a steamer. I find that scrubs look a lot better when steamed than ironed. It also seems to be very sanitizing and comes in handy when you want to refresh curtains but don't feel like taking down your window treatments.

[BedsideNurse]

I like creases!

I iron every day of my life, sometimes twice.

Must have a streak of British in you.

[3ringnursing, BSN]

If you haven't, try buying the deodorant labeled clinical strength and apply before bed (and a little extra after showering doesn't hurt). A few days in a row of applying=ZERO sweat marks, even with really rigorous things going on. Ceil blue is very unforgiving, lol. Years ago I remember I came in and before I could hardly put my purse down I was doing CPR, then assisting with a procedure, then getting my patient ready for emergency surgery and it was so hot in that room and the bright lights and I didn't have time to get in the right mind set before I started my shift and I swear I had sweat rings down to my waist. I didn't want to lift my arm up to hang the IV's. Then once I was self conscious about the sweating, I started sweating worse. It was horrible! My wonderful tech went and got me a new scrub top from OR. (that's how bad it was). Since then I have used the clinical strength and no problems with that ever. Probably not the healthiest deodorant, but work is stressful enough without having to worry about things like that.

Amen Sista Sledge! "Clincal strength" deodorant is worth every penny (my kidneys be damned!)!

I've tried them all out (you wouldn't believe what a girl will do for clean, dry, rosebud smelling pits)!

The best thus far in my research and quest for said rosebud scented pits is (dramatic drum roll, pah-lease … ): Mitchum Clinical Strength Deodorant.

It comes in a variety of flavors … um, scents - and is available in stick, roll on, or gel varieties (the only missing option, unless I'm mistaken is spray).

So stock up on ammonia, vinegar and unspiced meat tenderizer, and prepare to be AMAZED at how dry and sweet smelling your pits will be!

.

CLINICAL FRAGRANCES

Women's: Powder fresh and Pure Fresh - Men's: Clean Control, Sport and Unscented

Key Features/Benefits

Soft-sided formula specially developed to combat heavy perspiration.

Infused with patent pending Oxygen Odor Control Technology, for powerful odor control.

Provides maximum wetness plus odor protection for up to 48 hours.

Contains maximum, allowable level of active ingredient 20% aluminum zirconium)

Dermatologist-tested

MITCHUM WITH OXYGEN CONTROL

Women's (stick solid, roll-on and gel): Powder Fresh, Pure Fresh, Shower Fresh, Flower Fresh & Unscented. Men's (stick solid, roll-on and gel): Clean Control, Sport, Mountain Air, Ice Fresh & Unscented.

Key Features/Benefits

Revolutionary Oxygen Odor Control Technology targets & destroys odor, neutralizing it all.

Provides maximum wetness plus odor protection for up to 48 hours.

The most powerful sweat plus odor control.

Dermatologist-tested

Available at all drug and mass retailers nationwide.Suggested retail price - Mitchum Clinical $8.99, Mitchum with Oxygen Odor Control Technology: Stick Solid: $3.99, Roll-On: (1.7 oz) $4.49, (3.4 oz.) $5.99, Gel: (2.25 oz) $3.63 & (3.4 oz) $4.89.

[amoLucia]

I use Mitchum also. Took years of trying all the other kinds before I found this one. I will never switch!

[vha133]

Soap nuts are good for removing smells.