How to Wash Scrubs Without Ruining Anti-Microbial Coating

You invest in scrubs engineered with anti-microbial coating, sweat-wicking fibers, and 4-way stretch for a reason — they're built to perform through a real shift, not just look good on a hanger. But here's what most people don't realize: how you wash your scrubs matters almost as much as what they're made of. The wrong wash routine can strip coatings, break down stretch fibers, and fade colour months before it should.

Here's how to actually protect that investment, wash after wash.

Why Washing Technique Matters More Than You'd Think

Anti-microbial coatings and moisture-wicking finishes usually sit as a treatment on the fabric surface, not woven into the fibers themselves. Harsh detergents, high heat, and fabric softener all interact with that coating in ways that gradually wear it down. The good news: none of the fixes below require special products — just a few changed habits.

1. Wash in Cold or Lukewarm Water

Hot water is the single biggest culprit behind fabric breakdown. It accelerates the loss of stretch in engineered fabrics and can degrade anti-microbial treatments faster than cooler water. Stick to cold or lukewarm cycles — they're also more effective at preventing colour fade over time.

2. Skip the Fabric Softener

This one surprises people. Fabric softener works by coating fibers with a waxy residue for that "soft" feel — but that same residue can interfere with moisture-wicking and anti-microbial finishes, essentially sealing them under a layer that blocks their function. If you want softness, a lower spin cycle and proper drying does more good than softener ever will.

3. Use a Mild, Residue-Free Detergent

Heavy-duty detergents with strong bleaching agents or optical brighteners can break down fabric coatings over repeated washes. A mild, residue-free detergent gets scrubs just as clean without the long-term damage.

4. Turn Scrubs Inside Out Before Washing

This reduces surface friction against zippers, buttons, and other garments in the wash, which helps prevent pilling and keeps the printed or coated outer surface intact for longer.

5. Air Dry When Possible — Avoid High Heat

Dryers are convenient, but high heat is hard on both stretch fibers and coatings. If you can, air dry or use a low-heat tumble setting. This single change alone can meaningfully extend how long your scrubs keep their shape and function.

6. Wash Separately From Rough Fabrics

Washing scrubs with towels, denim, or Velcro-heavy items increases abrasion, which wears down anti-microbial and wrinkle-resistant finishes faster. Keep scrubs in their own load, or at least group them with similarly smooth fabrics.

A Simple Care Routine to Follow

1. Turn scrubs inside out
2. Wash in cold or lukewarm water, mild detergent, no fabric softener
3. Avoid mixing with rough-textured laundry
4. Air dry or tumble dry on low heat
5. Store folded or hung — avoid leaving them balled up in a bag between shifts, especially if damp

The Payoff

Following this routine won't just make your scrubs last longer — it protects the exact features you paid for: the anti-microbial coating, the sweat-wicking performance, the wrinkle resistance. A few small habit changes mean your scrubs perform on shift 200 the same way they did on shift one.

Looking for scrubs built to handle real shifts from day one? Explore our Women's and Men's collections, or check out our full Product Care guide for more detail.