My aunt Linda insisted I use fabric softener on all my scrubs, worst laundry advice ever

She swore by it, said it would keep my scrubs soft and smelling fresh for my 12 hour night shifts at County General. I soaked my brand new navy blue set in that stuff and wore it to work. By hour four, I was basically a walking allergen bomb. One of my patients had a breathing treatment and their eyes started watering when I walked in. The charge nurse pulled me aside and said my clothes were probably trapping lint and dust. I washed them three times with vinegar to fix it and now I never use softener on my work stuff. Has anyone else been given terrible laundry advice that backfired at their job?

3 comments

3 Comments

riley_miller253d agoTop Commenter

Are you worried that the vinegar smell might linger on your scrubs or do you find it fades fast enough? I've always been curious if the vinegar trick leaves any trace scent after drying since the vinegar itself has such a strong smell.

the_susan13d ago

Your aunt meant well but fabric softener is basically a coating of wax and fragrance that ruins the wicking fabric in scrubs. I learned that lesson too when my cadiology scrubs started repelling hand sanitizer instead of absorbing it. Stick with a cup of white vinegar in the rinse cycle, it kills smells and keeps the fabric working right. Your coworkers and patients will thank you for ditching the softener.

cole35613d ago

Tbh I've been using fabric softener on my scrubs for years and never had an issue with them repelling anything. Maybe it's brand specific or something but mine still soak up hand sanitizer and blood just fine.