Are uniforms with zipper closures safe for healthcare professionals?

Ink stains are among the most common in medical settings: pens exploding in pockets, caps that don't close properly, or a lapse in routine. Although they seem impossible to remove, most can be eliminated using the correct methods. Here's a clear and effective guide to recovering your scrubs without damaging them. Why is ink so difficult to remove? The ballpoint pen ink is formulated to attach to surfaces and resist water. When it falls on fabrics such as cotton, polyester, or blends, it penetrates quickly and adheres to the fibers, requiring products that dissolve it without affecting the uniform's color. What to do immediately after the accident Quick action prevents the ink from spreading: Pat dry with a paper towel without rubbing. Place a clean cloth under the fabric to prevent the stain from soaking through. Do not use hot water (it spreads the stain). Do not put the garment in the dryer before cleaning it. This prepares the fabric for the appropriate treatment. Effective methods for removing ink stains 1. Isopropyl alcohol: the fastest and safest method It is the most recommended treatment for fresh ink. How to apply it: Moisten a cotton ball or cloth with alcohol. Dab the ink onto the stain, allowing it to transfer to the cotton. Repeat until the color fades. Wash the garment as usual. It works well on polyester scrubs or blends. 2. Hairspray (fixative spray) It contains alcohols that help dissolve dried ink. How to use it: Spray directly onto the stain. Leave on for 1–2 minutes. Rub gently with a cloth. Rinse with cold water and wash. Ideal when you don't have alcohol on hand. 3. White vinegar + liquid detergent Gentler option for delicate fabrics or sensitive colors. How to use it: Mix 1 part vinegar and 1 part detergent . Gently rub the stained area. Leave on for 10 minutes. Wash normally. Helps loosen medium-sized stains without discoloring the fabric. 4. Baking soda (for stubborn stains) It serves as a gentle exfoliant when residue remains. How to use it: Make a paste with baking soda and water. Apply it to the stain. Rub in circular motions. Rinse and wash. Not recommended for very dark or delicate scrubs, as it can damage the fabric if rubbed too much. 5. Professional stain removers If the dye takes days or the garment is expensive: Use enzymatic products. Oxygenated treatments. Specialized stain removers for ink. They are a good option for high-end uniforms or sensitive colors. Tips according to the type of fabric Cotton It absorbs more ink. → Alcohol + detergent is the most effective. Polyester or blends It expands less, but retains pigments. → Alcohol or hairspray work very well. Elastic fabrics Avoid rubbing too hard. → Use gentle methods like vinegar + detergent. Mistakes that worsen the stain Avoid these steps if you want to save your uniform: Rub firmly at first (the ink will spread). Add hot water. Mixing chlorine with ammonia (dangerous). Use a dryer before removing the stain completely. Once the ink is set with heat, it is almost impossible to remove. How to prevent ink stains on your uniform Use bulletproof pens (pressurized pens or sealed gel pens). Store pens in external pockets or accessory pouches. Always close the lid before putting it in your pocket. Avoid using pens or liquid inks during the day. Small habits that extend the lifespan of your scrubs.

Keeping medical uniforms in good condition isn't always easy: they're washed frequently, worn for long periods, and need to maintain a professional appearance. One of the most common questions is whether they can be put in the dryer without damaging them. The short answer: it depends on the type of fabric . Not all uniforms behave the same way in the heat. Below you will find a clear and practical guide to avoid damage, prolong the life of your scrubs and keep them spotless for longer. Can medical uniforms go in the dryer? It depends on the fabric. There is no universal answer. Some materials withstand heat well, while others are easily damaged. Modern uniforms are made with technical blends that combine comfort, elasticity and resistance, but they still have limitations when it comes to temperature. That's why it's essential to know what type of fabric you're using before putting it in the dryer. Reaction of each type of fabric to machine drying 1. Polyester: the safest and most resistant Scrubs with a high polyester content are the least likely to be damaged. They don't usually shrink. They maintain their shape. They dry quickly. The only thing to avoid: excessive heat. High temperatures can harden the fabric and reduce its lifespan. 2. 100% Cotton: the most delicate and with the highest risk of shrinkage All-cotton uniforms are comfortable, but they face two problems in the dryer: Noticeable shrinkage Loss of softness If you decide to machine dry them, it should always be at the lowest temperature, although natural drying is ideal. 3. Polyester + cotton blends: dryer safe, but with care This type of fabric is the most common in inexpensive scrubs. They can go in the dryer, but: Heat can deform the mixture Cotton fiber can shrink if the heat is high Polyester can become stiff over time Golden rule: low temperature drying. 4. Fabrics with elastane/spandex: enemies of heat Any uniform with extra elasticity should never be exposed to high heat . Elastane is easily damaged and, once affected, the garment: It loses elasticity It loosens It becomes permanently deformed Low temperature or air drying is ideal. Common damage that a dryer can cause Even when the fabric "tolerates" the dryer, the following problems may occur: Shrinking in chest, sleeves or length Hardening or rough texture Color fading in dark uniforms Deformation in necks or seams Breaking of the thread over time Quartering of the print or embroidery Using a dryer doesn't always ruin scrubs, but it does accelerate their wear and tear. How to use a dryer without damaging your medical uniforms ✔ Use low temperature always The number one enemy is the heat. ✔ Put the uniforms in laundry bags Reduces friction and protects seams. ✔ Dries only up to 80% Then finish air drying. This prevents shrinkage and loss of shape. ✔ Turn the garments inside out Protects colors, pockets and embroidery. ✔ Do not mix scrubs with towels or fabrics that shed lint Lint clings especially to dark uniforms. When is it best NOT to use a dryer? 100% cotton uniforms Garments with a high percentage of elastane Newly embroidered or printed scrubs Thin or aged fabrics New uniforms in bright colors (may fade) If your uniform falls into one of these categories, avoid the dryer to prolong its lifespan . How to extend the lifespan of your medical uniforms Wash with cold or lukewarm water Use mild detergents Avoid excessive use of fabric softener (it damages elastic fibers) Dry in the shade whenever possible Check the manufacturer's label before any drying. Proper care ensures your scrubs maintain their shape, color, and comfort for much longer.

In the clinical setting, safety is always a major concern. This leads many professionals to wonder if the Medical uniforms should be fireproof. or fire-resistant. Although the idea seems logical —especially since healthcare workers handle electrical equipment, oxygen, and power devices—, the reality is that most do not need this type of protection . Below you will find a more complete explanation to understand when it is useful and when it is not. 1. What does “fireproof” really mean? A flame-resistant fabric is not a "fireproof" garment. What it does is: Delay ignition if it comes into contact with a flame or spark. Prevent the fabric from melting , which reduces severe skin injuries. Reduce the spread of fire , giving time to remove the garment or move away from the danger. Comply with specific safety standards , such as NFPA or ISO, designed for industrial work. These properties are achieved with special fibers or chemical treatments applied to the fabric. Therefore, they are more expensive and, generally, less flexible and less breathable. In other words: its usefulness depends entirely on the environment in which it is used. 2. Do ordinary medical uniforms require this protection? In 90% of medical settings , the answer is no . This is because daily work in healthcare focuses more on: Hygiene and infection control Mobility and ergonomics Frequent washing Comfort during long shifts Professional presentation The fire risks in these areas are almost nonexistent. For example: Consulting rooms Private clinics Administrative areas General care Pediatrics Radiology Routine laboratories Physical therapies Dentistry There is no scenario where there is direct contact with flames, sparks, highly flammable products or extreme heat. This means that conventional scrubs perfectly meet the demands of healthcare work . 3. Which professionals might need fire-resistant uniforms? Although rare in medicine, there are cases where fireproofing is a valid preventive measure, especially in: a) Emergency teams that collaborate with firefighters Paramedics, rescuers or field medics who attend to accidents where there is fire, explosions or fuels. b) Laboratories with thermal or chemical risk Centers where we work with: Flammable reagents, Combustion equipment, Industrial processes, Volatile materials that can generate sparks. c) Hospital areas connected to industries In some countries, hospitals located within industrial zones or refineries must follow additional protection standards. d) Technicians who work with high-voltage machinery or electricity In specialized biomedical workshops where high-powered equipment is repaired. In all these cases, the fireproof uniform is not used because it is "medical", but because the environment represents a risk that requires it. 4. What do the safety regulations say? International and hospital regulations clarify that: Standard medical uniforms do NOT need to be flame-resistant , because there is no direct thermal risk. FR (Flame Resistant) protection is only recommended when the job safety analysis requires it. These cases are exceptional and are usually associated with industrial, not clinical, environments. In other words: a regular hospital is not required to provide or request fireproof clothing for its staff. 5. Why is this type of uniform not common in healthcare? There are several practical reasons: a) They are less comfortable and less breathable Fire-retardant treatments often harden the fabric and limit its elasticity. b) They require special care Wash at specific temperatures, neutral soaps and controlled cycles to avoid losing FR protection. c) They are more expensive The cost doesn't make sense for an environment where there is no thermal risk. d) They affect mobility Many professionals are required to bend down, run, lift patients, or move constantly. Traditional fire-resistant fabrics are more rigid. Therefore, they do not meet the daily needs of medical staff. 6. Do you need a fire-resistant uniform? Quick self-assessment Answer these questions: Do you work near fire, sparks, or flammable reagents? Yes → It may be necessary. No → You don't need it. Does your hospital or institution require it? Yes → It is mandatory. No → A normal scrub is sufficient. Does your job involve emergencies near fires or explosions? Yes → Consider FR protection. No → Not applicable. If all your answers are "no", you don't need a fireproof uniform. In the daily work of medical personnel, it is not necessary to use fireproof uniforms . This type of protection is reserved for very specific situations where there is a real risk of fire or extreme heat. For all other professionals, traditional scrubs—comfortable, breathable, washable, and designed for freedom of movement—meet all the essential needs. A good medical uniform should help you work better, not add discomfort or unnecessary expense.