If you've ever pulled freshly washed scrubs out of the dryer only to find they still carry an unpleasant odor, you're not alone! For many healthcare professionals, keeping scrubs fresh and odor-free can feel like an uphill battle, despite regular washing.
The smell isn’t all in your head - the combination of long shifts, exposure to bacteria and sweat, and the unique properties of certain scrub fabrics can make odors stubbornly persistent. So, why do my scrubs smell after washing, and what can I do about it?
We’ll give you some tips on how to get smell out of scrubs, but sometimes, there’s nothing you can do. Some brands of scrubs are just known for holding odors and smelling weird, even if you try literally everything.
If this is the case, you’ll just need to cut your losses and invest in a new pair of scrubs. The good news? Poppy Scrubs don’t hold odors, and are designed to withstand thousands of wash cycles. Check out our comfy scrubs today and see why so many healthcare heroes have already made the switch to Poppy Scrubs!
Why Do My Scrubs Smell After Washing?
Before we talk about how to get smell out of scrubs, why do my scrubs smell after washing? Here’s a closer look at the most common reasons your scrubs might smell even after being washed.
Residual Detergent Build-Up
Using too much detergent or failing to rinse it out completely can leave a soapy residue on your scrubs. Over time, this residue traps dirt, oils, and bacteria, creating a breeding ground for odors.
Detergent build-up is especially common with high-efficiency washing machines, which use less water, making it harder to rinse thoroughly. Make sure you know how to wash scrubs properly and always follow the care instructions for your specific scrubs.
Body Oils and Sweat
If you’re a healthcare worker, there’s a good chance you’re getting sweaty during those long shifts! Scrubs absorb your sweat and body oils throughout the day, and these oils can embed themselves deep into the fabric fibers. If not properly removed during washing, they can lead to lingering odors.
Bacteria and Germs
Healthcare workers are exposed to bacteria, germs, and other contaminants daily. These can cling to scrubs and survive the washing process, especially if low-temperature cycles are used. Over time, these microbes contribute to persistent odors and may even pose hygiene concerns.
Improper Drying Techniques
Drying scrubs incorrectly can also cause odor issues. If scrubs are not dried thoroughly or are left damp for too long, mildew and mold can develop, leaving behind a musty smell. Similarly, overcrowding the dryer can prevent even drying, allowing moisture to linger in the fabric.
Low-Quality Fabrics
You’ve probably already noticed that not all scrubs are made from high-quality materials. Scrubs made from cheap fabrics or blends that trap moisture and odors can be harder to clean effectively, meaning they might smell no matter how often or thoroughly you wash them.
Hard Water Issues
Why do my scrubs smell after washing in hard water? If you live in an area with hard water, which contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, it can interfere with the effectiveness of your detergent.
These minerals can also leave deposits on your scrubs, trapping dirt and bacteria and causing unpleasant smells over time. If your water is particularly mineral-heavy, you might need to install a water softener system.
How to Get Smell Out of Scrubs: What to Do if Your Scrubs Smell Bad After Washing
So, your scrubs smell bad after washing them. What are your options? Here are a few different things you can try if you’re wondering how to get smell out of scrubs that should be clean. If you’re dealing with stains, you might want to check out our guides on how to get ink out of scrubs and how to get blood out of scrubs.
Pre-Treating Scrubs for Odor Removal
Pre-treating your scrubs before washing can make a significant difference in eliminating stubborn smells. Soak your scrubs in a mixture of warm water and white vinegar or baking soda for 30–60 minutes before placing them in the washing machine.
These natural deodorizers break down oils and bacteria trapped in the fabric. For tough odors, try a pre-treatment spray designed for activewear or tough stains. If you notice specific areas like the armpits of scrubs smell bad, you can focus the spray on these areas.
Choosing the Right Detergent
Not all detergents are created equal, especially when it comes to scrubs. Opt for a high-performance detergent designed for heavy-duty cleaning or activewear. Look for one with odor-fighting enzymes that target bacteria and break down sweat and body oils.
It’s a fine line, though, because too much detergent and excess soap can build up and trap odors. So, if your scrubs smell bad after washing, think about changing your detergent but don’t just try to solve the problem by adding more detergent to your next load.
Adding Odor-Neutralizing Boosters
Enhance your laundry routine by adding odor-neutralizing boosters to the wash cycle. Products like baking soda, white vinegar, or specialized laundry additives can help neutralize odors. For particularly stubborn smells, oxygen bleach or enzymatic cleaners can provide an extra layer of freshness.
Using Hot Water
If the armpits of scrubs smell bad even after you’ve washed them, double-check your wash cycle and the temperature of your water. Hot water is more effective than cold at killing bacteria and loosening oils, which are often the culprits behind bad odors.
One word of warning - check the care label on your scrubs to ensure they can handle hot water, and use the warmest setting allowed. Combine hot water with an extended wash cycle for maximum odor removal.
Drying Tips to Prevent Odor
Why do my scrubs smell after washing if I’m using hot water and pre-treating them? If you’ve tried to optimize your scrubs washing routine, it might be time to turn your attention to drying them - proper drying is crucial to keeping scrubs fresh.
Don’t let your scrubs sit in the washing machine after the cycle ends, as this can lead to mildew. Use a dryer with a high heat setting, if the fabric permits, to kill any remaining bacteria. If air-drying, hang your scrubs in a well-ventilated area with plenty of airflow and sunlight, which naturally fights odors.
Other Tricks to Refresh Smelly Scrubs
So, you’ve tried everything, but the armpits of scrubs smell bad even after your best efforts. Here are a few more tricks you can use to get the smell out of your scrubs:
- Use fabric sprays or deodorizers after washing
- Store your scrubs in a breathable bag instead of a sealed plastic one
- Occasionally use a washing machine cleaner to prevent odor build-up in your appliance
If you put these strategies in place and still can’t figure out how to get smell out of scrubs, it might be time to cut your losses and refresh your work wardrobe with a new, better pair of scrubs.
Is it Time to Replace Your Scrubs With Something Fresher?
Even with the best cleaning methods, there comes a point when your scrubs might need to be retired. After all, if you can’t get the odor out, you can’t really show up at work in smelly scrubs - it’s unhygienic and unprofessional.
More Signs Your Scrubs Are Past Their Prime
Scrubs are a hardworking uniform, but they have their limits. If the armpits of scrubs smell bad after they’ve been washed, that’s the first sign it might be time to replace them. If they’re stained, or if the colors are faded, it might also be time to refresh your work wardrobe.
Just like stains and odors can make your scrubs look unprofessional, so too can worn or thinning areas, tears, and loose threads. Plus, you might notice that your scrubs have shrunk, stretched, or lost their shape over time - all signs that you’re due for an upgrade.
Why Shop at Poppy Scrubs?
Here at Poppy Scrubs, we have top-quality fitted scrubs for women, including premium women’s scrub pants and women’s scrub tops. Our cuts aren’t just true to size, they’re also ultra-flattering - no more feeling like you’re wearing a sack, or settling for unisex scrubs that never fit!
What material are scrubs made of from Poppy Scrubs? Our material is what truly makes us the #1 choice for healthcare heroes - we use a blend of fabric with 4-way stretch and antimicrobial properties to ensure it doesn’t hold odors - one wash and your scrubs will be as fresh as new!
They smell great, they fit properly, they’re built to last, and they’re the most comfy, soft scrubs you’ll ever meet - it’s easy to see why our luxury scrubs are winning the hearts of healthcare workers everywhere.
Find Your New Favorite Scrubs Today!
Comfortable, durable, functional, and fashionable scrubs are just a few clicks away. We have many different types of scrubs to choose from, including traditional styles and some more modern options, like jogger-style scrub pants.
We also have a huge range of vibrant, fade-proof colors to choose from, from the classic scrubs colors to more unique options, such as:
Wondering how to stay cozy and warm on those chilly night shifts? Check out our top-rated
scrubs jackets - they’ll add a little extra style to any work outfit, and they couldn’t be more comfortable!
Final Words on How to Get Smell Out of Scrubs
So, why do my scrubs smell after washing? By understanding the common causes of lingering odors, such as detergent build-up, bacteria, or improper drying, and making adjustments, you can figure out how to get smell out of scrubs and extend their lifespan.
Even if you’re doing everything right, some scrubs just seem to hold bad odors forever - cheaper materials are especially guilty of this. Wearing smelly scrubs really isn’t an option, so if you’ve tried everything and your scrubs still smell, it’s time to replace them.
Luckily, we have the perfect, odor-free scrubs here at Poppy Scrubs, made from high-quality, anti-microbial materials. Our scrubs are easy to clean, come out of the washer as fresh as new, and will keep you looking, feeling, and smelling professional on the job.
Don’t stress about embarrassing scrubs odors - make the switch to Poppy Scrubs today for a fresh, comfy fit every time!