How to Wash Fig Scrubs: Easy Steps for Long-Lasting Freshness

Washing your FIGS scrubs might seem simple, but there are important steps to keep them soft, vibrant, and long-lasting. These medical uniforms are made from special fabrics that need the right care. Many healthcare professionals love FIGS for their comfort and style, but they often notice fading, shrinking, or pilling after a few months. Why does this happen? Sometimes, it’s because the scrubs are not washed properly.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about washing FIGS scrubs. You’ll discover the right washing methods, which detergents work best, and how to avoid mistakes that can ruin your scrubs. Whether you’re new to FIGS or you’ve been wearing them for years, these tips will help keep your scrubs looking and feeling great.

Understanding Figs Scrubs Material

FIGS scrubs use a proprietary fabric blend called FIONx. This blend is mostly polyester, with some rayon and spandex. The material is designed for moisture-wicking, wrinkle resistance, and stretch. While these features make FIGS comfortable, they also mean the fabric can react badly to harsh washing.

Why Material Matters

• Polyester is durable but can pill if washed with rough fabrics.
• Rayon is soft but can shrink or stretch if washed in hot water.
• Spandex gives stretch but can lose elasticity if exposed to high heat.

Understanding the blend helps you see why gentle care is important. Many users notice that their scrubs lose shape or color if they ignore care instructions.

Preparing Figs Scrubs For Washing

Before you throw your scrubs in the washer, there are steps that make a big difference.

1. Read The Care Label

Always check the care tag inside your scrubs. FIGS usually recommend:

• Machine wash cold
• Tumble dry low
• Do not bleach

Ignoring these can void the warranty or damage the fabric.

2. Sort By Color And Fabric

Mixing colors can cause color bleeding. Washing FIGS scrubs with towels or jeans can lead to pilling and lint.

Sort your laundry this way:

• Dark colors (black, navy, burgundy)
• Light colors (white, gray)
• Bright colors (royal blue, teal)

Wash scrubs with similar fabrics for best results.

3. Pre-treat Stains

Healthcare work often leads to stains. For best results:

• Use a gentle stain remover on marks before washing.
• Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, but never longer than the product suggests.
• Avoid bleach, which can discolor and weaken FIGS fabric.

Pay special attention to collar, pockets, and cuffs, where stains often hide.

4. Empty Pockets And Close Zippers

Before washing:

• Check all pockets for pens, badges, or paper.
• Zip up all zippers and fasten any snaps.

This prevents damage to both your scrubs and the washing machine.

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How To Wash Figs Scrubs: Step-by-step

Washing FIGS scrubs correctly means following these steps each time.

Step 1: Turn Scrubs Inside Out

Turning your scrubs inside out protects the outside from friction and fading. The inside faces more wear in the wash, so this simple step preserves color and fabric.

Step 2: Choose A Gentle Detergent

Use a mild, liquid detergent. Powder detergents can leave residue, and strong chemicals can damage the fabric blend. Avoid:

• Bleach
• Fabric softeners (can clog fabric pores)
• Heavy-duty detergents

Some good choices are brands designed for activewear or delicates.

Step 3: Use Cold Water

Always wash FIGS scrubs in cold water. Cold water keeps colors bright and prevents shrinking.

If your scrubs are heavily soiled, use a pre-soak cycle but still stick to cold water.

Step 4: Select The Right Washing Cycle

Choose the gentle or delicate cycle. This uses slower spins and less agitation, reducing wear on the fabric.

Avoid heavy-duty or “whitest whites” cycles, which can be too rough.

Step 5: Add Scrubs Only

Wash scrubs with other scrubs or similar lightweight items. Avoid mixing with:

• Jeans (cause pilling)
• Towels (leave lint)
• Clothes with Velcro (snags fabric)

Step 6: Skip The Fabric Softener

Fabric softeners can build up on the surface, making the scrubs less breathable and less moisture-wicking.

Step 7: Rinse Well

If your washer has an extra rinse option, use it. This ensures all detergent is removed, which helps avoid skin irritation and residue on the fabric.

Drying Figs Scrubs The Right Way

How you dry your scrubs is just as important as how you wash them.

Air Dry For Best Results

Air drying is best for FIGS scrubs. Hang them on a clothesline or drying rack away from direct sun. This keeps colors bright and prevents shrinking.

If you use a dryer, select low heat or air fluff. High heat can damage spandex, leading to loss of stretch.

Remove Promptly

Take scrubs out as soon as the cycle finishes. This prevents wrinkles and reduces the need to iron.

Tumble Dry Low (if Needed)

If you must use a dryer:

• Set to low heat
• Remove scrubs while slightly damp to air dry the rest of the way

This protects the stretch and shape of the fabric.

Ironing And Storage Tips

Iron With Care

Most FIGS scrubs are wrinkle-resistant, but if you want them extra crisp:

• Use a cool iron (no hotter than polyester setting)
• Iron inside out to avoid shine marks

Never use steam directly on the fabric, as it can stretch or spot.

Proper Storage

Hang scrubs on wide hangers to keep their shape. Folding can lead to creases, especially if you leave them folded for days.

Avoid overstuffing your closet, which can crush the fabric and cause wrinkles.

Removing Common Stains From Figs Scrubs

Stains are part of healthcare life, but you can remove most with the right methods.

Blood Stains

Rinse the stain with cold water as soon as possible. Then:

• Soak in cold water with a little hydrogen peroxide (test on a hidden area first)
• Wash as normal

Never use hot water, which sets the stain.

Ink Stains

Dab (don’t rub) with alcohol-based hand sanitizer, then rinse and launder as usual.

Oil And Grease Stains

Sprinkle a little baking soda on the stain, let sit for 10 minutes, brush off, then wash.

Other Organic Stains

Use a gentle enzyme cleaner. Avoid strong chemicals that can break down the fabric’s stretch.

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How Often Should You Wash Figs Scrubs?

Most healthcare workers wash their scrubs after every wear. This is best for hygiene, but it can be tough on the fabric over time.

If you work in a low-risk area and didn’t get any visible stains, you might wear scrubs twice before washing. Always follow your facility’s policies.

Extending The Life Of Your Figs Scrubs

With the right habits, you can keep your scrubs looking new for years.

Rotate Your Scrubs

Have at least three sets. This lets each set rest between wears and washes, reducing wear.

Wash Small Loads

Large loads cause more friction. Small loads are gentler and clean more evenly.

Avoid Overdrying

Overdrying leads to shrinking and loss of stretch. Stop the dryer while scrubs are still slightly damp.

Watch For Pilling

If you see little balls of fabric, use a fabric shaver to remove them. Prevent pilling by not washing with rough materials.

Quick Reference: Washing And Drying Comparison

Here’s a comparison of what happens with different washing and drying methods:

Common Washing Mistakes And How To Avoid Them

Many FIGS users make the same mistakes. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Hot Water: Causes fading and shrinking. Always use cold water.
• Bleach: Destroys color and weakens fibers. Use stain removers instead.
• Fabric Softeners: Leave a coating that reduces breathability.
• Heavy Loads: More friction means more pilling.
• Drying on High Heat: Kills stretch and can warp shape.

Non-obvious tip: Never use vinegar as a rinse for FIGS. While it’s good for some fabrics, it can break down the spandex in this blend.

Best Detergents For Figs Scrubs

Choosing the right detergent can make a big difference. Some detergents are too strong for synthetic blends.

Top Options

• Tide Free & Gentle
• Seventh Generation Free & Clear
• WIN Sports Detergent (for heavy odors)

These detergents are gentle, effective, and leave no residue.

Detergent Comparison

Special Considerations: Infection Control

If you work with patients with infectious diseases, you might be tempted to wash scrubs in hot water or use bleach. For FIGS, this isn’t recommended, as it can destroy the fabric.

Instead:

• Use cold water and a gentle detergent.
• Add an oxygen-based bleach (like OxiClean) to the wash if needed, but only occasionally.
• Dry on high heat for 10 minutes to kill most bacteria, then finish air drying.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, regular washing with detergent is enough for most healthcare settings. For more, see the CDC’s recommendations.

Washing Figs Scrubs With Other Clothes

It’s best to wash scrubs separately. If you must wash them with other clothes:

• Avoid towels, jeans, or anything with zippers or Velcro.
• Use a mesh laundry bag for extra protection.
• Run an extra rinse cycle to remove all detergent.

Non-obvious insight: Washing scrubs with workout clothes is better than with regular cottons. The fabrics are more similar, so they rub less and pill less.

Keeping Figs Scrubs Odor-free

Healthcare shifts are long and sweaty. To keep your scrubs smelling fresh:

• Wash as soon as possible after wearing.
• Soak in a solution of water and a little baking soda for 30 minutes before washing if odors linger.
• Use a sports detergent for deep cleaning.

Avoid using scented sprays directly on the fabric. They can coat and weaken the fibers over time.

How To Wash Figs Scrubs While Traveling

Traveling healthcare workers face special challenges. Here’s what you can do:

• Carry a small bottle of gentle detergent.
• Wash scrubs in a hotel sink with cold water, rinse well, and hang to dry.
• Use a quick-dry towel to press out excess water.
• Never use hotel irons on high heat.

If you need to use a laundromat, bring your own detergent and wash on cold, gentle cycle.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even with care, problems sometimes happen. Here’s how to fix them:

Fading Colors

If your scrubs start to fade:

• Wash inside out
• Air dry only
• Add a cup of white vinegar (once, not every wash) to set color, but only if the care label allows

Shrinking

If your scrubs shrink:

• Stretch them gently while damp
• Hang to dry

Loss Of Stretch

Happens when exposed to high heat. Always dry on low or air dry.

Persistent Stains

Treat again before drying. Heat can set stains.

How Long Do Figs Scrubs Last?

With proper care, FIGS scrubs can last 1–2 years of weekly use. Some users report 3+ years if they rotate several sets and follow gentle washing.

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Eco-friendly Tips For Washing Figs Scrubs

If you care about the planet, you can wash your scrubs sustainably:

• Use cold water to save energy
• Air dry instead of using the dryer
• Wash full but not overloaded loads
• Choose phosphate-free, biodegradable detergents

Summary: Key Steps To Wash Figs Scrubs

• Turn scrubs inside out.
• Wash in cold water.
• Use a gentle, liquid detergent.
• Select gentle cycle.
• Wash with similar fabrics only.
• Air dry or tumble dry low.
• Store on hangers.

Following these steps will keep your FIGS scrubs looking professional, feeling comfortable, and lasting longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Remove Tough Stains From Figs Scrubs?

Pre-treat stains with a gentle stain remover before washing. For blood stains, rinse in cold water and soak in hydrogen peroxide if safe. For ink, dab with alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Always wash in cold water and avoid bleach.

Can I Use Bleach On My Figs Scrubs?

No, avoid using bleach. It can damage the color and fibers of FIGS scrubs. Use gentle stain removers or enzyme cleaners instead.

Is It Safe To Iron Figs Scrubs?

Yes, but use a cool iron and always iron inside out. Most FIGS scrubs are wrinkle-resistant, so you may not need to iron often.

How Can I Keep My Figs Scrubs From Fading?

Wash inside out, use cold water, and air dry. Avoid harsh detergents and high heat. Washing with similar colors also helps prevent fading.

Can I Wash Figs Scrubs With My Regular Clothes?

It’s best to wash scrubs with other scrubs or similar lightweight fabrics. If you must wash with regular clothes, use a mesh laundry bag and avoid towels, jeans, or items with zippers or Velcro.

Taking a little extra care when washing your FIGS scrubs will keep them comfortable, stylish, and professional for the long haul. With these tips, you’ll notice your scrubs stay brighter, fit better, and last much longer than you thought possible.