By Zaf Udin 10/14/2013 Google+

Whether you work in a clinic, a big hospital, or a research lab, you need to properly take care of your colored lab coats. These medical uniforms could be specialized and often expensive, so you need to make them last as long as possible

Some hospitals have in-house laundry services, in which doctors and nurses can just toss in their lab coats and wait for them clean and already ironed out. But many hospitals don't have this kind of service, so usually you may need to take your stained lab coats to laundry shops, especially if it requires dry cleaning. However, medical lab coats are considered specialized clothing that some laundry shops may charge an extra fee for them on top of the higher service cost for dry cleaning.

If you have stained your lab coats and you want to do the laundry on your own, here are some pointers that you must consider.

1. Use Cold Water

It is recommended to use cold water in washing colored lab coats, especially those made of 100% cotton. Aside from the fact that it avoids shrinking, cold water will also avoid fabric bleeding.

2. Use a Mild Detergent

Numerous brands of mild detergent are available today. Be sure to choose one with no strong ingredients but enough detergent power to remove dirt including simple stains. There are also available detergents that are safe to use for colored medical lab coats.

3. Never Use Chlorine Bleach

Never use chlorine bleach on med labs, particularly if they are embroidered. Chlorine can also cause discoloration to plastic buttons. Use color-friendly oxygen-based bleach.

Use the Lowest Tumble Dry

If you choose to tumble-dry colored lab coats, be sure to use the lowest level. Too much heat can also result to bleeding and wrinkling. Also follow the recommended drying time in your machine, but be sure not to over dry the lab coat because it may feel hard and rough

Use Vinegar

Vinegar is a strong substance in softening water, pre-treatment of stains, and activating detergents. In cleaning colored fabrics, distilled white vinegar is recommended, but cider also works fine. Any colored lab coat can be brighten up by soaking it in water added with vinegar