The Ultimate Guide To Washing Your Lab Coat

Keeping your lab coat clean is essential for preventing cross-contamination and protecting yourself from exposure to harmful substances. Whether you work in a hospital, research facility, or classroom, it's crucial to know how to wash your lab coat properly. Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure your lab coat remains in good condition and free from stains and contaminants.

Check the label for washing instructions

Before washing your lab coat, it is important to check the label for washing instructions. This is because different lab coats may have specific washing requirements, such as particular temperatures or special detergents. For instance, some lab coats may be washed with bleach, while others may not. Bleach is a powerful cleaning agent, but it is incompatible with certain materials like Fire Resistant (FR) lab coats. If your lab coat has a monogram, you should avoid using bleach and opt for regular heavy-duty laundry detergent instead.

Additionally, the label may indicate whether your lab coat has special features, such as flame-resistant properties, which may require extra care during washing. It is crucial to follow the specific instructions on the label to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your lab coat.

The label can also guide you in selecting the appropriate washing cycle. While a gentle or delicate cycle is generally recommended for lab coats to prevent unnecessary wear and tear, some coats may require a specific cycle, such as the 'white cotton' setting. Furthermore, the label can inform you about the ideal water temperature for washing. While warm water is typically suitable for blended fabric lab coats, cold water is recommended for cotton lab coats to prevent shrinking.

Checking the label for drying instructions is also essential. Some lab coats can be dried in a dryer on low heat, while others should be air-dried. Following the instructions on the label will help maintain the integrity and functionality of your lab coat.

Overall, consulting the label for washing instructions is a critical step in caring for your lab coat. By adhering to the specific guidelines provided, you can ensure that your lab coat remains in optimal condition and continues to provide the necessary protection in your laboratory work.

Pre-treat stains

Pre-treating stains on your lab coat is crucial to ensuring they are completely removed and to maintaining the coat's protective properties. Here are some detailed instructions on how to effectively pre-treat stains:

Act Fast: Time is of the essence when dealing with stains. The quicker you address a stain, the higher the likelihood of successful removal. For liquid stains, use a clean cloth to blot—don't rub—the affected area. For solid stains, gently scrape them off with a blunt knife or spoon.

Perform a Spot Test: Before applying any stain remover, it's important to test it on a small, inconspicuous area of your lab coat. This ensures that the product won't cause damage or discolouration to the fabric.

Choose the Right Stain Remover: Different stains require different treatments. For organic stains, such as food or blood, opt for an enzyme-based stain remover. For oil-based stains, go for a solvent-based remover. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results.

Dab, Don't Rub: When applying the stain remover, gently dab it onto the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Avoid the temptation to rub, as this can push the stain deeper into the fabric.

Soak Overnight: For stubborn stains, you can soak the coat in a mixture of cold water and oxygenated detergent. Use about 1/4 cup of detergent and let the coat soak for several hours or, even better, overnight. Then, proceed to wash the coat as usual.

Wash Promptly: After treating the stain, wash your lab coat as soon as possible. Check the coat after washing, and if the stain persists, repeat the pre-treatment process before washing again.

Remember, pre-treating stains is an important step in lab coat maintenance. By taking the time to address stains properly, you can keep your lab coat looking clean and ensure it continues to provide adequate protection.

Wash separately

It is best to wash lab coats separately from other clothing items. This will prevent any cross-contamination between lab coat fibres and other clothing fibres.

If your lab coat is heavily soiled or has been exposed to hazardous materials, it is recommended to take it to a professional laundry service for cleaning. If you have access to a professional service contracted with your institution, this is ideal.

If your institution does not have professional laundering available, lab coats should be double-bagged for transportation home and cleaned separately from normal clothes.

In general, you should never wash your lab coat at home unless it has only been exposed to normal dirt, dust and sweat. Chemicals on your lab coat can end up in the water supply and harm aquatic species if this is done improperly.

If you do need to wash your lab coat at home, make sure to wash it separately from other clothing items.

Use a gentle cycle

Washing Lab Coats: Why Use a Gentle Cycle?

Washing your lab coat is essential to maintaining a sterile environment and protecting yourself from harmful substances. When it comes to laundry day, using a gentle cycle is crucial to preserving the integrity of your lab coat. Here are some detailed instructions on why you should use a gentle cycle and how to implement it into your washing routine.

Preventing Fabric Damage

The primary reason for using a gentle cycle when washing laboratory coats is to prevent any damage to the fabric. Lab coats are designed to protect the wearer from hazardous substances, and any damage to the fabric can compromise their effectiveness. By using a gentle cycle, you can help ensure that your lab coat remains intact and continues to provide adequate protection. This setting helps to reduce the agitation and spinning speed during the wash cycle, minimising the risk of fabric abrasion and fibre damage.

Ensuring Proper Cleaning

While a gentle cycle may seem less thorough, it is specifically designed to provide a thorough yet gentle clean. This setting allows for a complete wash cycle, ensuring that your lab coat is properly cleaned and sterilised. The slower spin speed and reduced agitation help to preserve the shape and structure of the lab coat while still removing any contaminants or stains. This is especially important for lab coats with decorative buttons or patches, as a regular cycle could cause unnecessary wear and tear.

Implementing the Gentle Cycle

Now that we understand the importance of the gentle cycle, let's discuss how to implement it into your washing routine. First, always check the care label on your lab coat for specific washing instructions. Most lab coats are machine washable, and you can select the gentle cycle setting on your washing machine. Use cold or warm water, depending on the fabric type, to prevent shrinkage and fading. If your lab coat is made of delicate fabric, consider using a mesh laundry bag for added protection.

Additional Tips

If your lab coat is heavily soiled or stained, you may need to take it to a professional laundry service. They have the necessary equipment and detergents to ensure a thorough clean. Additionally, if your lab coat is made of special materials, such as fire-retardant fabric or high-visibility colours, it may require special care. Always refer to the care instructions to ensure you are using the appropriate washing methods. Remember, keeping your lab coat clean is crucial to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.

Avoid fabric softeners

Fabric softeners are a common addition to laundry loads, but they can be harmful to certain fabrics and should be avoided when washing lab coats.

Fabric softeners work by depositing a layer of electrically charged chemical compounds on the fabric. This coating causes the fibres to fluff up, making the fabric feel softer and gentler on the skin. However, this coating can have negative effects on certain fabrics, including lab coats.

Firstly, fabric softeners can reduce the water resistance of lab coats. Lab coats are designed to protect the wearer from exposure to harmful substances, and water resistance is an important aspect of this protection. By reducing the water resistance of the fabric, fabric softeners can compromise the effectiveness of the lab coat as a protective barrier.

Secondly, fabric softeners can leave a residue on the fabric that can build up over time. This residue can reduce the absorbency of the fabric and contribute to the breakdown of fibres. This is particularly problematic for lab coats, as they are subjected to frequent washing and need to maintain their protective properties.

Additionally, fabric softeners can cause static cling, which is undesirable in a lab coat as it can attract dust and other particles, potentially contaminating experiments or samples.

Finally, fabric softeners are known to reduce flame resistance. Lab coats are often treated with flame-resistant chemicals to protect the wearer in the event of a fire. Using fabric softener can reduce the effectiveness of these treatments, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

For these reasons, it is important to avoid using fabric softeners when washing lab coats. Instead, opt for a mild detergent that will effectively clean the coat without compromising its protective properties.

Frequently asked questions