How to Wash FIGS Scrubs Without Damaging the Fabric
FIGS scrubs are performance workwear, not ordinary cotton uniforms. Most current FIONx fabric is a polyester, rayon and spandex blend, so excess heat, fabric-softener coating and overloaded cycles can shorten its useful life. FIGS recommends machine washing cold and tumble drying on low or hanging to dry; the sewn label on the exact garment still takes priority because fabric families, trims and limited-edition styles can differ. The routine below separates everyday sweat and soil from blood or other clinical contamination. It is intended for home laundering of washable FIGS garments, not for clothing that an employer, infection-control policy or local rule requires to be handled by a professional laundry. Keep contaminated scrubs contained, follow workplace instructions first and never mix incompatible stain treatments.
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Primary reference: FIGS official scrubs washing guidance. Always check the manual for your exact model.
Quick reference
- Authority
- The garment label and workplace contamination policy come first.
- Wash
- Use cold water, adequate drum space and measured mild detergent.
- Stains
- Blot promptly, keep protein stains cool and pretreat only when permitted.
- Avoid
- Skip softener, high heat and unapproved disinfectant mixtures.
- Dry
- Hang dry or tumble low, then store only when fully dry.
What you will need
- The sewn care label and any workplace laundering policy
- Disposable gloves for handling visibly soiled workwear
- A washable leak-resistant bag for transport when required
- Mild liquid laundry detergent
- Cold water and a normal or gentle machine cycle
- A white absorbent cloth for fresh stains
- An enzyme pretreatment approved by the care label
- A clean drying rack or a low-heat dryer
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Follow clinical policy before home-care advice
Check whether your employer treats the scrubs as contaminated laundry. If a garment is soaked with blood, body fluid or a hazardous chemical, do not casually carry it through the home or improvise a sanitizer. Use the required bag, protective equipment and professional process. This guide applies only when home laundering is allowed.
Step 2: Read the garment label
Confirm the fabric family, color and trim instructions. FIGS' general FIONx guidance is machine wash cold and tumble dry low or hang dry, but the tag controls. Empty every pocket, remove badge reels and pens, close zippers, loosen drawstrings and inspect seams before washing.
Step 3: Keep used scrubs contained and dry
Change out of workwear as directed and keep it separate from clean clothing. If the scrubs are merely sweaty, let them air briefly before a regular hamper so they do not remain balled up and damp. Do not shake visibly soiled scrubs, because that can spread particles.
Step 4: Treat an ordinary fresh stain promptly
Blot liquid with a white cloth and rinse a label-safe washable stain from the back with cool water. Test a small amount of mild enzyme pretreatment on a hidden seam, then use it only as directed. Heat can set protein stains. Never combine chlorine bleach with ammonia, acids or another cleaner.
Step 5: Sort by color and soil level
Separate lights from saturated colors and keep heavily soiled workwear away from delicate household items. Turn scrubs inside out to reduce abrasion on the visible face and place small or snag-prone pieces in a mesh bag. Do not pack the drum tightly; water and detergent need room to circulate.
Step 6: Wash cold with measured detergent
Use cold water as FIGS recommends and select the cycle permitted by the label. Measure a mild liquid detergent for the load size and water conditions. More detergent is not more hygienic: excess can remain in technical fibers, hold odor and irritate skin. Use an extra rinse if residue is visible.
Step 7: Skip coating and improvised additives
Do not use fabric softener or dryer sheets. Their coating can interfere with moisture management and odor-control performance. Use bleach only if the exact label and workplace procedure permit it, and never assume a white logo, embroidery or elastic panel is chlorine-safe.
Step 8: Dry with controlled heat
Remove the scrubs promptly, smooth the pockets and seams and either hang them in moving room air or tumble dry on low as FIGS permits for common FIONx garments. High heat can stress spandex and encourage shrinkage. Do not iron directly over logos, reflective transfers or elastic.
Step 9: Inspect before storing or wearing
Make sure waistbands, pocket corners and cuffs are fully dry. If odor or soil remains, repeat a label-approved wash instead of masking it with fragrance. Retire or repair fabric that is torn, permanently stained or no longer suitable under workplace standards, and clean the hamper or transport bag as required.
Specific cleaning questions
Open a question for a concise answer about stains, odors, safety, frequency, and troubleshooting.