Uniform Care Guide: Wash Symbols & Maintenance Tips for Better Care

Uniform solutions form the backbone of many industries, from healthcare and hospitality to corporate and industrial environments. Whether you’re wearing scrubs, aprons, suits, or branded polos, how you care for your workwear directly impacts how you look and how long your garments last.

This uniform care guide is designed to help you extend the life of your apparel. You’ll learn how to wash, dry, and store uniforms properly, remove common stains, and read laundry symbols with confidence — all while keeping your personal brand polished and consistent.

How to Wash Your Uniforms Properly

Washing uniforms may seem simple, but different industries demand different levels of care. For instance, medical scrubs require sanitizing washes, while corporate attire or hospitality uniforms benefit from gentler cycles. Follow these steps to keep every piece of your workwear clean and long-lasting:

• Separate by Color and Fabric: Wash lights, darks, and heavy fabrics separately to prevent bleeding or damage.
  
  
• Fasten Before Washing: Close zippers, buttons, and Velcro to prevent snags.
  
  
• Turn Inside Out: Protect printed logos and embroidery from friction.
  
  
• Use Cold or Warm Cycles: Avoid hot water, which can shrink or weaken fibers.
  
  
• Don’t Overwash: Wash after each wear only when necessary — over-washing reduces fabric life.

Uniform Stain Removal Tips

For stubborn stains like coffee, ink, or grease, pre-treat the area before washing. Dab gently with a stain remover or mild detergent — never rub — to avoid spreading or setting the stain deeper into the fabric.

How to Read Laundry Symbols for Uniforms

Laundry labels can be confusing, but understanding their symbols helps your uniforms last longer. Here’s a quick guide to what they mean and how to apply them when washing, drying, or ironing your workwear.

Learning to read laundry symbols for uniforms ensures your garments look sharp, maintain their structure, and perform better wash after wash.

How to Dry Uniforms and Prevent Wrinkles

Whenever possible, skip the tumble dryer. Air drying is gentler and helps prevent shrinking or fabric breakdown.
Uniform Drying Tips:

• Line Dry: Avoid high heat that can weaken fibers or fade colors.
  
  
• Steam Instead of Iron: A garment steamer works better for poly-cotton blends and embroidered logos.
  
  
• Hang Immediately: Keeps uniforms in shape and reduces wrinkles.

How to Store Uniforms Properly

Proper storage plays a major role in extending your uniform’s life and keeping it ready for daily wear.

• Hang Lightweight Fabrics: Use sturdy wooden or velvet hangers for shirts and dresses; avoid wire ones that distort fabric shape.
• Fold Heavier Items: Sweaters, aprons, or denim workwear should be folded to prevent stretching.
• Keep Space Between Items: Overcrowding leads to creasing and odors.
• Use Garment Bags: Protect specialty uniforms like suits from dust and moisture buildup.

Why Uniform Care Matters for Professionals

Taking the time to care for your uniform is more than about looks — it’s about protecting your investment and maintaining professionalism. Clean, well-kept garments project trust and confidence across every industry, from healthcare and hospitality to corporate and industrial workwear.

Looking for durable, easy-care uniforms?
Speak with our team to learn how Affinity’s uniform programs combine quality, longevity, and comfort.

Download our Uniform Care Symbol Guide for a quick reference to wash instructions wherever you are.