Home Washing Healthcare Uniforms – What You Need to Know

Keeping your scrubs clean isn’t just about looking professional – it’s part of infection prevention. In an ideal world, every set of scrubs, tunic or gown would go through a proper commercial laundry that meets EN14065, so you know it’s been disinfected and handled correctly. That’s the safest route and it helps reduce the risk of cross infection.

But that’s not always how healthcare works in the UK. Community staff, bank and agency workers, care home teams and even some NHS staff sometimes must launder uniforms at home. When that happens, the way you wash becomes really important.

Recently, De Montford University undertook a study on this very issue which called for the NHS to revise their guidelines. It’s a good reminder that domestic washing machines – especially on cooler, shorter cycles – don’t always give you the level of hygiene you need for clinical garments.

Steve Salt, Director of Business Development at AWB, summed up the concern:

“This scientific study highlights the importance of correct laundering protocols to reduce the risk of cross infection. AWB supports commercial laundering, but accepts that not everyone has access to a commercial laundry, This is why, AWB have designed and tested all of our own-brand scrubs including the 1^st Choice & Galaxy Stretch ranges to be compliant with the recommendations of the De Montford University study for washing uniforms at home.”

That’s the heart of it: commercial laundering is best, but if you must wash at home, you need to do it properly.

Why Temperature Matters

One of the big findings around domestic laundering is that short cycles and low temperatures may not remove harmful bacteria effectively. Domestic machines don’t always reach the temperature on the display, and over time biofilms can build up inside the drum, reducing cleaning performance even further.

That’s why AWB recommends washing your uniform at 60°C as a minimum, and ideally 70°C. All AWB own-brand garments – Galaxy, Galaxy Stretch, 1st Choice and First Choice Pro – have been tested to withstand washing at 70°C, so you can run a hotter wash without worrying about damaging the garment.

AWB’s Home Washing Guidelines

If you’re laundering at home, follow these steps to help protect yourself, your patients and your household:

1. Use a long wash cycle. Quick/rapid cycles might be fine for everyday clothes, but they don’t give clinical uniforms enough time in heat and detergent.
2. Wash at 60°C or higher. If your machine allows, go to 70°C. Domestic machines can underperform, so a higher setting gives you some safety margin. AWB own garments are tested to this level.
3. Wash separately. Don’t mix clinical uniforms with the family wash – it helps prevent cross contamination.
4. Clean the machine regularly. Run an empty 90°C cycle or use a washing machine cleanser to help reduce biofilm build-up.
5. Replace your machine about every four years. Older domestic machines can lose efficiency and may not be reaching the temperatures you’re relying on.

These points reflect what microbiology specialists are saying and match AWB’s commitment to safe, durable workwear for healthcare.

AWB Garments – Built for Performance

AWB designs its own-brand garments to cope with real-world healthcare use – including higher-temperature laundering.

Here’s a quick recap of the ranges:

• Galaxy: Premium scrubs and tunics, jogger-style trousers, maternity options and men’s/women’s fits.
• Galaxy Stretch adds 4-way stretch fabric for extra flexibility during busy shifts.
• 1st Choice: Easy-care poly/cotton scrubs, and fully reversible. Includes V-neck tops, drawstring trousers, gowns and robes.
• First Choice Pro: A budget-friendly option that combines popular features from Galaxy and 1st Choice, made from lightweight poly/cotton blends.

Every AWB garment has been tested to withstand washing at 70°C, so whether you’re using a commercial service or washing at home, you can trust it to hold up.

Final Thoughts

Home laundering isn’t always the preferred option – but sometimes it’s the only practical one. When that’s the case, doing it hotter, longer and separately makes a real difference, and keeping the machine clean is part of that.

AWB will continue supporting UK healthcare professionals with garments that meet hygiene standards and work in real settings – not just in theory.

And if you’d like to look at the research that prompted the recent industry discussion, the De Montfort University work on domestic laundering and low-temperature, short-cycle washing goes into exactly why home machines don’t always reach effective disinfection levels.

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