You wear your scrub cap for 8, 10, sometimes 14 hours at a time. It deals with sweat, hand sanitizer fumes, hospital air and the occasional coffee splash. Washing it properly after every shift keeps it hygienic, and it's also the single biggest thing you can do to make a good cap last for years instead of months.
Here's how we recommend caring for your Shiftchange and Co scrub caps, whether you have a classic cotton lining or our satin-lined option.
How often should you wash a scrub cap?
After every shift. A scrub cap sits against your hair and forehead all day and is exposed to the same environment as your scrubs. Treat it like your scrubs: wear it once, then wash it. That's also why most healthcare workers keep a rotation of several caps (more on that in how many scrub caps you actually need).
Step-by-step: machine washing a cotton scrub cap
- Untie and flatten it. Loosen the ties or elastic so water can move through every layer.
- Put it in a mesh laundry bag. This stops long ties from tangling around your scrubs and protects the stitching.
- Wash cold or warm on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent. Cold water helps printed cotton keep its colour.
- Skip the bleach. Chlorine bleach fades prints fast. If you need extra sanitizing, look for a colour-safe laundry sanitizer.
- Air dry or tumble dry low. Hanging to dry is gentlest; a low dryer setting is fine when you're in a hurry.
- Press with a warm iron if you like a crisp look, especially along the brim of a Euro-style cap.
How to wash a satin-lined scrub cap
Satin linings are the reason so many nurses with curly, natural or long hair love our caps (we explain why in why a satin-lined scrub cap is a game-changer). To keep that lining smooth:
- Always use a mesh bag and a delicate cycle, or hand wash in cool water.
- Avoid fabric softener, which can leave a film on satin.
- Air dry away from direct heat. High dryer heat is the fastest way to dull satin.
- If it needs pressing, iron on the cotton side on low.
Hand washing between laundry days
Working a stretch of shifts and short on clean caps? Fill a sink with cool water and a small squeeze of gentle detergent, swish the cap for a couple of minutes, rinse until the water runs clear, roll it in a towel to press out water, and hang it overnight. It'll be ready for your next shift.
Stain tips for common shift messes
- Makeup or sunscreen on the brim: dab with a little dish soap before washing.
- Coffee or tea: rinse in cold water as soon as you can, then pre-treat.
- Sweat marks: soak for 30 minutes in cool water with a bit of oxygen-based (colour-safe) stain remover.
How to store your scrub caps
Fold them flat or roll them and keep them in a drawer or a small basket by the door so grabbing one is part of your pre-shift routine. Avoid stuffing a damp cap into your work bag, as trapped moisture leads to odours.
Scrub cap care FAQ
Can I put my scrub cap in the dryer?
Yes, on low heat. Air drying is gentler and helps both prints and satin linings last longer.
Will my scrub cap shrink?
Cotton can shrink slightly with very hot water and high heat. Washing cold and drying low keeps the fit consistent.
Can I wash my scrub cap with my scrubs?
Absolutely, just pop it in a mesh bag first so the ties don't wrap around everything else.
Build a rotation you love
A well-cared-for cap can keep you company for years. If you're ready to add a few more to the rotation, browse our strawberry floral scrub cap, the strawberry daisy coquette cap, or our full range of handmade scrub caps in Euro, Euro Ponytail and Tie Back styles.