Can You Put Scrubs in the Dryer?

Every nurse has had that moment—you toss your scrubs into the wash after a long shift, hit the dryer button, and suddenly wonder... Am I about to shrink these?

Scrubs go through a lot: movement, constant wear, long days and frequent washing. How you dry them plays a big role in how they look and feel over time. Heat can influence everything from softness to color to shape retention so it’s worth taking a moment to understand the best approach.

Let’s walk through what’s safe, what’s not, and how to keep your scrubs feeling like new.

The General Rule

The Quick Answer: Yes, You Can Put Scrubs in the Dryer (But Heat Matters)

Most modern scrubs handle the dryer just fine—as long as you stick to low or medium heat. These settings are gentle enough to protect the fibers while still drying your scrubs completely.

What you want to avoid is high heat. Too much heat can lead to:

• Shrinking
• Duller color
• A rougher feel over time
• Quicker breakdown of stretch fabrics
• Premature wear

So yes, you can use the dryer—just keep the heat on the gentler side.

How Different Fabrics React to Heat

Not all scrubs behave the same way in the dryer. Their fabric blend determines how sensitive they’ll be to heat.

• Polyester-rich blends: Hold their shape well and resist shrinking.
• Cotton-heavy fabrics: More prone to tightening or shrinking, especially at higher temperatures.
• Spandex/Elastane: Can lose their stretch or recovery when repeatedly exposed to high heat.

Knowing your fabric gives you a head start on caring for it well.

How Different Scrub Fabrics React in the Dryer

Polyester & Performance Blends

Polyester blends are popular in scrubs because they’re durable, soft and less likely to shrink. They also:

• Dry quickly
• Stay smooth
• Hold color well
• Maintain their shape with proper heat settings

Low or medium heat keeps them feeling soft and supportive.

Shop Polyester Blend Scrubs

Cotton & Cotton-Blends

Cotton is breathable and comfortable—but also more sensitive to heat.

High-heat drying can lead to:

• Noticeable shrinkage
• Shortened hemlines
• A tighter overall fit
• Fading colors

If your scrubs contain a good amount of cotton, low heat or air drying will help them last longer and stay true to size.

Spandex / Elastane / Stretch Fabrics

Stretch fabrics add ease and flexibility—especially during long shifts. But repeated high heat weakens those fibers over time.

Signs of heat damage may include:

• Less stretch
• Knees or elbows that don’t bounce back
• A looser, worn-in feel

Low heat helps keep your scrubs stretchy and supportive. For more on fabric types, check out our guide to different types of scrubs fabric.

Shop Stretchy Scrubs

Best Practices for Drying Your Scrubs Safely

Use Low or Medium Heat

The easiest way to keep scrubs looking and feeling their best. These settings are gentle on fibers, help preserve color and keep fabrics soft over time.

Remove Scrubs Promptly to Avoid Wrinkles

Letting scrubs sit in the dryer creates creases that are hard to smooth out later. Taking them out right away helps them stay neat with minimal effort.

Consider Air Drying When You Can

Air drying is especially helpful for:

• Cotton-heavy scrubs
• Bright, saturated colors
• Stretch fabrics
• Embroidered styles

Even air-drying halfway and then finishing in the dryer on low can extend their life.

Turn Scrubs Inside Out Before Drying

This simple step protects the outer surface from friction and fading, keeping your scrubs looking newer, longer.

What Happens If You Use High Heat?

High heat may not ruin your scrubs instantly, but the effects build up over time.

Increased Shrinkage

Cotton shrinks quickly when exposed to high temperatures. Hems get shorter, scrub tops feel tighter and overall proportions change.

Reduced Elasticity

Stretch fabrics lose their recovery, which can make them feel baggy instead of supportive.

Faster Color Fading

Dark, rich colors like navy, black, wine and ceil fade first—and high heat accelerates that process.

Possible Damage to Prints or Embroidery

Delicate details like embroidery and printed designs can warp or fray with too much heat.

How to Prevent Shrinking or Damage

Follow the Care Tag

Every scrub fabric is a little different. The care label is the most reliable guide for how to treat yours.

Wash in Cold Water

Cold water helps prevent shrinkage and keeps colors looking vibrant.

Avoid Overloading the Dryer

Too many clothes at once prevents proper airflow and creates uneven heat—which isn’t ideal for longevity.

Separate Scrubs from Heavy Items

Large items like towels or hoodies can rub against scrubs and stretch them out. Smaller loads are gentler and more effective.

Drying Tips for Hygiene & Safety

How Proper Drying Helps Keep Your Scrubs Clean

Fully drying your scrubs prevents lingering moisture, which can lead to odors or mildew. It also helps reduce microbial buildup after a shift.

Balancing Cleanliness and Fabric Care

You don’t need high heat to keep scrubs clean. Low or medium heat, paired with:

• Cold-water washing
• Good detergent
• Regular laundering after each shift

...is more than enough.

Use dryer sheets sparingly to avoid residue buildup.

What Nurses Ask About Drying Scrubs

Will my scrubs shrink in the dryer?

They might—especially cotton-heavy ones—if dried on high heat. Low or medium heat greatly reduces the risk.

Is tumble dry safe?

Yes. “Tumble dry low” is generally the safest for most scrubs.

Should I hang-dry instead?

Air drying is gentler and helps with longevity, especially for bright colors or stretch fabrics.

Can embroidered scrubs go in the dryer?

Yes, as long as you use low heat and turn them inside out.

Does the dryer heat affect color?

High heat does—darker shades lose vibrancy faster. Lower heat preserves color better.

How to Keep Your Scrubs Looking Their Best

Using the dryer is safe for most scrubs—the key is choosing the right settings. Gentle heat protects color, stretch and softness, and small habits like turning garments inside out or avoiding heavy loads go a long way.

Your scrubs move with you through long, meaningful days. With mindful care, they’ll stay comfortable, reliable and ready for every shift ahead.