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Nurse.com Blog

5 Ways to Breathe Life Into Old Scrubs

Nurse comforting patient sitting on couch

There comes a time for every set of scrubs, even your favorites, to be retired. Whether they're worn out -- they can only last for so many wash cycles -- or just aren't serving you anymore, give your old faithful scrubs a new purpose. Try one of these five ways to repurpose your scrubs and get a new perk from your old uniform. 1. Donate to an organization You can donate your scrubs to local organizations such as Goodwill and the Salvation Army. Find more organizations that can redistribute your gently used scrubs via an internet search. Scrubs should be clean, without tears, and should not have a name embroidered on it, although institutional names are OK. 2. Fashion a new shirt If you're savvy with a sewing machine, follow this tutorial by Jillian at Refashionista for a casual summer shirt that will keep you cool and relaxed. 3. Honor a retiring nurse Fill a shadow box with a folded scrub top, a stethoscope or lanyard, or other mementos for a retiring nurse to commemorate their legacy, or a new nurse to welcome them to the profession. Check out this beauty on Pinterest for inspiration. 4. Make a tote The only thing more useful than wearing your scrubs is carrying your stuff in them! Check out this scrub tote bag and create your own. 5. Keep for rags Use scrubs to dust, wipe down your car after a car wash, or clean up detergent spills in your laundry room. The rags can be washed, making it a reusable resource, and saving paper towel waste in the process. Double bonus!  

Your turn

How do you repurpose old scrubs? Share your creative ideas with our Scrubbed In readers.