Lab Coat Care Guide: Tips for Washing, Starching & Maintenance

1. Can You Wash Your Lab Coat at Home?

Most lab coats are designed to be machine-washable at home. By following proper protocols, you can maintain cleanliness and prolong the garment’s durability. If you'd prefer a crisp, stiff finish, consider applying wash-in starch—you can adjust the concentration to suit your preference. The starch helps repel stains and protects fibers from wear.

2. Washing Essentials

• Check Laundry Symbols
  Always verify the care label before washing. If it recommends special handling, follow those instructions.

• Soaking Before Washing
  If your lab coat has noticeable stains such as blood, soak it in water with regular laundry detergent before washing. Use lukewarm water (around 40 °C) and soak for 30–60 minutes. This temperature helps remove stains effectively without damaging the fabric. Avoid soaking for longer than one hour, as synthetic fibers like polyester may reabsorb dirt and become discolored.

• Using Bleach
  If bleaching is allowed, use oxygen-based (not chlorine) bleach to avoid damage and discoloration.

• Separating Laundry
  Always wash white lab coats separately from colored items. Use a laundry net to protect buttons and reduce friction.

• Shorter Spin Cycle
  Limit spin time to about 1–2 minutes, especially for polyester or mixed fabrics, to minimize wrinkles.

• Drying Tips
  Remove promptly and hang indoors or in a shaded area. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight, which can harden cotton fibers.

3. Tackling Specific Stains

• Sweat & Body Oils
  These often cause yellowing. Use a warm soak with detergent and oxygen bleach for about an hour.

• Ink Stains

  • Oil-based ink: Dab with ethanol or nail polish remover onto a cloth.

  • Water-based ink: Apply detergent. Always blot rather than rub.

4. Maintaining Sharpness with Starch

Applying liquid starch while washing can keep lab coats looking crisp. It forms a protective layer that helps repel stains. Use with caution: starched items shouldn't go into the dryer, as this can damage both the starch and the dryer.

5. Quick Fix for Wrinkles

When ironing isn’t feasible, lightly mist the coat using a spray bottle and smooth wrinkles with your hands. Alternatively, a quick spray-and-smooth method can make it presentable in minutes.

6. Additional Helpful Tricks

• Baby Powder for Sweat Protection
  Dust sweat-prone areas like collars or underarms with baby powder to absorb moisture and help prevent stains.

• Proper Storage
  Use thick wooden hangers to maintain shape; thin or plastic hangers may cause creases or attract dust due to static. Store in a ventilated, low-humidity space to prevent mildew.

7. When to Use Professional Cleaning

If home washing doesn’t yield satisfying results—especially for deep-set stains or delicate fabrics—consider dry cleaning or lab coat–specific laundering services. These can cost around ¥1,000–2,000, depending on type and service.

Summary Table: Quick Lab Coat Care Checklist