A medical professional’s lab coat is more than a uniform. It conveys expertise, authority, professionalism and attention to detail. In other words, that simple white coat needs to always look its best.
That’s why many hospitals and medical clinics bring their practitioners’ lab coats to Oceanside Cleaners. They know we will return them quickly and in pristine condition, time after time.
If you’ve never thought about lab coats, here’s your chance: Learn four fun facts about lab coats and why we give them special care and treatment.
Fun Fact #1: Lab coats are an investment
Medical and nursing students usually purchase their first lab coat to mark the start of their clinical rotations. Prices can vary from $25 to $150 or more, depending on the brand and quality. But remember, practitioners who choose to wear white coats daily must purchase several of them, because the coats become unclean and unsanitary in the course of patient care.
Knowing the value of this investment, Oceanside takes particular care in cleaning lab coats. We use effective but gentle cleaning and sanitizing agents — and never chlorine bleach — to help the items stand up to frequent laundering.
Fun Fact #2: The most common stain is NOT blood
One would think bodily fluids, like blood, would be a frequent challenge in cleaning lab coats, but Oceanside owner Mike Harris says he’s more likely to detect another culprit: ink.
“Doctors are constantly making notes or writing prescriptions and then putting their open pens in their pockets,” he says. “That is actually a much harder challenge than bodily fluids.”
Oceanside can often remove ink stains, as well as other stains, using spotting agents before cleaning. As with all stains, the sooner the stain is treated, the better.
Fun Fact #3: Machine washing is not enough
Oceanside puts all white coats through a sanitization process, which involves soaking them at a particular temperature and for a specified time to kill germs and bacteria. Then our experts introduce an alkaline-heavy cleaning solution that breaks down oils and greases that can otherwise turn white coats a drabby and dull gray.
“When doctors or nurses unwrap their clean coats, they always remark how bright and white we’ve made them,” Harris says. That’s because we know the right process and agents to use to return the fabric to its true color.”
Fun Fact #4: Loose or missing buttons are an occupational hazard
With lab coats put on and taken off multiple times a day, they often arrive at Oceanside with loose or missing buttons. Our staff inspects each coat upon arrival to note any loose or missing buttons as well as treat stains. Then, before pressing, we fix or replace these buttons, free of charge.
Our goal is to return each lab coat ready to pull off the hanger and wear immediately, so the practitioner can jump into another busy day caring for patients.
If you are a medical professional or clinic manager and want to know more about our lab coat service, give us a call: (904) 642-6177. In addition to cleaning, we provide complimentary pick up and delivery. We would love to show you our handiwork!