How to Wash a Lab Coat (and Keep a White One White)

A school lab coat gets worn weekly for six years — that's a lot of washes. Here's how to wash one so it lasts, in plain English.

The Basics

Wash it separately the first few times, especially new navy coats — dark colours can release dye in the first washes
Normal machine wash, cold or warm (30–40°C) is fine for regular cleaning
Use ordinary detergent — no bleach needed for day-to-day washing
Hang it to dry — a coat on a hanger dries overnight and keeps its shape. The dryer is the fastest way to shrink a coat that then doesn't fit

Getting Marks Out of a White Coat

Science classes leave marks — here's what works:

Treat marks early. The older the mark, the harder it sets. A dab of laundry pre-wash spray on pen or bench marks before washing handles most of them
Wash white coats with whites only. Washing with dark clothes is how white coats turn grey
For stubborn marks: soak in a laundry soaker (e.g. nappy-soaker style products) for a few hours, then wash normally. It's gentle on fabric and shifts most science-class marks
Don't use chlorine bleach as a first resort — repeated use yellows the fabric and weakens the weave over years

What About Logo Printing?

Our logo printing is DTF — a print method rated to keep its quality through 50+ washes. Wash printed coats the same as any other; no special treatment needed.

Mistakes That Wreck Coats

The dryer every week — shrinks and fades years early. Hang dry instead
Leaving a marked coat in the school bag for weeks — marks set. A quick pre-treat at the weekend keeps it easy
Washing new navy with whites — first washes release dye

The Six-Year Rule

Looked after properly, one lab coat lasts from Year 7 to Year 12 — that's exactly what it's built for, so don't be precious about it, just follow the basics above.

Need a new coat because the old one finally gave up? Browse the Shop or check your child's measurements on the Sizing Chart. Questions about a specific stain or fabric issue? Contact us — we've heard them all.