Housework… It never ends.
Making beds, washing dishes, cleaning floors, dusting, laundry, folding toilets and sinks, vacuuming, sweeping, window washing, never mind cooking, and shopping.
It takes a very long time and saps a lot of your energy.
There is even research about time spent on housework that has been done by The National Bureau of Economic Research Department at the University of California.
It has found that “Women between the ages of 18 and 64 spent 18 fewer hours on housework each week in 2005 than they did in 1900. However, men aged 18-64 took up much of the slack, spending about 13 hours more on housework now than in 1900.” [1]
Why am I mentioning all of this?
Because we need to take care of ourselves while getting everything done around us.
And this will only happen by taking baby steps every time.
Of course, there is no place to get away from it, and housework isn’t going to disappear.
For example, our body and skin often come into contact with cleaning products via direct or indirect touch.
Those cleaning products include glass, toilet, floor, laundry powders, dishwashing detergents, and oven cleaners.
Then, while cleaning, our hands are tortured, whether due to toxins in cleaning products or the frequent washing and dipping in and out of water.
All these products irritate your skin, damage your skin barrier, and could be dangerous to your health. [2]
So, the first and simplest step in caring for oneself is to clean with hand gloves.
In this article, we will discuss one kind in particular: the dishwashing glove.
I am focusing on types, features, and how to keep them for a more extended period.
All you need to do is to relax and try to read slowly.
Hopefully, you will find it enjoyable.
Types of Dishwashing Gloves
There are several materials used in manufacturing these reusable dish gloves.
Here are a few of the most commonly used:
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Latex
Latex gloves are perhaps the most popular product on the market and are widely used in kitchens.
They are a type of rubber glove but are highly flexible, allowing you the talent you need while doing the dishes.
Latex is a standard product that comes from rubber trees.
When the rubber tree bark is shaved, the tree naturally oozes the product that is processed into usable latex.
The liquid latex material necessary to make latex gloves is then formed by adding chemicals and compounds.
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Natural and Synthetic Rubber
Rubber gloves are thick and durable.
They are not only fantastic for heat protection, but they are also ideal for heavy-duty work.
Synthetic gloves are becoming a more popular alternative to latex gloves since they can be used in more situations, especially for people who are allergic to latex.
Nitrile is one example of a Man-Made polymer generally resistant to oil, fuel, and other chemicals.
Nitrile gloves are the most common dish gloves you’ll ever come across because they are affordable and can be used against any less acidic product, such as detergents, dishwashing soaps, alkalis, etc.
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Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
PVC gloves have become more popular recently because of their durability and efficacy in resisting water and grease.
They are similar to nitrile gloves made with a synthetically derived polymer material.
This polymer is utilized to create the glove, which helps producers avoid latex allergy issues.
Another advantage is that PVC polymer is relatively cheap to manufacture.
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Silicone
Silicone gloves are ideal for people who are allergic to latex.
In addition to having the elasticity of latex gloves, silicone gloves can endure high temperatures and are very easy to maintain.
This is also synthetic rubber made from a durable dishwasher-safe material, making it easy to clean up any spills or messes.
The most popular form is the cleaning glove with a wash scrubber with silicone bristles on the palms and fingers.
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Neoprene
Neoprene gloves can also be used for dishwashing as they are manufactured to provide maximum protection from harsh chemicals such as detergents and dishwashing soaps.
These gloves are magnificently known as corrosive gloves.
After learning about this product’s chemistry, you know that neoprene gloves are pretty defensive for most hydrocarbons but still act powerless for halogenated and fragrant hydrocarbons.
How To Choose Dishwashing Gloves?
Kitchen cleaning gloves may appear simple, but there are various aspects to consider before picking what works best for you.
I usually consider length, cuff, material, and size.
Here are more details:
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Size
Measure your hands and compare them to the glove size chart.
You may not always get lucky and get the perfect fit, so choose the size that is closest to yours.
Make sure you have enough breathing space, so your hands don’t sweat.
Because if the gloves aren’t comfy or lined on the inside, they aren’t the right ones because they can get sweaty on the inside, making it difficult to take them off or put them back on.
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Material
It is essential to figure out the type of material of the gloves before purchasing them.
Dishwashing gloves are often made of rubber or silicone.
We have already mentioned the various materials used in manufacturing these house cleaning gloves.
Some of these gloves come with a soft lining which helps keep your hands dry, especially if you are prone to sweating.
This is also great if you have sensitive skin or are allergic to latex.
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Thickness
Gloves are usually made of thin, flimsy material, provide little heat protection, and are prone to tearing.
For the kitchen, It is essential to have thick gloves that are also flexible for smooth mobility.
Because if the gloves you just bought are bulky and rigid, they may not be suitable for washing glassware or delicate dishes.
Overly thick and stiff gloves would be more suitable for gardening.
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Length
Choosing gloves with longer sleeves is better if you frequently splash water around while cleaning.
Because when a glove is too short and does not adequately cover your cuffs or sleeves, water will likely run over the edges and slip inside, making your hands wet,
This is the worst situation to face while washing dishes
Other factors to consider when selecting and using rubber gloves include the following:
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Please keep it clean
Moisture inside the gloves can make a yucky mess to put your hands back in for your next job.
For this reason, you should reverse the gloves to dry them after wearing them.
This will eliminate the possibility of bacteria for subsequent use and extend the gloves’ life.
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Use different gloves
Although they are multipurpose, you should use each glove for a specific reason.
For example, dishwashing gloves should only be used for washing dishes; they should not be used for home cleaning simultaneously, as this can easily lead to infection.
It is not hygienic to wash your dishes with the gloves you wear when you scrub the toilet.
For this reason, buy them in different colors and keep them separate so that they’re easy to find and you won’t mix them up.
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Get a well-known brand.
There are numerous brands of kitchen gloves available today, made of natural or synthetic rubber and available in thin and thick forms.
You can select the appropriate type based on your needs.
However, regardless of the sort of product you choose, it is critical to avoid purchasing low-quality items that might cause skin irritation.
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Eczema and sensitive skin
Skin allergies and eczema are closely related.
They are both considered “allergic conditions” and involve the immune system.
You can differentiate between both by the shape of the rash. [3]
Therefore, if you have any of them, it is not surprising to carefully select a proper cleaning glove to protect your hands.
So, to keep irritation to a minimum, do not wear these dishwashing gloves for more than 15–20 minutes.
Warmer gloves will work better in the cold to reduce the effect of irritation while washing dishes.
Gloves with cotton linings are also preferable to those without since they absorb moisture, allowing for a more comfortable dishwashing experience.
They are also easier to put on and take off.
When dishwashing with hot water, the thicker material on your gloves performs better than the thinner material.
How to Clean, Sanitize & Store dishwashing Gloves?
Someone may think this is not worth it as rubber gloves are relatively cheap to replace.
Then why the effort?
Well, it is not just for saving money but also to prevent that bad, foul-smelling smell which is a sign that mold and germs have taken up residence inside the gloves.
You don’t want this on your hands.
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How to Clean?
First, Take a few minutes at the end of the duty to rinse them properly.
You can do this while still wearing them to avoid putting water and residue on your hands.
You can use dish soap or mild detergents.
Do not use harsh chemicals which contain bleach since these can lead the rubber to lose elasticity, weaken, and crack.
Don’t forget the fingertips and folds.
Wait till the outside is dry before proceeding.
Then, make a soap and warm water mixture, flip the gloves inside out, and soak them for a few minutes.
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How to Dry?
It is ideal for hanging them upright in an excellent, well-ventilated location.
Avoid exposing them to external heat sources such as sunlight, hair dryers, or clothes dryers.
Because heat will cause the rubber to stretch and break down.
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How to Disinfect?
When the gloves are completely dry, apply a disinfectant such as alcohol on the outside.
Please don’t put chemicals on the inside, as they can irritate your skin.
If you want to use white vinegar, mix half vinegar and half clean water.
Wipe the outside well using a towel or cotton ball with this mixture.
Finally, hang them upside down and let them totally air dry.
Wear your gloves only when they are dry.
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How to Store?
Do you have any idea why dishwashing gloves usually get sticky?
Actually, because of how we keep them in the wrong place without properly washing all the oils and grease from their surface.
As we stated before, heat and sunlight are not suitable for rubber.
Besides, do not hang them in a random location close to the sink because, as we said, moisture can stick to rubber and create a horrible smell.
Instead, please keep them in a drawer, for example, with your dry cleaning rags.
Also, don’t store them with knives, shears, or other pointy objects, or they will get punctured.
How long should dishwashing Gloves last?
Different gloves wear out at different rates.
There are too many variables involved to predict when this occurs accurately.
It depends on how often they are used and well taken care of.
In addition, the material of a pair of dishwashing gloves typically impacts their longevity.
They should last between 6 months to one year in a perfect world.
But what if they develop a hole or tear?
How can I notice this before getting my hands wet?
Over time, due to residues on the surface and continuous use, the gloves develop signs showing that it’s about time to replace them.
So, before washing your dishes, look closely at them and search for these signs.
When do I need to Replace My dishwashing Gloves?
It would be best to do it when you have signs of degradation or worn-out surfaces.
These signs include:
- The color is too faded.
- They have a highly unpleasant smell that might transfer to your hands after use.
- They get punctures, holes, cracks, or tiny splits.
- They are stretched and tend to loosen when you put them on.
- They become sticky.
How to Test Dishwashing Gloves?
Put any kitchen cleaning gloves to the test, use them in regular household tasks and score things that either obstruct or facilitate work completion.
For instance, try gloves on simple tasks like everyday after-dinner dish duty with more delicate items like wine glasses and any heavy pots and pans.
Then assess the following features:
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Quality and Durability
When evaluating quality and durability, examine the glove’s fabric, thickness, and flexibility.
So test it to ensure the glove is completely waterproof and won’t tear easily when stretched.
Think about thoughtful and practical details, such as the cuff lip that keeps water contained.
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Versatility
This is an essential ranking factor when engaging in a variety of tasks.
Because most people want the gloves to be convenient for moving from task to task without needing to remove them often.
Perhaps you can also see how simple it is to remove it, for example, if you want to answer the phone.
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Comfort
When judging the comfort of each glove, check for any minor modifications that are needed, features that aid in keeping the glove in place, and any lining and design options that make wearing the gloves pleasant.
Lined dishwashing gloves are preferred than not lined ones.
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Grip
The grip of each glove should also be tested, as both the glove size, fit, and material can influence the clumsiness, which may also lead to broken dishes and an additional mess to clean.
Look for the textures in the design, especially on the palm.
This usually means a better grip.
Conclusion
Dishwashing gloves can do beautiful things.
They will protect your hands and nails from harm caused by harsh dish soap, hot water, and other cleaning detergents.
Furthermore, they allow you to use hotter water than usual to sanitize your dishes truly.
Besides, they can also shield your cuffs and sleeves from water splashes.
Dishwashing gloves are often made of rubber to be heat resistant.
Rubber gloves are solid and versatile, making them excellent for dishwashing since they do not hinder your finger movements.
Rubber gloves are also noted for their durability and tear resistance.
Depending on the nature of your activity, dishwashing gloves are available in various sizes and thicknesses.
Their efficiency is determined by the quality and type of material used.
These gloves, whether made of silicone or rubber, are simple to use and protect your hands.
Also, while buying kitchen gloves, be careful not to select any too small.
Because a poor fit can ruin a good cleaning experience, while a good fit, along with additional excellent traits, can optimize any cleaning experience.
Finally, if you consider what you truly need to perform with your glove, you can get the one with the most options that perfectly suit you.
Best of luck, and have fun cleaning your house.