Disposable Gloves – Which Are Best?
You may think all disposable gloves are created equal. But nothing could be further from the truth. Let’s take a look at the properties each type of glove offers, and which might be best suited for your needs.
Nitrile Gloves
Made of a synthetic copolymer, Nitrile gloves are waterproof, greaseproof, chemical and puncture resistant. In fact, they are four times stronger than latex and vinyl gloves of the same thickness.
Nitrile disposable gloves also provide protection against blood-borne pathogens and minor abrasions, and are ideal for anyone who has an allergy to the rubber protein used in latex gloves.
Whilst Nitrile gloves are the most expensive, they are suitable for the widest range of uses from household chores to cooking and medical environments.
Latex Gloves
Made of a rubber protein, latex gloves offer a high degree of sensitivity and flexibility. They provide similar protection to pathogens as Nitrile gloves, however, they do cause allergies in many people, and for that reason are not recommended in many environments.
Because they are slightly cheaper than Nitrile, latex disposable gloves are still often used in tattoo parlours, aged care facilities and the like.
Vinyl Gloves
Vinyl gloves are made from petroleum-based PVC. They provide limited protection against chemicals and pathogens because, when they stretch during use, the protective barrier they provide is compromised. This also makes them less durable than other gloves.
These are the cheapest disposable gloves, but they are only really suitable for light cleaning duties and food preparation.
Why Powder Free?
You might be wondering about the benefits of Powdered vs Powder Free.
While powdered gloves are easier to get on and off, Powder Free gloves are not only stronger, but they are better for use in any situation where they may get wet, or you are using oil and chemicals. This is because Powdered gloves have corn starch in them, which doesn’t interact well with liquids.
Powdered gloves are not suitable for use in any food preparation or mechanical situation.
Rubber Gloves – Reusable
Whilst disposable gloves are the most suitable choice for a great many situations, there may be times when old-fashioned reusable rubber gloves are called for. Some of the benefits of rubber gloves over disposables are:
- Because of their thickness they are easier to get on and off whilst in use, particularly when wet
- Their length protects your wrists as well as your hands, so if you are reaching in to clean an oven, for instance, they provide greater protection
- Many have a honeycomb or textured pattern on the fingertips and palm, giving them increased grip
If you would like to ensure you have the right gloves on hand for any task, Jamac Cleaning Supplies can help you. Click here if you would like to order, or if you would like further information and advice on the best way to tackle your particular cleaning-related problems, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or (02) 9838 1220.
Products Recommended In This Article:
Nitrile Gloves (Powder Free)
Vinyl Gloves (Powder Free)
Latex Gloves (Powder Free)
Rubber Gloves