To get a little guidance on gloves, we spoke to Krissia Garcia, CEO of KrissKlean, an American House Cleaners Association Certified cleaning company. “Nitrile gloves are the best,” she explains. As a cleaning professional, Garcia says her staff wears gloves to clean ovens, stoves, toilets, and showers. It turns out nitrile gloves are known in the cleaning industry as having high levels of chemical and puncture resistance, which is especially comforting if you’re using heavy-duty chemicals. After taking a close look at value, durability, fit, effectiveness, and feel, hands down, here are the best rubber gloves for cleaning. They have a rough texture, which helps with grip. It also allows you to use the screen on your phone without taking the gloves off, although you might want to consider the possibility of contamination before doing so. These gloves are latex-free and powder-free on the inside, making them ideal for people with skin sensitivities or allergies. Still, these gloves are a bit pricey and might be more protection than you need, especially if you aren’t going to use harsh cleaning chemicals. They can also rip easily if you wear jewelry or watches, particularly those with sharp edges or points. While they are cheaper per pair than reusable gloves, these are made to be disposable, and you’ll need to use a new pair after each use. Price at time of publish: $18 But while they can give you plenty of protection, they can also get warm if you use them to wash dishes in hot water. After prolonged use, the interior can start to wear, and the cotton lining may flake off, causing chafing. Price at time of publish: $2 They are made with latex-free vinyl that makes them easy to put on. You can also take them off as soon as you are done. These gloves are thin and better suited for light tasks, such as cleaning up after a pet or picking up a diaper pail, rather than working with cleaning chemicals. They also won’t stretch like latex or nitrile can, which means they could break easily if you have bigger hands. Price at time of publish: $9 The interior is an orange liner made out of the same latex. This makes them easier to clean and care for but doesn’t provide much comfort. They’re also expensive for gloves. But if you need heavy-duty protection, these are a solid investment. Price at time of publish: $10 Latex alternatives, such as nitrile or vinyl, are often less soft and pliable, but these are every bit as flexible as traditional latex rubber gloves. They also have textured grip. While they can be expensive, even for reusable gloves, these are a good choice for washing dishes or cleaning. If you know that you’ll be working with harsh chemicals, you’ll likely need something a little more heavy duty. Price at time of publish: $14 They are 4-millimeters thick and best suited for intricate tasks. You’ll find that your hands will be fully protected, but still maintain a good level of dexterity. These aren’t thick or heavy-duty gloves, so just know you shouldn’t be handling harsh chemicals or sharp objects when using them. Price at time of publish: $9 One drawback, though, is that the gloves don’t have a lining, which some people prefer. While they may not be as comfortable during the first few uses, they’ll also last longer without deteriorating and are easier to keep clean. The set comes with three sets of gloves, one in each size. This allows you to find the best fit, but that also means you might be left with the remaining pair that isn’t as comfortable. Price at time of publish: $13 But, they stop right at the wrist, so your arm won’t be protected. Depending on the size and setup of your grill or smoker, this may not be an issue for you. They have cotton lining for comfort and even come with a lifetime warranty. If anything happens to your gloves, the company will replace them. This is a great feature, considering they are one of the most expensive gloves on our list. Price at time of publish: $29 Depending on the chore at hand, you may need to consider the cost of each material because changing out gloves on the regular is pretty essential to cleaning. “We need to change our gloves between different areas,” confirms Garcia. “You can’t use the same gloves after cleaning the shower to clean the toilet.” Make sure you do the math, and look at the price per glove, depending on the material you choose, especially if you are buying a bulk package.
Durability
One of the most important things to look for in a pair of rubber gloves is the right thickness and durability for the task. As our list shows, gloves can be very thin. Thin gloves are useful because they can be suitable to maintain dexterity while still providing a protective barrier for hands. Others are heavy duty and can provide plenty of protection against harsh cleaning chemicals, sharp objects, and scratches from animals. That’s why for our overall best pick, we chose Gloveworks Black Disposable Nitrile Industrial Gloves, which are extra durable for a variety of projects around the home. Most gloves are somewhere in between these two extremes. As you shop, be sure to compare glove thickness to find the right protection for the job you are doing.
Size and Length
Gloves can vary in size, which is based on the length and width of the wearer’s hand. Many gloves come in three or four different hand sizes. Some also have varying lengths, all the way from stopping at the wrist to extending above the elbow. For this reason, we love the Yslon Rubber Cleaning Gloves, which is available in three sizes, so that you can find the perfect fit. Plus, each size goes up in length. Even if you opt for a one-size-fits-all glove, it’s a smart idea to always compare the measurements to your own. No one wants to spend money on rubber gloves, only to find out they won’t fit!
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Katie Melynn, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. Katie has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. She tested out reusable and disposable gloves while cleaning her home to find a good pair of rubber gloves, including ones that had good fit and durability. You should also store your rubber gloves in a place where they can get air to prevent mold or mildew from forming. They should also stay out of harsh sunlight and extreme hot or cold temperatures to keep in the best shape. Also, store them away from knives or other sharp objects that may puncture them as you take other items in and out of the same drawer. Katie also talked to cleaning expert Krissia Garcia, CEO of KrissKlean. Garcia has over 11 years of cleaning experience and knows a thing or two about when it’s necessary to wear gloves while cleaning and what makes them comfortable and safe.
