How to choose proper protective and medical gloves?

Protective gloves are useful in many industries on a daily basis, allowing to avoid direct contact with harmful or corrosive substances. Therefore, providing yourself or your employees with rubber cleaning gloves is absolutely necessary in order to effectively and in accordance with health and safety regulations clean floors, furniture and other surfaces. These personal protective equipment not only protect against the action of detergents, but also allow to maintain a high level of hygiene.

In the offer of our store you will find a wide selection of gloves - from disposable foil gloves to durable cleaning gloves for allergy sufferers.

Latex Cleaning Gloves

The most common type of gloves are those made of latex. They stand out because they fit tightly to the entire surface of the hand and fingers. They are such a versatile solution that they can be found in both the gastronomy industry and in medical facilities or laboratories. These types of gloves allow for protection of the skin from the effects of chemical substances, which cannot penetrate the membrane. Another extremely important advantage is the very thin layer of rubber, which does not interfere with sensation and allows for even precise, manual tasks to be performed.

The great advantage of latex products is their low price and easy availability. For those looking for such gloves for their home or business, we recommend non-sterile latex gloves, available in both "M" and "L" sizes. Unfortunately, latex cleaning gloves, although stretchy, can easily tear when put on carelessly. Therefore, it is worth carefully choosing their size when purchasing. It is also important to remember that this is not the only issue related to them - many people suffer from allergies to the synthetic material they are made of.

Some manufacturers choose to coat the inside of the gloves with talcum powder or powder, which improves grip and increases friction with the skin. In our store, both powdered latex cleaning gloves and powder-free gloves are available. The first option means that individual gloves do not stick together and are easier to remove from the box, but it should be taken into account that some people may be allergic to contact with powder and its derivatives and may prefer to use models that are free of this convenience.

Vinyl cleaning gloves

Vinyl is a material that can be placed between latex and nitrile in terms of utility properties. This PVC material is highly resistant to external factors, especially to the effects of grease. On the other hand, its use increases the stiffness of gloves and ensures that there is always at least a minimal free space between the skin and the protective layer.

The lack of elasticity makes it easier to put on and take off gloves, but at the same time increases the likelihood of unwanted substances getting inside and thus coming into contact with the skin. Accessories made of vinyl for cleaning are very cheap, so it is worth buying and using them when we do not want to perform a task with bare hands, and the materials used and actions taken do not require increased protection for the skin.

For those looking for a universal and skin-friendly solution, we recommend a wide selection of vinyl rubber cleaning gloves, available in sizes "S", "M" and "L". We offer vinyl gloves from the renowned company Mercator Medical in both powdered and powder-free versions.

Nitrile cleaning gloves

Nitrile is a special type of rubber. It is much more durable than latex, thicker, but also less stretchy. The unique composition of nitrile cleaning gloves makes them more resistant to abrasion and mechanical damage, and they also withstand contact with chemicals better. However, their lower flexibility means that these gloves do not adhere to the skin as tightly as latex, and therefore are less suitable for contact with liquid chemicals or medical preparations.

Nitrile is used to produce cleaning gloves for allergy sufferers because this material does not irritate as much as latex. We especially recommend powder-free nitrile gloves to people with delicate hands who struggle with skin problems. They are available in sizes "S", "M" or "L". The cuff edge is evenly rolled, making it easier to put them on and preventing the rubber from rolling out. The convenient packaging of one hundred pieces ensures they last for a long time.

Marcator brand gloves have a CE compliance certificate and meet the EN 374 standard. This means they are completely safe and protect against harmful chemicals. Out of all three types of rubber gloves, those made of nitrile are the most expensive, but also the most durable.

A simple alternative to rubber gloves

Foil Merida disposable gloves are essential equipment for every grocery store, bakery, and confectionery. Made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), they are characterized by high rigidity and great mechanical strength.

This type of gloves gives customers a sense of safety and hygiene and makes them more likely to reach for the products offered to them. It is also an extremely cheap solution that will not burden the company's budget, but will significantly improve its image in the eyes of customers.

Maintain safety regardless of conditions

Cleaning staff, who are exposed to strong chemicals on a daily basis, should be equipped with professional household gloves such as "Multi Purpose", available from the Vileda Professional brand. These types of specialized products belong to the CEIII category and are designed to protect hands during contact with strong chemicals and high-risk factors.

Rubber gloves for cleaning are made of a combination of two materials, natural rubber and cotton, which reduces the potential allergic response to latex. Their universal application makes them suitable for use in both kitchens, utility and sanitary rooms, as well as on production lines.

However, the safety of employees is ensured not only by the increased thickness of the material (0.4 mm) but also by the length of the gloves above the wrist (over 30 cm). This significantly reduces the chance of contact with harmful substances.

Are there universal solutions?

If employees of a cleaning company perform their duties in various conditions, it is worth considering purchasing household gloves. These types of products are designed for a wide range of household, industrial, and gardening tasks. Their additional advantage is the flocked inner layer (lined with textile flock), which limits the contact of our skin with rubber. Household gloves are also fully biodegradable and environmentally friendly.

In stores, you can also find household cleaning gloves with ridges. This solution makes manual work easier due to the increased surface area for touch and grip.

An alternative to rubber household gloves may be short hybrid gloves. They consist of three components: EVA material, metallocene, and low-density polyethylene. This makes them non-allergenic and suitable for contact with food and for use in the food industry.

Which gloves are worth choosing?

Individual types of gloves will find application in different situations and conditions. Latex, vinyl, and nitrile models are popular choices among healthcare workers, as well as in the cosmetic or hairdressing industry. On the other hand, for cleaning, professional household or hybrid gloves will work better, and in grocery stores, disposable plastic gloves will be a better choice.

If you are not sure which solution to choose, we warmly invite you to contact the employees of the ole.pl store, who will help you choose solutions tailored to your needs. Together with you, we want to ensure the safety of your employees, customers, and guests.

Ryszard Kurek