Washing the dishes is a chore that comes around way too often. And when it’s time to plunge your hands into that hot, soapy water, a debate emerges – should you glove up or go in bare? Both options come with some seriously good and bad points.
So which is best – dishwashing gloves or bare hands? Let’s break this down once and for all.
5 Reasons Why Dishwashing Gloves Take the Cake
1. Gloves Form A Protective Barrier Around Your Hands
One of the biggest benefits of dishwashing gloves is that they create a physical barrier between your skin and all the gross stuff swirling in the water. All those crumbs, grease spots, and leftover sauce remnants just touch the glove instead of your hands.
One study found that workers wearing gloves reduced the risk of cross-contamination of ready-to-eat foods by 75% compared to bare hands1.
This barrier helps prevent the spread of bacteria and germs from the dirty dishes to your hands. It’s like a force field against dishwater contamination!
PLUS, you don’t have to actually touch any half-eaten, soggy food pieces that got left behind on the plates. Shudder.
2. Gloves Keep Your Hands From Turning Into Pruny, Wrinkly Messes
Have you ever finished up the dishes only to find your fingers look like raisins soaked too long in the Halloween apple bobbing bucket?
Not cute.
When you opt for gloves, your hands stay protected from all that hot water and end up smooth and moisturized instead of shriveled.
3. You’ll Have An Iron Grip On Plates And Glasses
Trying to wrangle a wet plate without some help from gloves? Good luck, that slippery sucker will crash to the floor in seconds!
The texture and rubberiness of dishwashing gloves help give you a solid grip on dishes, preventing anything from slipping out of your hands. Your dishes will thank you – no broken plates or shattered glasses today!
But gloves might also reduce finger flexibility for detail work like scrubbing out wine glasses without leaving streaks. Thicc rubber mitts limit your nimble digits from working their magic. Tragic.
More dishwashing science is needed to determine if dishwashing gloves have a legitimate advantage over bare hands ambidexterity-wise. For now, it seems to depend on finding your perfect glove fit and texture.
4. Your Skin Will Thank You For Skipping The Harsh Detergents
Dishwashing liquid is powerful stuff, designed to break down tough grease and food residue. But all those chemicals and fragrances can be harsh on your skin, causing dryness, cracking, and even irritation.
Gloves let your hands avoid direct contact with the strong detergents. It’s like slathering your hands in moisturizer instead of stripping soap.
5. Multitasking Is A Breeze With Dish Gloves On
Once you finish up the dishes, why take off your gloves? They make it easy to tackle other messy jobs like:
- Wiping down the sink and counters
- Taking out the trash
- Cleaning the stovetop
- Scrubbing the bathtub
- Dusting and polishing furniture
With dishwashing gloves, you’re ready to clean the entire house from top to bottom!
Not Everything Is in Favour of Gloves Though
1. Dishwashing Gloves Can Harbor Bacteria If Not Changed Regularly
Okay, gloves aren’t 100% perfect. Since they cover your hands, gloves get dirty fast. All that food residue, grease, and grime can get stuck on the gloves…along with bacteria.
If you use the same pair of gloves day after day, microbes can multiply quickly. Make sure to swap out gloves frequently and wash any reusable pairs thoroughly.
2. Tight Or Loose Gloves Make Your Hands Sweaty And Uncomfortable
Getting the right glove fit is key. Too tight, and your hands get sweaty and clammy fast. Too loose, and plates start slipping around.
Test out different glove sizes and brands until you find an option that is snug but still breathable. Focus on flexible, lightweight gloves that move with your hands.
3. People With Latex Allergies Should Stick To Synthetic Dish Gloves
For those sensitive to latex, rubber dishwashing gloves are a no-go. The good news is many synthetic options are available, like gloves made of vinyl, nitrile, neoprene, and other latex-free materials.
Stick to non-latex gloves if you have any allergies. Your health is way more important than doing the dishes!
4. Dishwashing Gloves Aren’t A Substitute For Good Hand Hygiene
Just because you’re wearing gloves doesn’t mean you can skip washing your hands! Before and after gloves, be sure to lather up with plenty of soap and hot water.
Gloves alone don’t kill germs – you need thorough handwashing too. Don’t let those gloves give you a false sense of security.
5. Higher Quality Gloves Can Cost More Than Bare Hands
You can find cheap dishwashing gloves, but they likely won’t last as long or fit as nicely. Quality latex-free gloves from trusted brands can run $10-15 for a multi-pack.
Over time, the pricier gloves are cost-effective. But if you’re on a tight budget, bare hands are the more affordable option.
While inexpensive vinyl gloves cost around $5 for a pack of 100, high-end latex-free gloves from brands like Playtex can cost up to $15 for just 10 gloves
Should You Use Dishwashing Gloves Or Go Bare?
When it comes down to it, the choice between using gloves or washing dishes with bare hands comes down to personal preference.
For those with sensitive skin or latex allergies, gloves are non-negotiable. If you hate that pruney hand feeling after doing dishes, gloves are handy. And if broken dishes drive you crazy, the grip of gloves prevents cracks and chips.
However, some people just can’t stand wearing gloves to wash dishes. The wet, slippery feel drives them nuts. Plus, properly fitting, non-latex options can be pricey. For those folks, bare hands are the best bet.
Overall, give both options a try to see what works for your needs and comfort level. Don’t be afraid to switch back and forth between gloves and bare hands depending on the size of the dish pile!
Whichever method you choose, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before and after washing the dishes. Gloves or no gloves, good hygiene is what really counts.
Now grab those dishes – it’s time to decide whether it’s a gloves-on or gloves-off kind of day!