What To Look For
When purchasing latex-free cleaning gloves, you have a choice between disposable and reusable gloves. If you're looking for a reusable cleaning glove, try to find a nylon, vinyl or rubber glove. Some gloves come lined with flock or lotion to keep hands soft while inside the glove. A longer cuff will keep your arms protected from harsh cleaning solutions. Shorter gloves may offer a fitted cuff, although not all do. Reinforced fingertips and palms keep the gloves from wearing out prematurely, especially when cleaning in tight spaces. Disposable gloves made of vinyl or nylon have fewer comfort options. They are usually powdered on the inside to prevent the glove from sticking when the hand gets sweaty. Disposable gloves will have a rolled cuff for easy on and off and can fit either hand.
Common Pitfalls
The biggest mistake those purchasing cleaning gloves make is to purchase a latex glove---even though they are allergic---that is lined or coated. Lining or coating over latex may diminish a reaction to latex but cannot guarantee protection from it. Make sure your gloves fit well. A cleaning glove that is too big can leave you open to chemical reactions from your cleaning solutions or cause you to drop or break items because of reduced dexterity. Gloves that are too small will cause reduced or cut-off circulation, which can also cause injury.
Where To Buy
Latex-free cleaning gloves can be purchased at discount stores, grocery stores, pharmacies, hardware stores and online through the manufacturer or larger websites like Amazon.com. Research a variety of brands on the Internet and then look for those brands at the stores at which you shop. Be sure you know your size before ordering online and check the online store's return policy in case they don't fit properly.
Cost
True Blues Ultimate Household Gloves have a vinyl shell with a cotton liner. They are machine washable, flexible and cost $10.95 through Amazon.com. Ammex sells 100 nitrile disposable cleaning gloves that are powder-free with a beaded cuff for $14.95. Cleaning gloves can be purchased for between $4 and $20, depending on brand, style and store.
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