Dirty gloves spread more germs than they clean. Find out how to really clean them and make them last longer.
Ever checked what’s inside your cleaning gloves? You might be surprised, and grossed out.
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Don’t just use your reusable gloves over and over until they fall apart without ever cleaning them properly. Let’s go through how to make sure your gloves stay hygienic and ready for every cleaning task.
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Why you should clean your household gloves
Your household gloves keep your hands safe from harsh chemicals, dirt, and germs. But while the outside gets dirty from cleaning, the inside can be just as unhygienic.
When gloves come into contact with your skin, they trap sweat, sebum, body oils, and condensation from hot water or steam. Over time, this creates the perfect environment for bacteria, odour, and mould to grow.
If you don’t clean your gloves properly, they can end up spreading germs instead of stopping them. Cleaning both the inside and outside of your gloves regularly can prevent bacteria build-up, keep them odour-free, and help them last longer.
How to properly clean and sanitise your reusable gloves
Whether your household cleaning gloves are made of latex or vinyl, here are some simple tips to keep them clean and in good condition.
Clean your gloves after every use
Your gloves come into contact with detergent, grease, and dirt while cleaning. If not rinsed properly, these residues can weaken the material over time. Harsh products like bleach can also cause damage if left on the surface.
To keep your gloves clean and in good shape, follow these quick steps after every use:
Wash with mild soap: While still wearing the gloves, apply a small amount of dish soap and rub your gloved hands together as if washing your hands.
Rinse: Rinse thoroughly under running water to remove soap or cleaning residue.
Dry: Pat the gloves dry with a towel and hang them to air-dry, away from direct sunlight or heat.
When your gloves are extra dirty (such as after cleaning the bathroom or gardening) use warm water and gently scrub them with a soft brush. Warm water helps loosen dirt and makes cleaning easier.
Regularly wash the inside of your gloves
If you use your gloves several times a day, like for doing dishes, you don’t need to wash the inside after every use. But don’t skip it altogether as sweat, skin oils, and dirt from your hands can make the inside start to smell over time.
Aim to wash the inside of your gloves about once a week or more often if you sweat a lot.
Turn your gloves inside out and wash them the same way you clean the outside (with soapy water, then rinse well). If the fingers are tricky to flip, fill the gloves with water and gently press to push the fingers out.
How to disinfect cleaning gloves
Disinfection is key to keep your reusable gloves fresh and hygienic.
Here’s how:
Soak in a disinfectant solution: Mix a splash of vinegar or household disinfectant with warm water, or use a sanitisation tablet. Let the gloves soak for 15 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly: Always rinse off the disinfectant completely to avoid skin irritation.
Dry fully: Pat dry with a towel and hang to air-dry.
Disinfect your gloves immediately after dealing with anything germ-heavy, such as vomit, pet waste, mould, or other potentially harmful substances.
For everyday use or light cleaning, doing this about once a week is usually enough. You can sanitise them when you wash the inside of your gloves.
Tips for drying your reusable gloves
Drying your gloves thoroughly, especially the inside, is the MOST important step because trapped moisture can cause unpleasant odours and mould.
You can hang your gloves over a bottle-drying rack to keep the cuffs open so water can drip down as they dry. Or use long chopsticks standing in a cup to hold the gloves.
Alternatively, place the gloves in front of a fan with the openings facing the airflow so that air circulates through the fingers and palm area.
To absorb any remaining moisture inside, you can sprinkle a bit of baby powder, let it sit for a few minutes, then shake it out.
How to store your cleaning gloves properly
Proper storage keeps your gloves in shape and last longer.
Keep them dry: Always make sure gloves are completely dry before storing, and whenever possible, keep them in open air rather than inside a closed cabinet.
Avoid folding: If you must store them in a drawer or cabinet, make sure they are fully dry and laid flat or loosely rolled, not folded. This prevents creases or tears.
Store in a cool, dry place: Keep gloves away from direct sunlight and heat to prevent cracking and odour.
Assign by task: Use a separate pair of gloves for each type of chore to prevent cross-contamination. Label them if needed to keep things organised.
Wondering if you can stay minimalist while still keeping your gloves hygienic? Find out how many gloves you really need and which pair to use for each task.
When to replace your gloves
Even with good care, gloves don’t last forever. It’s better to replace old gloves than risk spreading germs or getting exposed to harsh chemicals.
Replace them if you notice:
- Cracks or holes
- A sticky texture
- Foul odour even after washing
- Discolouration or thinning material
Your reusable gloves deserve TLC
If you haven’t done this before, take a few minutes today to really clean and disinfect your gloves. Not only will you extend their lifespan, but you’ll also reduce waste and keep your home hygienic.
