Disposable plastic gloves are an incredibly popular product because they are versatile and extremely useful for multiple professions. So many industries utilise this handy personal protective equipment at work every day. Some even use multiple pairs! In fact, it’s estimated that billions of disposable gloves are used by professionals every year.
Industries such as healthcare, food services, and janitorial use large numbers of disposable gloves daily to maintain hygiene standards and protect their hands. There are four main types of gloves:
- Latex
- Nitrile
- Vinyl
- Polythene
Read on to find out what the benefits of each of these are, and which types of gloves would suit your workplace!
What are disposable plastic gloves used for?
Disposable gloves are a type of PPE that protect users from various risks. These include harmful substances such as:
- Dirt
- Germs
- Bodily fluids
- Chemicals
- Oils
Our range of disposable cleaning gloves is ideal for both medical use and general use for a variety of businesses and environments. Some of the main industries where people wear disposable plastic gloves are:
- Healthcare and Medical
- Food Service and Processing
- Laboratories
- Janitorial and Cleaning
- Automotive
- Beauty and Cosmetics
- Emergency Services
In the cheap disposable gloves collection, you will find a wide selection of gloves in different materials, colours, and powdered or powder free versions. In this article, we’ll talk you through the different options so you can find the right disposable protective gloves to meet the requirements of your work environment.
When should workers wear disposable plastic gloves?
You should wear disposable plastic gloves in any situation where you need to protect your hands and prevent the spread of contaminants. In certain industries, it is not an exaggeration to say that they save lives.
What are the different types of gloves?
As previously mentioned, there are four types of gloves. Each has slightly different properties, yet all provide protection. Knowing what gloves are made of will help you select which one will work best for your task. So, what makes them different? Find out below.
Latex
Latex gloves are the only gloves on the list made from natural rubber. They offer excellent elasticity, comfort, and tactile sensitivity due to their tight fit. Widely used in healthcare, they provide a barrier against bacteria and viruses. However, some individuals may have latex allergies and therefore they aren’t suitable for everyone. Alternatives like nitrile gloves are recommended for those with sensitivities.
Latex gloves are best for:
- Professionals like medical and beauty industry
- Those looking for better dexterity and fit
- Biodegradable features (natural latex gloves take around 5 years to degrade)
Nitrile
Nitrile gloves are a synthetic alternative to latex. They are highly durable, chemical resistant, and puncture-resistant. They are the ideal choice for various industries and especially for those with latex allergies. Nitrile gloves offer reliable protection against most contaminants, ensuring high levels of safety and hygiene.
Nitrile gloves are best for:
- Most industries – including medical, mechanics, tattooists, labs, and more!
- Those who prioritise strength and chemical resistance
- People with allergies to latex
Vinyl
Vinyl gloves are made from a synthetic PVC material. They are an extremely cost-effective alternative. Offering good tactile sensitivity and chemical resistance, they are commonly used in industries like food service and janitorial work. While less elastic than latex or nitrile, vinyl gloves are suitable for lower risk tasks and provide a reliable barrier against contaminants.
Vinyl gloves are best for:
- Industries like food services and janitorial cleaning.
- People who want a slightly looser fit.
- Affordability.
Polythene
Polyethylene gloves are made from low-density polyethylene, the most commonly produced plastic. They are cost-effective, lightweight, and suitable for low risk tasks. Commonly used in food service, they provide a simple hygiene barrier and prevent cross-contamination. They are also often used in salons or hairdressers for protecting hands when dyeing hair. While less durable than latex or nitrile, polyethylene gloves offer convenience for quick, light-duty applications.
Polythene gloves are best for:
- Food preparation and hairdressing.
- Jobs that require a good level of hygiene.
- Working with non-hazardous substances.
Powdered Gloves vs Powder Free
Powdered and powder free gloves serve the same purpose but ultimately the choice comes down to personal preference. The job of both is in keeping your hands clean, thereby protecting yourself and others.
Powdered gloves are easier to put on so they’re great if speed of changing gloves is important. The powder in gloves is generally cornstarch which prevents the gloves from sticking together. However, some people have concerns that this can cause skin allergies or increase the risk of cross contamination.
When should you throw away disposable plastic gloves?
All types of disposable plastic gloves should be thrown away after use. Disposable gloves help keep germs and infection from spreading to you and other people. For this reason, you should encourage your staff to never wash or reuse their gloves.
Where to buy
Now you know the benefits of the different types of gloves, you know which type will best suit your business. View our extensive range of cheap disposable gloves, available in powder free and powdered versions in a range of different materials, to ensure you find protective disposable gloves to meet your exact business needs.
Our gloves come in cases, meaning multiple boxes in one simple order – perfect for commercial customers! Importantly, gloves have a long shelf life, meaning you don’t have to worry about using them quickly. Plus, if you want to store them neatly, take a look at our glove dispenser, too.
