Nitrile gloves are popular in different industries, including dentistry, healthcare, auto repair, manufacturing, and more. They protect the hands from coming in contact with harmful substances and sustaining physical injuries.
Many people now choose nitrile gloves over vinyl and latex because they have greater chemical resistance, do not tear easily, have a lower risk of allergies, and are more durable.
Nitrile gloves are generally disposable gloves that should be reused. However, when they are scarce, reusing nitrile gloves becomes an option. Since it is established that they can be reused, can you wash nitrile gloves to keep them clean?
Keep reading to find answers to all your question about washing nitrile gloves. First, can you wash nitrile gloves?
Can You Wash Nitrile Gloves?
Yes, you can wash nitrile gloves. Nitrile gloves can either be disposable or reusable. Both types of nitrile gloves are chemical-resistant because they are manufactured with durable materials to protect the hands. However, they are also different in how much use you get out of them .
Unlike disposable nitrile gloves, reusable gloves can be washed and reused over time. However, reusable nitrile gloves can expire with time and frequency of use too.
Disposable nitrile gloves ideally should not be used more than once. However, depending on the circumstance and availability, you can reuse your nitrile gloves. That, of course, means you have to clean them up to prevent certain risks.
Now, while we have already established that you can clean disposable nitrile gloves, it is crucial to know that washing them is not recommended in some instances.
Should You Wash Nitrile Gloves or Replace Them?
To answer the question, "should you wash nitrile gloves or replace them?" We would say it depends on which kind of nitrile gloves you have. As a rule of thumb, reusable nitrile gloves can be washed, while disposable nitrile gloves should be replaced.
As stated earlier, your nitrile gloves can either be disposable or reusable. Reusable gloves can withstand washing because of their nature, but that is not always the case for disposable nitrile gloves.
The usual reason why nitrile gloves are worn is to avoid contamination. If you must reuse your disposable nitrile gloves, ensure they were previously used lightly to handle non-hazardous substances, like food. In that case, you can easily wash and rinse them without applying too much pressure. That will keep the protective essence intact to an extent and also prevent tears.
If the disposable nitrile gloves were used previously to handle chemical substances, you would need to wash them thoroughly to get the elements off them. In that case, you may clean all the protective essence off the gloves or cause them to tear. Simply dispose of the nitrile gloves in situations like this one.
Ensure you purchase only the best quality disposable gloves just in case you may have to reuse them. That will help prevent tears and promote the longevity of the gloves.
How to Wash Nitrile Gloves: Step by Step Instructions
Washing nitrile gloves, whether disposable or reusable, requires extra care. You don't want to wash off the chemical essence or tear them, yet you need to clean them thoroughly. See the steps to wash your disposable and reusable nitrile gloves below;
How To Wash Nitrile Gloves- Disposable
Step 1: While still wearing the used disposable nitrile gloves, go to a clean cold running water source.
Step 2: Apply dishwashing soap or mild laundry detergent on your clad palm
Step 3: Gently use one hand to wash the other. Ensure you clean between your fingers too. Do not miss any part.
Step 4: Rinse off the soap from the gloves
Step 5: Remove the gloves, wash your hands, and rinse them again, inside out.
Step 6: Air-dry the disposable nitrile gloves to prevent shrinkage or slack.
Step 7: Store the nitrile gloves in a safe, clean place.
How To Wash Nitrile Gloves- Reusable
Step 1: Keep wearing reusable nitrile gloves after use.
Step 2: Put your clad palms under running hot water.
Step 3: Apply liquid soap and wash any substances off the gloves.
Step 4: Rinse off the gloves, remove them and wash your hands.
Step 5: Soak the gloves in warm water and soap for 3-5 minutes while flipping them inside out.
Step 6: Rinse the gloves and hang them to dry.
Step 7: After drying, wipe the gloves with disinfectant and store them in a cool, dry place.
Looking to Replace Your Nitrile Gloves With Affordable, Quality Options?
In certain industries - and in certain cases - nitrile gloves should not be washed and reused. Rather, they should be thrown out and replaced. However, when it is a given that you should reuse your nitrile gloves, it is best to have quality gloves around.
Primo Dental Products is your most trusted source to buy nitrile gloves online for different industry workers, like dentists, medical offices, mechanics, and everyone else needing PPE essentials. Shop at our PPE shop to buy the best quality disposable nitrile gloves today.
Final Thoughts on How to Wash Nitrile Gloves
Can you wash nitrile gloves? Yes, you can. Just ensure you use the appropriate methods to clean each type of nitrile gloves. Use cold water for disposable nitrile gloves and hot water for reusable ones.
We recommend that you use cold water and mild soap for washing your disposable nitrile gloves because they are made with less durable materials and can wear out faster when harsh substances get used on them.
Hot water is recommended for reusable nitrile gloves because they are likely to be used for handling stronger substances. Also, they can withstand harsh conditions better than their disposable counterparts.
To conclude our article on how to wash nitrile gloves, we advise that you buy your highly chemical-resistant nitrile gloves from our store. Primo Dental Products disposable nitrile gloves are designed to provide maximum comfort and unparalleled protection for your hands.
Check out our supply of disposable nitrile gloves for better protection and durable varieties.