Tried flipping them inside out and letting them dry on the fence, but honestly, after a few weeks they still get stiff and gross.
Man, I hear you on the swamp-glove situation. I’ve got a graveyard of stiff, crusty gloves in the back of my work truck. I even tried those “odor neutralizing” sprays—just ended up with gloves that smelled like a swamp covered in cheap cologne. Disposable gloves are definitely easier, but I feel like I’m single-handedly filling up the landfill some weeks.
Ever tried those nitrile-coated fabric gloves? They seem to last a bit longer before going full biohazard, though they’re not great for anything super messy. I just wish there was a glove that didn’t turn into a science experiment after a month. Maybe I’m missing a trick—does anyone actually wash their reusable gloves in the laundry? I’m half-tempted, but I don’t want to end up with “Eau de Swamp” socks too.
I’ve got a graveyard of stiff, crusty gloves in the back of my work truck.
Same here—mine look like they could stand up on their own at this point. I’ve actually tossed my nitrile-coated ones in the wash a few times (cold cycle, inside a mesh bag), and they survived, but the smell kinda lingers if you don’t dry them fast. Haven’t noticed any “Eau de Swamp” socks yet, but I do keep the gloves separate just in case. Honestly, nothing beats disposables for the really nasty jobs, but I hate the waste too. It’s a trade-off, especially when you’re tearing off old roofs in the summer heat.
- 100% agree on the glove graveyard—mine are like cardboard after a few weeks of demo work.
- I’ve tried washing nitrile and latex-coated gloves too. They hold up, but yeah, that “funk” never really leaves. Dryer helps, but sometimes it just bakes in the smell.
- For insulation or anything with fiberglass, I’ll only use disposables. Not worth itching for days.
- Reusables are great for general carpentry or yard work. I keep a few pairs in rotation and toss the worst ones when they get too gross or stiff.
- Disposables feel wasteful, but sometimes you just need a fresh pair—especially with roofing tar or paint. I’ll double up if it’s really messy.
- One thing I’ve noticed: cheap disposables tear way too fast, so I end up using more anyway.
- For eye protection, I stick with reusable goggles—just wipe them down after each job. Never found a disposable option that actually fits right or doesn’t fog up.
It’s always a balance between cost, comfort, and not having your hands smell like a swamp for a week...
Totally get what you mean about the glove graveyard—mine end up looking like they’ve been through a war after a couple weeks on the roof. I’m with you on tossing the worst ones and rotating the rest. Honestly, I wish someone would invent a glove that doesn’t turn into a biohazard after one sweaty summer day. Reusables are definitely my go-to for most stuff, but with anything sticky or toxic, disposables just make more sense, even if it feels wasteful sometimes. And yeah, goggles over safety glasses any day... at least they don’t fog up quite as fast if you keep ‘em clean. It’s always a tradeoff between comfort and not having to smell your own hands for days.
Yeah, the glove situation is a mess—literally and figuratively. I’ve tried every “breathable” pair out there and they all end up just as gross after a week in the heat. I get what you mean about disposables for the sticky stuff, though. Sometimes it feels like you’re just trading one problem for another: either you’re tossing gloves constantly or you’re stuck scrubbing your hands raw. As for goggles, I’ll take a little fog over getting grit in my eyes any day, but man, nothing’s perfect. If someone ever invents a glove that doesn’t smell like death after a day on the job, I’m buying stock.