I hear you on the plant-based gloves—I went through two pairs last spring just weeding and trimming, and both times my thumb poked right through. Maybe they’re meant for lighter work? I’ve gone back to those thicker rubber-coated ones for anything rough. The foam strip for goggles is a neat hack, though. I’ve always just dealt with red marks and fogged-up lenses, but now I’m eyeing my stash of old masks... might actually try it next weekend.
I’ve had the same issue with those plant-based gloves—felt good about using them, but they just don’t hold up for anything more than potting or maybe picking herbs. I tried using them for pruning roses last year and ended up with thorns right through to my fingers. The rubber-coated ones are my go-to now for anything that might get rough, even if they’re a bit sweatier in the summer.
That foam strip trick is clever. I’ve been fighting with foggy goggles forever, especially when I’m mowing or using the trimmer. Never thought to repurpose old mask foam, but now I’m eyeing the pile of masks in my glovebox... Might be worth a shot before I shell out for another “anti-fog” pair that never seems to work as advertised.
Curious if anyone’s found reusable gloves that actually last more than a season? I’ve tried a few brands from the big box stores, but they always seem to split at the seams or lose their grip after a couple months. Maybe it’s just the way I use them, but it feels like there should be something sturdier out there that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
Also, does anyone bother washing their gloves? Sometimes mine get so caked with dirt and grass clippings that I just toss them, but maybe there’s a trick to getting more life out of them. Or is it just easier to accept they’re kind of disposable after all?
I actually don’t mind washing my gloves, even if it feels a bit ridiculous tossing them in with my socks. Half the time they come out looking just as dirty, but at least they don’t smell like compost anymore. I get what you mean about the rubber ones getting sweaty—I tried airing mine out on the dash and ended up with a pair that could stand up by themselves. As for lasting more than a season, I had one pair of cheapies from the dollar store that somehow survived two summers, while a “fancy” pair split after one week roofing in the sun. Sometimes I think it’s just luck of the draw... or how hard you’re willing to ignore holes in the fingertips.
I’ve had the same thing happen—my “good” gloves barely made it through a single deck rebuild, but the cheap ones just keep going. Ever tried those coated fabric gloves? I find they last longer, but man, they get gross fast. Do you just toss them when they start to stink, or keep washing until they fall apart?
I’ve had decent luck with those coated fabric gloves, but I’m with you—they get funky fast. I usually try to wash them a couple times, but after the third or fourth round, they start to lose grip and feel stiff. At that point, I figure it’s not worth the hassle since they’re not all that expensive in bulk.
Honestly, I’ve started keeping a stash of both disposables and reusables. The disposables are great when I’m working with anything especially greasy or nasty, like cleaning gutters or dealing with paint thinner. For bigger projects, though, I still lean toward the coated ones for the grip and durability. I just hate tossing stuff if there’s even a little life left in it.
Has anyone tried those bamboo fiber gloves? I keep seeing them advertised as more breathable and less likely to stink, but I’m skeptical about how long they actually last compared to the standard nitrile-coated ones.