Eye and hand protection: disposable vs. reusable gear?

I hear you on the mold and chemical exposure - some stuff just doesn’t wash out, no matter how careful you are. I’ve run into that with crawlspace inspections, especially after dealing with black mold. Even after a hot wash, those gloves never quite feel “clean” again. Out of curiosity, has anyone tried using those heavy-duty reusable gloves with removable liners? Wondering if swapping out the liners helps with the rash issue or if it’s just another thing to clean...

I’ve tried those gloves with the removable liners, and honestly, it’s a mixed bag. Swapping out the liners does help with the rash - at least for me - but then you’re stuck washing the liners instead of the whole glove. Sometimes I wonder if it’s just trading one hassle for another. The gloves themselves still seem to hold onto that “funk” after a few moldy jobs, no matter how much I scrub. Disposable ones are easier, but I hate tossing so many in the trash... tough call.

I hear you on the liners - it’s a bit of a trade-off. I’ve been through a few storm cleanups where reusable gloves with liners were the only thing that kept my hands from breaking out, but yeah, after a couple days in the muck, nothing really gets rid of that odor. I’ve tried soaking them in vinegar and running them through the wash, but there’s always a bit of “swamp” left behind. Disposables are simple, but I feel guilty about the waste too. Sometimes I just rotate between a couple pairs and accept that one set’s gonna end up trashed after a big job.

That “swamp” smell is the worst, isn’t it? I’ve tried everything from baking soda to leaving gloves out in the sun for days, but once it’s in there, it’s like the funk is permanent. I totally get the guilt with disposables - feels wasteful, especially when you’re going through a bunch after a big cleanup.

What’s worked for me (sort of) is buying those cheap cotton glove liners in bulk and swapping them out more often than the outer gloves. The liners catch most of the sweat and grime, and they’re way easier to wash or even toss if they get too gross. For the rubber outers, I’ll rinse them right after use, then hang them up inside-out to dry. Doesn’t fix everything, but it helps a bit with the smell.

Honestly, I just budget for a couple new pairs each year and accept that some are gonna get trashed after heavy jobs. It’s not perfect, but it beats having my hands break out or using up a mountain of disposables.

- 100% agree on the “swamp” smell - once it’s in there, it’s like the gloves are haunted.
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“I totally get the guilt with disposables - feels wasteful, especially when you’re going through a bunch after a big cleanup.”

- Tried liners too, but I always end up with them bunched up inside the glove or sliding around. Maybe I’m buying the wrong size?
- Sun-drying helps a little, but honestly, if I forget even once and leave them balled up, it’s game over.

- I’ve started using those nitrile-coated fabric gloves for yard work and most dirty jobs. They’re not perfect for wet stuff, but they breathe better and don’t get as nasty as full rubber.

- For heavy-duty cleaning (like gutters or drains), I just accept I’ll need a new pair after. Not worth risking skin irritation or that lingering stink.

- Still feel weird about all the waste, but my hands are happier. Maybe there’s no real “perfect” solution - just trade-offs depending on what you’re doing.

I hear you on the liners - mine always end up halfway off my fingers and drive me nuts. I’ve tried washing reusable gloves with vinegar, but that only buys you a little time before the swamp stench returns. For me, it’s nitrile disposables for the grossest jobs, and fabric ones for everything else. Not perfect, but at least my hands don’t smell like a science experiment gone wrong.

I get the appeal of disposables for nasty jobs, but honestly, I’ve had more luck with heavy-duty reusable rubber gloves - like the thick kind you find at hardware stores, not the flimsy kitchen ones. Here’s what I do: after each use, I turn them inside out, rinse with hot water and a bit of dish soap, then let them dry completely (sometimes overnight on a bottle or broom handle). Haven’t had much stink since. Disposables are convenient, but I go through way fewer gloves this way and don’t have to worry about tearing mid-job. Just my two cents...

I’m with you on the heavy-duty reusable gloves. Those thick rubber ones from the hardware store are a whole different animal compared to the thin kitchen types. I’ve had the same pair for almost two years now - just keep them clean and dry like you said, and they hold up. I do something similar with drying, but I’ll admit I’ve gotten lazy and just hang them over the faucet sometimes. Not as effective, but it works in a pinch.

“Disposables are convenient, but I go through way fewer gloves this way and don’t have to worry about tearing mid-job.”

That’s a big one for me. I’ve had disposable nitrile gloves rip right when I’m elbow-deep in something gross, and then you’re stuck with a mess on your hands (literally). The only time I really reach for disposables now is if I’m dealing with something like insulation or paint remover - stuff that’s hard to get out of rubber or might damage them. Otherwise, the reusables are just sturdier and more comfortable for longer jobs.

One thing I’ve noticed, though: if you’re working in colder weather or outside after a storm, those thick gloves can get pretty stiff. Not sure if anyone’s found a good workaround for that. Sometimes I’ll wear a thin cotton liner underneath, which helps a bit with warmth and sweat.

Curious if anyone’s tried those hybrid gloves - like the ones with a rubber coating but fabric backs? I see them at the hardware store but haven’t given them a shot yet. Wondering if they’re any good for wet or messy jobs, or if they just end up soaking through.

Anyway, totally agree that reusables save money and hassle in the long run. Just gotta remember to actually clean them... which is easier said than done when you’re tired after a long day.

Those hybrid gloves with the rubber palm and fabric back are actually pretty decent for roofing, especially when you need grip but still want your hands to breathe. They’re not totally waterproof, though - if you’re dealing with standing water or mud, they’ll soak through eventually. For cold weather, I’ve tried slipping nitrile disposables under my thick gloves, but it’s a bit awkward. Anyone else notice that the heavy-duty ones get slick if you don’t dry them out right? I’ve had a couple near drops on wet shingles because of that...

I get the appeal of those hybrid gloves, but honestly, I’ve just stuck with the cheap cotton work gloves from the hardware store. They’re not fancy, but if they get trashed or soaked, I don’t feel bad tossing them.

“if you’re dealing with standing water or mud, they’ll soak through eventually.”

- Totally get the “simple is better” thing. I’ve tried those hybrid gloves and honestly, they just felt bulky for most yard stuff.
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“if you’re dealing with standing water or mud, they’ll soak through eventually.”

I hear you on the bulkiness of those hybrid gloves - tried a pair for gutter cleaning and ended up tossing them halfway through. For yard work, I keep coming back to those cheap cotton ones, too. They’re not perfect in mud, but at least you don’t feel bad when they’re trashed. For anything with solvents or paint, nitrile’s the way to go - no question there. One thing I’ve found: if you’re dealing with wet stuff a lot, those rubberized canvas gloves (the kind with the grippy coating) hold up better than plain cotton and don’t soak through as fast. Not fancy, but definitely saved me from a few pruney-finger days.

Those rubberized canvas gloves are decent for wet jobs, but I’ve had a few pairs where the coating started peeling after a couple weeks - maybe I’m too rough on them. For anything sharp or thorny, I still lean toward leather, even if they’re not waterproof. Cotton’s fine for light stuff, but yeah, they’re basically disposable once they hit mud. Nitrile’s great for chemicals, but I always double-check the thickness - some of those cheap boxes tear just putting them on.

Yeah, I totally get where you’re coming from. Those rubberized gloves are hit or miss - sometimes they just don’t hold up, especially if you’re doing a lot of scraping or hauling. I’m with you on leather for anything pokey or sharp. Even if they get soaked, they still save your hands. Nitrile’s a lifesaver for chemicals, but the thin ones are a joke... I’ve ripped more than I can count just putting them on. Honestly, it’s kind of trial and error till you find what works for you.

Nitrile’s a lifesaver for chemicals, but the thin ones are a joke... I’ve ripped more than I can count just putting them on.

Yeah, those cheap nitrile gloves barely last through one job - especially if you’re dealing with wet debris or jagged edges. I’ll take thick reusable ones any day for storm cleanup. Curious if anyone’s found disposables that actually hold up in rough conditions?

Yeah, those cheap nitrile gloves barely last through one job - especially if you’re dealing with wet debris or jagged edges.

That’s been my experience too. The thin disposables just don’t cut it when you’re handling torn shingles or sharp flashing - one snag and they’re toast. I’ve had better luck with the 8-mil “heavy duty” nitrile gloves, but even those aren’t perfect for roofing work. For demo or storm cleanup, I stick with thick rubber-coated fabric gloves. They’re not as nimble, but at least they survive a full day. Disposables are fine for chemicals or quick tasks, but for anything rough, reusable wins hands down.

That lines up with what I’ve found - those thin nitrile gloves are just too fragile for anything rough. I’ve torn through them in minutes pulling up old carpet tacks or scraping paint. The heavier-duty ones last a bit longer, but honestly, for demo or yard work, I always end up back with the rubber-coated fabric gloves too. They’re not perfect for detail work, but at least you don’t have to keep swapping them out every hour. Sometimes I’ll double up if I need a bit more dexterity, but it’s always a trade-off.

- Nitrile gloves: good for cleaning up messes, but yeah, they rip way too fast if you’re actually working with tools.
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“They’re not perfect for detail work, but at least you don’t have to keep swapping them out every hour.”

Tried doubling up once - just ended up sweaty and still got a blister. Not worth it unless you’re desperate.

That’s been my experience too. Doubling up sounds smart until you’re halfway through a job and your hands feel like they’ve been in a sauna. I’ve tried it with nitrile under leather for demo work, thinking I’d get the best of both worlds. Nope - just ended up with soggy gloves and less grip.

For anything messy (paint, plumbing, or cleaning out gutters), disposables are fine. I buy the cheap boxes at the hardware store and don’t feel bad tossing them after one use. But if I’m swinging a hammer or digging, those things shred in minutes. I’ve had better luck with the thicker “mechanic” style nitrile gloves, but even those aren’t great for heavy work.

Rubber-coated fabric gloves are my go-to for yard stuff and demo. They’re not perfect - sometimes they get stiff or the coating peels - but at least they last more than an hour. I keep a couple pairs in the garage and just hose them off when they get gross.

Insulation is the one time I’ll layer up, like you mentioned. Still itchy, but at least I’m not picking fiberglass out of my skin for days. Tried skipping gloves once when I was in a hurry... regretted that for a week.

Eye protection’s another story. I’ve got a pile of scratched-up safety glasses because I never remember to clean them properly. Anyone else just end up squinting through the scratches half the time? Probably not great for safety, but it beats getting dust in your eyes.

Bottom line: disposables are good for short, messy jobs. Anything longer or rougher, reusable gloves win every time. Just wish someone would invent a glove that doesn’t make your hands sweat like crazy...

- Right there with you on the sweaty glove situation - doubling up just means double the swamp.
- For roofing, I’ve tried every combo. Disposables are useless once you’re hauling shingles or scraping old tar. They just melt.
- Those rubber-coated fabric gloves are my MVPs too, but yeah, they get stiff if you leave them in the truck. Still better than raw hands on hot shingles.
- Eye protection... I swear, every pair of safety glasses I own looks like it’s been through a sandblaster. I keep meaning to buy the anti-fog, scratch-resistant kind, but I always cheap out.
- If someone invents a glove that doesn’t turn your hands into soup, I’ll buy a dozen. Until then, it’s just a matter of picking the least annoying option.