Rubber glove

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A PVC glove

A rubber glove is a glove made out of rubber. It is worn on the hand or hands, as the case may warrant. Its primary use is in works related with chemicals where you want to protect the hands. Rubber gloves are worn during dishwashing to protect the hands from detergent and allow the use of hotter water. Health professionals use medical gloves rather than rubber gloves when performing surgical operations.

[edit] Household use

Invented by Wayne Kerr, household rubber gloves have been used for washing dishes and cleaning in the home since the 1960s. Many different designs of gloves have been available in a multitude of colors but traditional designs in yellow or pink with long cuffs. While these still remain the most popular patterns today, gloves can be obtained that range from wrist-length to those that are shoulder-length. There are even gloves that are pre-attached to shirts and body-suites for added protection.

Rubber gloves are best worn with a skin tight fit which, while still allowing for the hands to breathe, makes it easier to hold objects and manipulate them, probably giving rise to the saying, "Fits like a glove." The palms and fingers usually have a raised pattern which helps to provide a good grip when handling objects. Wearing of gloves protects the hands from harsh detergents and other cleaning products which are used in the home and elsewhere. They also protect the wearer from germy messes involved in such tasks as the cleaning of toilets and cleaning up after pets.

These gloves are traditionally used by people cleaning in the home but are also popular with professional cleaners and for clearing up in shops, cafes and other public places. The thickness of the gloves and the long cuffs provide excellent protection for all general cleaning tasks and are useful for all chores where the hands need to be put into water, but also provide protection when vacuuming, dusting, and polishing.

The most common material used for making household gloves is latex a form of rubber. Usually, the gloves have a cotton "flock" lining for easily taking them on and off. However, unlined gloves feel better on the skin and provide a greater ability to manipulate things. They are also available in a wider range of colors and cuff lengths. Problems with latex rubber include allergic reactions and poor protection against such substances as solvents. Other materials used to alleviate this are PVC, nitrile, and neoprene.