Dishwashing gloves are an item that can easily get overlooked among dishwashing essentials, yet they are quite a handy tool to have in your dishwashing arsenal. Whether scrubbing stubborn grease off pans or rinsing delicate glassware, the right pair of dishwashing gloves can make all the difference. A great pair of dishwashing gloves not only shields your skin from harsh detergents and hot water but also enhances your grip and prevents water from getting all over your hands and arms. They allow you to use hotter water than you would normally to truly sanitize your dishes, protect your cuffs and sleeves from water splashes, and over the long term, prevent damage to the material from exposure to soap and cleaning chemicals.
Why Wear Dishwashing Gloves?
Dishwashing gloves can do amazing things. They’ll protect your hands and nails from damage from harsh dish soap, hot water, and other cleaning detergents. They can give you a better grip on your dishes or the glass of wine you like to sip while you wash up. If your rubber gloves fit well and are well-made, they will stay comfortable and useful for months. Rubber gloves also come in handy for painting, cleaning, gardening, and other dirty jobs, though most pros recommend you use a different pair for washing dishes than you do for other projects.
Key Benefits of Dishwashing Gloves
- Protect hands from hot water and harsh chemicals
- Enhance grip on slippery dishes
- Prevent skin dryness and irritation
- Offer forearm protection with longer cuffs
- Versatile for various household chores
Top 10 Best Dishwashing Gloves
Here’s a curated list of the top 10 dishwashing gloves that excel in comfort, protection, and durability, based on real-world testing and user feedback.
1. Casabella Waterblock Gloves
The Casabella Premium Waterblock Gloves provide an unbeatable combination of comfort, protection, and grip. These dishwashing gloves were the top pick in head-to-head tests in the kitchens at Cook’s Illustrated, where they found that the thick, 100% natural latex gloves kept hands up to 25 degrees cooler when submerged in scalding water and that the material did not lose its grip even after cleaning soapy dishes. The gloves wrap perfectly around fingers, are nice and thick but still perfectly flexible, so you can maneuver your hands to pick up dishes with ease, and the lightly textured surface of the fingers makes handling even delicate glassware feel secure. They have a smooth, comfortable interior and don’t leave any weird dry, powdery feeling on your hands after you’ve used them. They’re also long enough to cover most of a forearm. Shop on Amazon.
2. Mamison Quality Kitchen Rubber Gloves
Ultra-long and made from 100% natural rubber, the Mamison Quality Kitchen Rubber Gloves are smooth and comfortable. They withstand incredibly hot temperatures, have a nice texture compared to American rubber gloves, and are marketed toward moms. The length of the glove’s sleeve is ideal: covering the forearm, before the elbow, slightly less than the elegant length of Audrey Hepburn’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s gloves. They come primarily in hot pink, bringing joy to an otherwise unjoyful chore. Shop on Amazon.
3. Mr. Clean Bliss Premium Latex-Free Gloves
Latex-free and super-soft inside, the Mr. Clean Bliss Gloves feel upscale and luxurious. They fit well and are quite thick, allowing for great coverage and protection from water and high temperatures. The cotton-like lining provides added comfort and makes dishwashing feel more luxurious. The bliss material is durable, tear-resistant, and waterproof enough to beat out the competition for weeks and months to come. The only real downsides are their white color, which can stain over time if not cared for, and the cuff is a little short for some people. Shop on Amazon.
4. Playtex Living Premium Protection Gloves
The Playtex Living Premium Protection gloves are long and lined with a foldover cuff to keep water out. They are 14 inches long, with a fold-over cuff at the end to prevent water from getting inside the gloves. These gloves are made of a latex/neoprene/nitrile blend. While the sleeve of the glove is not too tight, the hand and fingers fit well. In fact, the packaging boasts that they were developed to follow the natural curve of a woman’s hand, which explains why they were so comfortable. Shop on Amazon.
5. LANON Wahoo PVC Dishwashing Gloves
LANON Wahoo offers reusable dishwashing gloves that are made from environmental grade PVC material which makes them one of the safest choices the market has to offer. They are free from harmful materials like latex and cadmium which makes them the first pick for people with sensitive skin. They do not come with any chemical-like smell and are waterproof. Not only that but they also provide oil and grease resistance which makes them ideal for use with greasy pots. The long cuffs protect your hands from moisture and other liquids up to your forearm. Shop on Amazon.
6. Vgo 10-Pairs Reusable Household Gloves
If you want to stock up or keep extras at your home just for convenience, Vgo comes with 10 pairs of reusable gloves that are super versatile and can be used for dishwashing, pool maintenance, painting, gardening, and almost any household duties. These ISO-certified gloves are made with highly flexible rubber that ensures comfort and a perfect palm design gives a good grip on the dishes while washing them. The gloves also feature 100g of latex that prevents it from tearing and has a rolled cuff that stops water from getting inside the gloves. Shop on Amazon.
7. Soft Scrub Vinyl Gloves
Those who want to avoid latex can appreciate these dishwashing gloves from Soft Scrub that are made with vinyl. When putting on these gloves, we immediately noticed the thick felt on the inside, making them feel ultra-soft and comfortable. Plus, it makes it easy to slip the gloves on and off. With the textured surface on the fingers and palms, the gloves offer excellent grip, providing a firm hold on dishes. They extend up to the mid-forearm and stay in place, and did a good job of protecting our hands from hot water. Shop on Amazon.
8. Antil’s Silicone Scrubbing Gloves
Introducing these gloves for dishwashing, known as Antil’s Silicone Scrubbing Gloves. These gloves, made of silicone material, provide protection without latex while also having powerful cleaning capabilities. Your cleaning effectiveness is improved by the embedded scrubber on the surface of the premium dishwashing gloves, which enables you to remove tough stains and dirt with ease. These latex-free best-rated dishwashing gloves suit a range of hand sizes comfortably while protecting your skin. Shop on Amazon.
9. True Blues Ultimate Household Gloves
The inner cotton lining is comfortable and makes the process of putting on and taking off the gloves as easy as pie. These Ultimate Household gloves come in a few colors, making it simple to find a pair that match your style. Unlike other brands, True Blues are light and latex-free, so allergy sufferers do not need to worry about reacting. The only minor criticisms of this pair are the low aeration and the tendency for nails to dig slits into the tips when gripping dishes slowly. Shop on Amazon.
10. Clean Ones Pure Comfort Vinyl Gloves
Completely BPA and Phthalate free, these cute pink gloves make sure that you are entirely protected from chemicals and water. The comfortable absorbent lining allows your skin to aerate and wicks moisture for advanced comfort. Pure Comforts also have a swirled grip embossed on the palms and finger to increase grip on wet dishes to help avoid accidents. The vinyl shell of these gloves is 22mm thick, which makes them some of the thickest gloves on the market and one of the best for protection and coverage. Shop on Amazon.
Comparison Table of Top Dishwashing Gloves
| Glove Model | Material | Length | Latex-Free | Key Feature | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casabella Waterblock | Latex | 14 inches | No | Superior grip and heat protection | $10-$15 |
| Mamison Kitchen | Natural Rubber | Long (forearm) | No | Hot water resistance | $6-$10 |
| Mr. Clean Bliss | Vinyl | 12 inches | Yes | Soft lining, luxurious feel | $5-$8 |
| Playtex Living | Latex/Neoprene/Nitrile | 14 inches | No | Foldover cuff | $5-$10 |
| LANON Wahoo | PVC | Long (forearm) | Yes | Oil and grease resistance | $8-$12 |
| Vgo 10-Pairs | Latex | Short | No | 10-pack versatility | $15-$20 |
| Soft Scrub | Vinyl | Mid-forearm | Yes | Thick felt lining | $6-$10 |
| Antil’s Silicone | Silicone | Universal | Yes | Built-in scrubber | $10-$15 |
| True Blues | Vinyl | Mid-forearm | Yes | Light and stylish | $5-$8 |
| Clean Ones | Vinyl | Mid-forearm | Yes | Thick 22mm shell | $6-$10 |
Pros and Cons of Top Dishwashing Gloves
Casabella Waterblock Gloves
- Pros: Excellent grip, thick yet flexible, long-lasting, comfortable lining
- Cons: Contains latex, slightly pricier
Mamison Quality Kitchen Rubber Gloves
- Pros: Stylish design, long forearm coverage, high heat resistance
- Cons: Limited color options, not latex-free
Mr. Clean Bliss Premium Latex-Free Gloves
- Pros: Latex-free, soft lining, durable
- Cons: White color prone to staining, shorter cuff
Playtex Living Premium Protection Gloves
- Pros: Long 14-inch cuff, ergonomic fit, foldover cuff
- Cons: Contains latex, less flexible material
LANON Wahoo PVC Dishwashing Gloves
- Pros: Latex-free, grease-resistant, comfortable flocking
- Cons: May have initial odor, less heat resistance
Testing Scenarios and Performance
We tested these dishwashing gloves the best way we knew how, by washing a whole lot of dirty, grime-covered dishes. We paid attention to how well each pair handled heat, how comfortable they were, and whether or not they irritated sensitive skin. For example, the Casabella gloves were submerged in 160-degree water, maintaining an internal temperature of 135 degrees, offering superior heat protection. Mamison gloves handled scalding water without warping containers, keeping hands unburned. The LANON Wahoo gloves excelled with greasy pots, showing no slippage due to their textured granules. The Antil’s Silicone Scrubbing Gloves were tested on baked-on cheese, where the built-in bristles proved effective. Each glove was also evaluated for dexterity with delicate glassware and heavy pots, ensuring they could handle varied kitchen tasks.
Buying Guide for Dishwashing Gloves
Just like any essential purchase, you need to consider some factors first. Here are some things to consider in choosing the best dishwashing gloves for you and your household:
- Material: The best dishwashing gloves will be completely made of waterproof material like PVC. If you have a latex allergy, be sure to seek out dish gloves that are latex-free.
- Lining: We tended to like gloves that had a soft, cotton lining as it made it more comfortable to wash dishes for longer periods of time.
- Size: The sizing varies from brand to brand, so if you’re shopping online, it can be helpful to read user comments that recommend sizing up or down, or to search for gloves specifically for small or large hands.
- Length: Longer cuffs (12-14 inches) protect forearms and sleeves from water splashes.
- Grip: Look for textured palms or embossed patterns for better control over slippery dishes.
For more tips on maintaining your gloves, check out this guide from Good Housekeeping.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should I replace dishwashing gloves?
Replace dishwashing gloves every 3-6 months, depending on usage frequency and material durability. Signs like tears, thinning, or odor indicate it’s time for a new pair.
2. Can dishwashing gloves be used for other tasks?
Yes, most gloves are versatile for tasks like gardening, painting, or cleaning bathrooms. However, use separate pairs for dishwashing to avoid cross-contamination.
3. How do I clean dishwashing gloves?
Rinse gloves with soap and water after use, dab dry, and hang in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Some gloves, like those with cotton linings, can be machine-washed.
4. Are silicone gloves better than rubber or vinyl?
Silicone gloves, like Antil’s, offer built-in scrubbing and heat resistance but may feel bulkier. Rubber and vinyl provide better dexterity and are often more affordable.
5. What if I have a latex allergy?
Choose latex-free options like Mr. Clean Bliss, LANON Wahoo, or Soft Scrub gloves, which use vinyl or PVC to ensure safety for sensitive skin.
Conclusion
Choosing the right dishwashing gloves can transform a mundane chore into a more comfortable and efficient task. Whether you prioritize heat resistance, latex-free materials, or stylish designs, the top 10 gloves listed above cater to diverse needs. From the luxurious Casabella Waterblock to the budget-friendly Vgo 10-pack, there’s a pair for every kitchen. Consider your specific requirements—material, size, and grip—and invest in a pair that keeps your hands protected and your dishes sparkling. For more kitchen cleaning tips, explore resources like The Kitchn.