Start by rinsing your rubber gloves with water. Wash them properly with some soap before rinsing again. Leave the gloves to dry in a well-ventilated area. Turn them inside out and repeat the process.
Everyone has their favorite pair of rubber gloves when it’s time for some work. I do, and as much as I love my gloves, I simply can’t deal with the stench that comes from overuse. In this article, you will discover how I deal with and care for stinky rubber gloves and how to get rid of the unpleasant latex odor.
3 Methods On How To Remove Stench From Rubber Gloves
Method 1: Wash with soap
- After washing the dishes or doing other domestic duties, rinse the rubber or latex glove with water to eliminate any residues.
- Wash the exterior of the gloves with dish soap.
- Rinse your gloves well one more time to eliminate any soap residue.
- Then place the rubber gloves in a well-ventilated area to dry.
- Turn the gloves inside and repeat again.
Before washing linen gloves or those made of fabric, consult the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Method 2: Use a sweet-smelling lotion
To assist cover the latex odor, apply a sweet-smelling lotion to your hands before and after wearing the rubber gloves. It will help keep your skin moisturized within the gloves if it is prone to dry out. Although you cannot use this method on cotton or foam-lined gloves, it is an excellent technique to eliminate the rubbery odor or stench.
Method 3: Use baking soda
Sprinkle baking soda into your rubber gloves after you’ve worn them. It absorbs moisture, neutralizes odors, and destroys microorganisms. You can also use a powdered natural deodorant.
If you want extra flavor with the baking soda, combine three tablespoons with 2-4 drops of lavender essential oil and put in your rubber glove for added aroma. Lavender, like baking soda, also has antimicrobial properties.
Tips for preserving your baking soda mixture
- Fill a clean and dry, empty glass spice container with a shaker top and a sealing lid with your baking soda mixture.
- Alternatively, use a metal-topped container with a tight seal. Simply use a nail to hammer holes in it.
- Cover the top of the container with foil to keep it sealed while not in use. This is critical; otherwise, your powder would absorb the odors in your home, rendering it useless for your gloves.
- To ensure that you utilize the powder, keep it in the same location as your gloves, if not the same room.
Alternative Methods To Remove Stench From Rubber Gloves
Here are other alternatives to deal with the stench from your rubber gloves:
1: Use Scented Gloves
Nowadays, scented gloves are the go-to for people who don’t have the time to wash their gloves. Scented gloves come in different aromas and will eliminate the awful stench of rubber gloves and keep your hands smelling flowery when you pull them off.
2: Apply Essential Oils
Essential oils are not just wellness or beauty products; they have other significant uses. All you have to do is add a few drops to your palm and rub them inside and outside your rubber gloves before wearing them. Like using lotions, essential oils keep your hands hydrated and remove the stench from your rubber gloves.
3: Use Latex-free gloves
If you don’t want to deal with the awful stench of your rubber gloves, you can simply go for latex-free gloves. Unless the gloves are made from other low-quality products, the main reason why your gloves have a bad smell is because of the latex material used. You can ditch your regular rubber gloves for latex-free gloves.
4: Use a Vinegar Solution
To make the vinegar solution, combine a little amount of distilled vinegar and warm water in a clean basin with a 1:1 ratio. You can also put the mixture in a spray bottle and shake it.
If your solution is in a bowl, dip a soft cloth into it and gently use it to clean the inside and exterior of your rubber glove. If it’s in a spray bottle, spray the mixture on the rubber gloves, then gently wipe the inside and outside of the gloves with a soft cloth.
5: Use Scented Soap
If you only have a mild smell on your gloves, then you should try removing the odor with scented soap. Soaking it for some time could be key here so the new scent can take. Try turning them inside out after a while. Lastly, let them dry where there’s sufficient air.
Causes of Stench in Rubber Gloves
Chemicals from the manufacturing process
Rubber gloves are frequently cleaned with chlorine to remove residues and powders used during the manufacturing process. The odor is caused by the chlorine molecules in the glove continuing to emit as it warms up. For nitrile rubber gloves, the odor is caused by manufacturing contaminants that were not thoroughly eliminated during the production process.
Your Body’s Sweat Process
Your body’s natural sweating process also causes the stench in rubber gloves. When you wear disposable gloves over an extended amount of time, it’s natural for your hands to sweat. The sweat gets trapped within the gloves and reacts with the chemicals in the rubber glove. This results in the stench you can perceive.
FAQs on Removing Stench From Rubber Gloves
Why are my rubber gloves sticky?
Using gloves under hot water, exposure to sunlight, and aging are some of the reasons rubber gloves get sticky.
Can I wash my rubber gloves in a washing machine?
Yes, but you must ensure the gloves are certified safe for machine washing. Also, don’t wash only your rubber gloves, add other fabrics as well.
What happens if I use a washing machine regularly?
Continuously washing your gloves with a washing machine can reduce their quality by degrading their rubber properties.
