Wearing sanitation gloves for hygiene and safety is a common requirement. Quickly and smoothly pulling on a glove, however, can often be a struggle. This difficulty is especially noticeable when hands are damp or sweaty, which increases friction and causes the material to bunch or tear. Employing simple methods can transform this routine task into an efficient motion. This guide provides practical solutions to make donning sanitation gloves consistently easier.
Essential Hand Preparation
The most common reason for gloves sticking during the donning process is moisture on the skin. Water molecules act as an adhesive, dramatically increasing the friction and adhesion between the skin and the glove material. Even residual water from a hand wash or light perspiration creates this sticky surface condition.
To counteract this effect, hands must be completely dry before attempting to don a glove. Air drying is preferable, but a clean, lint-free towel can be used to thoroughly absorb all surface moisture if time is a concern. Avoid applying excessive amounts of oil-based hand lotions or creams immediately before gloving. These emollients leave a residue that increases tackiness and may compromise the integrity of the glove material.
Utilizing Lubricants and Donning Aids
Many modern powder-free gloves are manufactured with internal polymer coatings, often achieved through chlorination, which creates a smoother surface inside the glove. This factory-applied layer is designed to reduce the surface tackiness of the glove material. These coatings are the primary reason many non-powdered gloves are relatively easy to put on when hands are dry.
Historically, cornstarch-based powders were used to facilitate donning by absorbing moisture and acting as a lubricant. While effective for friction reduction, this practice is largely avoided in medical and professional settings today due to health concerns. Cornstarch particles can act as a carrier for latex allergens and have been associated with inflammation and wound complications. This led the FDA to ban their use on medical and surgical gloves.
For non-sterile, home, or non-clinical use, a light dusting of cornstarch or baby powder can absorb slight hand moisture and act as a temporary friction reducer. A more practical alternative for slightly damp hands is to use a small amount of alcohol-based hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol. The high alcohol content evaporates almost instantly, rapidly drying the skin surface and leaving it smooth without introducing a persistent powder residue.
Mastering the Technique and Fit
Selecting the correct glove size greatly influences the ease of donning. A glove that is too small stretches too tightly, making it difficult to pull over the knuckles and increasing the risk of tearing. Conversely, a glove that is too large bunches up and wrinkles, compromising dexterity and making it difficult to slide on smoothly. The elasticity of the glove material also plays a role, with nitrile and latex offering more stretch than vinyl.
The physical technique for donning a glove focuses on minimizing surface area friction during the initial pull. Begin by ensuring the glove cuff is rolled back about half an inch, creating a firm ring of material. This cuff can be grasped to create tension and reduce the area of contact between the glove and the hand.
Insert your fingers first, stretching the glove over the palm and down over the knuckles. Pull the glove over the hand in one continuous motion rather than several small tugs. Once the hand is fully inside, unroll the cuff over the wrist to complete the process.
By combining properly dried hands, utilizing a donning aid, and employing a smooth technique, the struggle with sanitation gloves can be easily overcome.