How to use disposable gloves correctly – here’s how

26. Mar 2025

Disposable gloves are part of daily protective equipment in medicine, care, laboratory and industry – yet they are often used incorrectly in everyday life. The correct handling determines the protective effect, skin compatibility and hygiene. This article shows what really matters in application – and what you should avoid in your daily work routine.

 

Why Proper Use is so Important

Disposable gloves are meant to protect: patients, products, employees. But incorrect use can have the opposite effect – e.g. through cross-contamination, improper changing or wearing for too long. Clear procedures are crucial, especially in hygiene-critical areas.

Used correctly, disposable gloves are effective protection. Used incorrectly, they become a risk.

The most common mistakes – and how to avoid them

    • Wearing gloves for too long
      → When worn for long periods, moisture can build up, stressing skin and material.
    • No change between activities
      → When changing patients, work areas or work equipment: always change gloves too
    • Disinfection over gloves
      → Not allowed! Disposable gloves are not designed for hand disinfection – the material can be damaged.
    • Ill-fitting sizes
      → Gloves that are too tight restrict mobility, too large ones fit insecurely and tear more quickly.
    • Gloves without skin protection
      → Even with nitrile, frequent use can lead to skin irritation – proper care is part of it.

 

Correct Putting on and Taking off – Step by Step

Putting on:

    1. Wash and dry hands thoroughly
    2. No residue from cream or disinfectant
    3. Carefully pull gloves over fingers – without strong pulling or tugging

Taking off:

    1. Grip first glove on the outside and pull off
    2. Touch the second glove from the inside with the clean hand
    3. Dispose of both in the designated waste – do not place on surfaces or clothing

 

And after Taking Them off?

Even after wearing gloves:

      • Don’t forget hand disinfection – to remove potential germs on the skin
      • Don’t neglect skin care – e.g. with replenishing care after the shift

      You can read more information about skin care here

       

      How BISON Supports Product Selection

      Not every glove is suitable for every application. BISON offers various nitrile gloves tailored to different areas of use – from particularly sensitive to intensive protection. Our experts are happy to advise you so that function, comfort and protection interact ideally.

      Find the right glove now

       

      Further Reading

      Skin protection & skin care in everyday clinical practice – tips for professionals – Read now
      Allergy risk from disposable gloves – what you should know – Read now

       

      Sources & further Information

      DGUV Rule 112-995:
      Use of protective gloves – official recommendation for selection, application and wearing duration
      Go to DGUV Rule https://publikationen.dguv.de/regelwerk/dguv-regeln/1356/benutzung-von-schutzhandschuhen

      Robert Koch Institute:
      Hand hygiene in healthcare – application instructions and hygiene standards
      Go to RKI page https://publikationen.dguv.de/regelwerk/dguv-regeln/1356/benutzung-von-schutzhandschuhen

      BAuA – Guidelines for Personal Protective Equipment:
      Recommendations for the correct use of PPE in the care and health sector
      Go to BAuA overview https://www.baua.de/DE/Themen/Arbeitswelt-und-Arbeitsschutz/Physische-Belastungen/Persoenliche-Schutzausruestung/_node.html

      Note: Please observe the applicable guidelines of your institution or professional association.