Heavy Duty Rubber Gloves For Industrial, Household & Chemical Protection
Discover the finest selection of rubber gloves at Glove Club, your trusted UK supplier since 1994. With over 30 years of expertise in hand protection, we understand the critical balance between durability, chemical resistance, and comfort that professional-grade rubber gloves must deliver for both industrial and household applications.
Whether you need heavy-duty rubber gloves for industrial work, chemical-resistant rubber gloves for laboratory applications, long rubber gloves for comprehensive arm protection, or reliable household rubber gloves for cleaning tasks, our comprehensive range delivers the protection, performance, and value you demand. Our rubber gloves are trusted by manufacturers, cleaning professionals, laboratories, and households across the UK for their exceptional quality and reliability.
Why Choose Rubber Gloves?
Rubber gloves are the gold standard for chemical protection and durability across professional and domestic settings. Whether you're handling harsh cleaning agents, working with industrial chemicals, or need reliable protection for daily tasks, rubber gloves deliver unmatched performance, longevity, and barrier protection that disposable alternatives simply cannot match.
Ideal for professionals and households alike, our rubber work gloves are designed to provide protection and durability across various tasks. Choose from trusted brands like Marigold and enjoy the convenience of ordering online or by phone at 0208 991 4300. Discover the perfect rubber glove solution for your needs today, or browse more options including cotton and PVC gloves.
Rubber gloves for cleaning are available in yellow, blue, and black and prove practical and suitable for a range of different uses across a wide variety of industries. They vary in thickness; our thicker gloves are perfect for household chores, whereas thinner gloves are better for jobs which require precision, such as mechanics. Choose between small, medium, large, and extra-large rubber gloves.
Disposable rubber gloves can be worn if working in food preparation, domestic care, hair and beauty industries, and of course cleaning. Available in a range of sizes, they are a cheap and convenient way to protect the wearer from a variety of skin contaminants. Simply browse our range of rubber gloves to find the perfect pair for you, and if your order comes to over £65, we’ll even deliver for free!
Types Of Rubber Gloves Available At Glove Club
Heavy-Duty Industrial Rubber Gloves
Our heavy-duty rubber gloves feature thick, reinforced construction ideal for demanding industrial environments. These gloves provide superior protection against mechanical hazards, abrasion, and tearing while maintaining flexibility for manual tasks. Perfect for manufacturing, engineering, maintenance, and heavy cleaning applications where durability is paramount.
Chemical-Resistant Rubber Gloves
Chemical-resistant rubber gloves meeting EN374 standards offer certified protection against a wide range of hazardous substances. Available in various thicknesses and lengths, these professional-grade gloves protect against acids, alkalis, solvents, and industrial cleaning agents. Essential for laboratory work, chemical handling, and industrial processing environments.
Long Rubber Gloves (Gauntlets)
Long rubber gloves extend protection up the forearm, ideal for tasks requiring comprehensive arm coverage. These gauntlet-style gloves prevent splashes and spills from reaching unprotected skin during cleaning, chemical work, or wet processing tasks. Available in lengths from 30cm to 45cm for various application needs.
Black Rubber Gloves
Black rubber gloves offer practical advantages for automotive, engineering, and maintenance work where visible dirt and staining would make lighter gloves appear worn quickly. The dark color masks contaminants while providing the same protective properties as traditional rubber gloves, making them popular in workshops and industrial settings.
Cotton-Lined Rubber Gloves
Cotton-lined rubber gloves combine rubber protection with internal cotton flocking for enhanced comfort during extended wear. The soft lining absorbs perspiration and reduces hand fatigue, making these ideal for prolonged cleaning tasks, dish washing, and situations requiring both protection and comfort.
Household Rubber Gloves
Designed for domestic cleaning and everyday tasks, household rubber gloves provide reliable protection against common cleaning products, detergents, and hot water. Available in multiple colors and sizes, these affordable gloves are perfect for kitchen work, bathroom cleaning, and general household maintenance.
Disposable Vs Reusable Rubber Gloves
While traditional rubber gloves are reusable and designed for multiple uses with proper care, disposable rubber gloves offer single-use convenience for food handling or situations requiring frequent glove changes. Reusable rubber gloves provide better value for regular use and can be washed and sanitized between uses, making them more economical and environmentally friendly for ongoing applications.
Key Benefits Of Rubber Gloves
Superior Chemical Protection
Rubber gloves provide excellent barrier protection against a wide range of chemicals, cleaning agents, and hazardous substances. Natural rubber latex offers resistance to many acids, alkalis, and aqueous solutions, while specialized formulations provide protection against specific chemical families. EN374 certification ensures reliable chemical resistance for professional applications.
Excellent Mechanical Durability
The robust construction of rubber gloves delivers outstanding resistance to abrasion, tearing, and puncturing compared to disposable alternatives. This mechanical strength makes them ideal for heavy-duty work environments where gloves face physical stress, sharp edges, or rough surfaces. Quality rubber gloves can withstand repeated use without compromising protective properties.
Waterproof Protection
Complete waterproof protection keeps hands dry during wet work, cleaning tasks, and water-based applications. Rubber gloves prevent water, cleaning solutions, and other liquids from reaching skin, making them essential for dish washing, bathroom cleaning, and any task involving prolonged water exposure.
Cost-Effective Reusability
Unlike single-use disposables, quality rubber gloves are designed for extended use and can be washed, sanitized, and reused many times. This reusability provides significant cost savings for regular users while reducing waste. Proper care and storage extend glove life, making rubber gloves an economical choice for ongoing protection needs.
Flexibility And Dexterity
Despite their protective thickness, modern rubber gloves maintain excellent flexibility and tactile sensitivity. This allows for precise manual tasks, grip on wet surfaces, and comfortable movement during extended wear. Cotton-lined options further enhance comfort for prolonged use.
Common Applications For Rubber Gloves
Industrial And Manufacturing
Heavy-duty rubber gloves protect workers in manufacturing, engineering, automotive, and maintenance environments. They provide essential hand protection during assembly work, machinery maintenance, parts handling, and general industrial tasks where chemical exposure or mechanical hazards exist.
Cleaning And Janitorial Services
Professional cleaners rely on rubber gloves for protection against strong cleaning chemicals, disinfectants, and biological contaminants. Long rubber gloves provide comprehensive protection during deep cleaning, sanitation work, and handling of cleaning concentrates.
Laboratory And Research
Scientific laboratories require chemical-resistant rubber gloves for handling reagents, specimens, and hazardous materials. These gloves provide essential protection against chemical splashes, biological hazards, and cross-contamination during research, testing, and analytical work.
Food Processing And Preparation
Food industry professionals use rubber gloves for hygiene and protection during food handling, preparation, and processing. These gloves prevent cross-contamination while protecting hands from hot water, cleaning agents, and extended exposure to moisture during food-related tasks.
Automotive And Engineering
Mechanics and engineers rely on black rubber gloves for protection against oils, solvents, degreasers, and automotive chemicals. The chemical resistance and mechanical durability make them ideal for engine work, parts cleaning, and maintenance tasks where hands face multiple hazards.
Agriculture And Horticulture
Agricultural workers use heavy-duty rubber gloves when handling pesticides, fertilizers, and agricultural chemicals. These gloves provide essential protection during chemical application, equipment cleaning, and general farm tasks involving potentially harmful substances.
Healthcare And Care Facilities
While disposable gloves dominate clinical settings, reusable rubber gloves serve essential roles in healthcare facility maintenance, equipment sterilization, and handling of strong disinfectants and cleaning agents used in medical environments.
Understanding Chemical Resistance Standards
EN374 Chemical Resistance Certification
The EN374 standard defines chemical resistance requirements for protective gloves in Europe. This certification involves testing gloves against specific chemicals to determine breakthrough time and permeation resistance. EN374 Type A gloves resist at least 6 specified chemicals for 30 minutes, Type B resists at least 3 chemicals, and Type C provides basic chemical protection. Understanding these classifications helps select appropriate gloves for specific chemical hazards.
EN388 Mechanical Performance
The EN388 standard rates mechanical protection including abrasion resistance, cut resistance, tear resistance, and puncture resistance. This four-digit code (e.g., 3111) indicates performance levels for each category, helping users select gloves with appropriate mechanical protection for their specific tasks and environmental demands.
Permeation Testing
Chemical permeation testing measures how long a chemical takes to breakthrough glove material at a molecular level. Higher breakthrough times indicate better chemical resistance. For hazardous chemicals, selecting gloves with appropriate breakthrough times for your exposure duration is critical for safe handling.
Your Rubber Gloves Buying Guide
1. Assess Your Chemical Exposure
Identify specific chemicals, cleaning agents, or substances you'll handle. For hazardous chemicals, consult chemical resistance charts and select gloves with EN374 certification appropriate for your substances. For general household cleaning, standard rubber gloves provide adequate protection against common cleaning products.
2. Determine Required Thickness
Thin rubber gloves (0.3-0.5mm) offer better dexterity for precise tasks and lighter cleaning work. Medium thickness (0.5-0.8mm) balances protection and flexibility for general use. Heavy-duty gloves (0.8mm+) provide maximum protection for harsh chemicals and mechanical hazards but reduce tactile sensitivity.
3. Choose Appropriate Length
Standard length gloves (30cm) suit most household and light industrial tasks. Long gauntlet gloves (35-45cm) provide arm protection for tasks involving deep immersion in liquids, reaching into containers, or situations where splashes may travel up the forearm.
4. Consider Lining Options
Unlined rubber gloves offer maximum chemical resistance and are easily sanitized. Cotton-lined (flock-lined) gloves absorb perspiration and provide comfort during extended wear, ideal for prolonged cleaning or work tasks. Choose based on wear duration and comfort priorities.
5. Evaluate Size And Fit
Proper fit is essential for dexterity, comfort, and protection. Gloves too large reduce grip and precision; gloves too small cause hand fatigue and may tear. Measure your hand size and consult sizing charts. Many rubber gloves are available in sizes from Small to XXL to accommodate different hand sizes.
6. Calculate Quantity Needs
For regular use, consider bulk purchasing for better value. Industrial users should calculate usage rates and maintain adequate stock. Household users typically find 2-3 pairs sufficient for rotation during washing. Professional cleaners benefit from bulk quantities of multiple sizes.
7. Check Colour Requirements
Black rubber gloves mask dirt and wear, ideal for workshop and engineering tasks. Colored household gloves (yellow, pink, blue) can be color-coded for different cleaning tasks to prevent cross-contamination. White or natural rubber shows contamination clearly for food-related applications.
8. Consider Latex Allergies
Natural rubber latex gloves may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. If latex allergy is a concern, consider nitrile or vinyl alternatives. However, natural rubber remains the preferred choice for chemical resistance and durability when allergies are not an issue.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rubber Gloves
What Are Rubber Gloves Best Used For?
Rubber gloves excel in situations requiring chemical protection, waterproof barriers, and durable reusable hand protection. They're ideal for heavy-duty cleaning with strong chemicals, industrial work involving chemical handling, laboratory applications, food processing, automotive maintenance, and prolonged water exposure tasks. Their combination of chemical resistance, mechanical durability, and reusability makes them superior to disposable alternatives for regular professional and household applications.
What Does EN374 Chemical Resistance Mean?
EN374 is the European standard defining chemical protective glove performance. It tests gloves against specific chemicals to measure breakthrough time and permeation resistance. EN374 Type A gloves resist at least 6 chemicals for 30+ minutes, Type B resists 3 chemicals, and Type C provides basic chemical protection. This certification helps users select appropriate gloves for their specific chemical hazards, ensuring adequate protection for the duration of exposure in professional and industrial applications.
Are Rubber Gloves Suitable For Latex Allergies?
Natural rubber latex gloves may cause allergic reactions in individuals with latex sensitivity. Symptoms can range from mild skin irritation to serious allergic responses. For those with latex allergies, nitrile gloves provide excellent chemical resistance without latex proteins, while vinyl offers a budget-friendly alternative for light-duty tasks. However, for users without latex sensitivity, natural rubber gloves remain the preferred choice for superior chemical resistance, durability, and grip performance across demanding applications.
How Long Do Rubber Gloves Last?
Rubber glove lifespan depends on usage frequency, chemical exposure, and care practices. With proper maintenance, quality household rubber gloves typically last 3-6 months of regular use, while heavy-duty industrial gloves may last 1-3 months in harsh environments. Extending glove life requires rinsing after use, washing with mild soap, thorough drying (inside and out), and storage away from direct sunlight and ozone sources. Replace gloves when you notice thinning, holes, loss of elasticity, or compromised chemical resistance.
What's The Difference Between Household And Industrial Rubber Gloves?
Household rubber gloves are designed for domestic cleaning with common household products, typically featuring medium thickness (0.5-0.7mm), comfortable cotton lining, and colorful options. Industrial rubber gloves feature thicker construction (0.8-1.2mm+), meet EN374 chemical resistance standards, provide longer gauntlet lengths for extended protection, and often include textured grip surfaces. Industrial gloves are tested against specific hazardous chemicals and designed for harsher environments, while household gloves prioritize comfort and affordability for regular domestic cleaning tasks.
Do You Deliver Rubber Gloves UK Wide?
Yes, Glove Club delivers rubber gloves throughout the entire United Kingdom with free delivery on orders over £65. As an established UK supplier with over 30 years of experience since 1994, we provide reliable nationwide delivery for household customers, professional cleaners, industrial facilities, laboratories, and healthcare organizations. Our comprehensive rubber glove range includes household, heavy-duty industrial, chemical-resistant, and specialized options suitable for customers across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
