Importance of Wearing Gloves While Gardening
Are you someone who loves gardening, but often ends up with splinters on your hands? Or are you a beginner who wants to learn more about the importance of wearing gloves while gardening? Regardless of your level of expertise, it is crucial to understand the benefits of wearing gloves while gardening. In this article, we will explain the importance of gloves and also recommend some of the best types of gloves for people with splinters.
- Protection against Thorny Plants: While gardening, we often come across thorny plants like roses, cacti, and blackberries. Pruning these plants can lead to painful scratches and punctures. Wearing gloves can act as a protective layer, preventing these injuries from occurring.
- Prevention of Splinters: Wooden garden tools such as shovels and stakes can easily cause splinters. Gloves provide a barrier between your skin and the wood, thereby preventing splinters from happening.
- Prevention of Cuts: Gardening involves a lot of handling and cutting of sharp tools like pruning shears and scissors. Wearing gloves can reduce the risk of cuts and infections.
- Prevention of Skin Irritation: Sometimes, we come in contact with irritants like fertilizers and pesticides while gardening. Wearing gloves can prevent these irritants from coming in contact with your skin, preventing rashes and other skin problems.
Now that you know the benefits of wearing gloves while gardening let’s look at some of the best types of gloves for people with splinters.
Types of Gloves for People with Splinters
When it comes to preventing and protecting splinters, choosing the right type of garden glove is crucial. Here are some of the best types of gloves that can help you avoid getting splinters:
- Cotton or Jersey Gloves: These gloves are lightweight, breathable, and affordable. They can be worn as a liner underneath heavy-duty gloves or on their own for light gardening tasks. They provide a good grip, and the soft material allows for flexibility and dexterity while working with small plants and tools. Since they are not puncture-resistant, they may not be suitable for handling sharp or thorny materials.
- Nitrile Coated Gloves: These gloves are ideal for people with latex allergies and are designed to provide excellent grip and protection against punctures and cuts. The nitrile coating provides a barrier against splinters, chemicals, and stains. They are also water-resistant, making them suitable for wet gardening tasks like planting in damp soil or irrigating plants.
- Leather Gloves: Leather gloves are durable, puncture-resistant, and can provide excellent protection against splinters and thorns. They come in different lengths, including short-cuff, elbow-length, and gauntlet-style gloves. They are ideal for handling heavy equipment and working with thorny or prickly plants. The downside is that leather gloves can be expensive, and they may not provide enough flexibility and dexterity for some gardening tasks.
- Rubber Gloves: Rubber gloves are waterproof, puncture-resistant, and can protect your hands from harsh chemicals and bacteria. They come in different materials, including natural rubber, nitrile, and neoprene. They are also available in different lengths, textures, and thicknesses. Rubber gloves do not provide a good grip, and they can cause sweating and discomfort during prolonged use. However, they are suitable for heavy-duty gardening tasks like cleaning ponds, handling fertilizers, and pruning plants.
- Chain Mail Gloves: Chain mail gloves are designed to provide the highest level of protection against cuts, punctures, and abrasions. They are made of interlocking stainless steel rings that cover the entire hand and wrist. They are ideal for handling sharp and hazardous materials like saws, knives, and broken glass. However, they are heavy, and they may restrict hand movement and require proper care and maintenance.
Choosing the right type of garden glove depends on the gardening task, the level of protection required, and personal preferences. It is essential to inspect the gloves regularly for tears, holes, or signs of wear and replace them when necessary. Wearing gloves is an effective way to reduce the risk of getting splinters and other garden-related injuries, but they do not provide complete protection. Always exercise caution, follow safety guidelines, and seek medical attention if you get a severe or infected splinter.
Features to look for in garden gloves for splinter protection
If you are frequently working in your garden or handling wood, it is essential to invest in a good quality pair of gloves made explicitly for splinter protection. Here are some features to look for when choosing the perfect pair:
- Material: The material of garden gloves plays a vital role in protecting your hands from splinters. Look for gloves made of thick and sturdy materials like leather or suede. These materials are excellent at minimizing the chances of sharp objects penetrating through the gloves.
- Fit: Gloves that fit snugly on your hands help to minimize the chances of splinters finding their way inside. Gloves that are too tight or too loose are more likely to allow splinters to penetrate through the glove, giving you no protection.
- Length: The length of garden gloves also plays a significant role in splinter protection. Gloves with an extended cuff or gauntlet provide an additional layer of protection to your wrist and forearm, minimizing the chances of splinters finding their way in.
- Durability: Gardening gloves tend to wear out over time, which can make them less effective at protecting you from sharp objects. Look for gloves made of durable materials that can withstand regular use.
- Additional features: Some gloves come with additional features like reinforced fingertips or padded palms, providing extra protection against splinters and other sharp objects.
Overall, investing in a good quality pair of garden gloves with the right features can go a long way in keeping your hands and fingers protected from splinters and other sharp objects.
Top picks for garden gloves for people with splinters
Everyone knows that gardening is a relaxing and fulfilling hobby, but it can also be painful, especially when dealing with the pesky splinters that can bother you for hours or even days if you don't have the right glove.
- Atlas Gloves : The Atlas Nitrile Garden Gloves are a top recommendation of garden gloves for people with splinters. These gloves cling to your hand without making it sweaty and provide an excellent grip for even the most delicate tasks. They are also puncture-resistant, making it hard for splinters to break through.
- Bellingham Gloves : There's a reason the Bellingham Bamboo gloves are famous worldwide. They breathe properly, allowing your hands to stay cool and dry in scorching heat. Bamboo leaches a mild odor-resisting liquid that not only detours bugs but also stink. These gloves are not only perfect for people with splinters but also for those who are allergic in a synthetic blend.
- Gold Leaf Gloves : The Gold Leaf gloves are the ultimate choice for avid gardeners who love cultivating their gardens in any weather. These gloves are made of fine, durable leather and are excellent for snagging and keeping your grip, making it hard for splinters to get through.
- West County Gloves : Are you searching for gloves that can withstand even the most challenging gardening tasks? Then look no further than the West County gloves. They are lightweight, breathable, and comfortable, even when working several hours in the garden. Furthermore, they feature a lining that repels moisture, making them an ideal choice for those early morning garden sessions during dewy seasons.
Whichever glove you decide to choose, it's essential to select the one that best suits your task, including the presence of splinters. These top picks are some of the most durable and comfortable gloves on the market, so selecting the right one will save you much meddling with thorns and prickly ends.
Proper Care of Garden Gloves
After buying the best garden gloves for people with splinters, you need to take proper care of them to ensure they last for a long time. Here is how to care and maintain your garden gloves:
- Clean Them: Cleaning your garden gloves after use is important as it helps to get rid of dirt, debris and sweat that could weaken the gloves, making them less effective. To clean your gloves, gently hand wash with a mild soap and water solution then rinse with clean water. Avoid using bleach or harsh detergents as they could damage the fabric. After washing, air dry your gloves in a cool, shady place.
- Store Them Properly: Proper storage is essential to keep your garden gloves in good condition. When storing, avoid folding them as this could lead to the formation of creases that may lead to tears. Instead, hang them up or lay them flat in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight. You can also store them in a box/ bag to keep them looking brand new.
- Protect Them: When not in use, protect your garden gloves from elements such as moisture which can weaken the fabric. Consider storing them in a dry place or use a waterproof container to keep them from moisture. Additionally, avoid exposing the gloves to hot surfaces as the heat could weaken the fabric leading to tears.
- Replace Them: Eventually, your garden gloves will need to be replaced, especially if the fabric is weakened by prolonged use, tears or holes. So, if you notice any signs of wear and tear, consider replacing them with a new pair.
By following these tips, you can extend the life of your garden gloves and get the most out of them. Your hands will stay safe and comfortable during your gardening tasks, while the gloves stay in top condition.
Tips for preventing splinters while gardening
Gardening is a great hobby and can be very therapeutic. However, one downside of gardening is the risk of getting splinters. Splinters are small, sharp, and often painful pieces of wood that can get lodged in your skin. Here are some tips to prevent splinters while gardening:
- Wear gloves: The easiest way to prevent splinters is to wear gloves. Gardening gloves are specially designed to protect your hands while working with plants, soil, and wood. They are made of materials like leather, canvas, or nylon which provide adequate protection.
- Avoid working with wood: Wood is a common cause of splinters, so try to avoid working with it as much as possible. If you need to work with wood, be sure to wear gloves and handle it carefully.
- Inspect your tools: Before using any gardening tools, check for any cracks or splinters on the handles. If you find any, either sand them down or replace the tool.
- Be careful when handling plants: Some plants can cause splinters if you handle them improperly. For example, roses have thorns that can easily get stuck in your skin. Be sure to wear gloves and handle thorny plants with care.
- Keep your hands moisturized: Dry and rough skin is more prone to splinters. Keep your hands moisturized by applying lotion regularly. This will also help to keep your gloves from getting stiff and uncomfortable.
- Clean up debris: When you're done gardening, be sure to clean up any debris on the ground. Wood chips, sticks, and other objects can easily cause splinters if you step on them.
By following these tips, you can minimize the risk of getting splinters while gardening. Remember, prevention is always better than cure!