We often think of using latex gloves when rendering first aid or trying to protect the skin while handling things that could otherwise irritate the skin. However, there are plenty of other ways that you can put a pair of gloves to good use instead of letting them sit in the box and collect dust. Let’s take a look at a couple of suggestions that can help you to get your creative juices flowing, and chances are that you’ll think of a few ideas yourself.
Water Carrier
Latex gloves can be an excellent way to transport water as long as you rinse them out beforehand. The elasticity around the fingers helps the glove to remain pliable, even when it is mostly full, and this can help to prevent it from tearing as you carry the water around. You can also use the fingers to fashion a handle or tie it off on your backpack or belt if you want to keep your hands free while walking. You can easily carry upwards of 5 gallons of water per trip by using a few gloves.
Improvised Nipple
Whether you are feeding a baby or small animal, you can easily turn the glove into a makeshift bottle. While this may not be the ideal choice, it can come in handy in a pinch. Simply pour the food, milk or formula into the glove, tie it off, poke a small hole in the tip of one of the fingers or thumb, and you’re good to go. Hold the bottle by the top with one hand for stability, and use your fingers on the other hand to pinch or release the nipple in order to control the flow as needed.
Waste Disposal
Maybe you want to secure medical waste or need to pick up human or animal excrement. Perhaps you want to dispose of soiled clothing or the carcass of a small animal. Wearing a glove will protect your hand while also serving as a self-sealing containment device. Simply grab the item and scrunch it up in the palm of your hand before carefully pulling off the glove. The sleeve will fold over the material as the rest of the glove slides off of your hand. It will turn inside out and wrap itself around the material at the same time.
Odor Control
Plastic bags, even ones that zip shut, don’t usually provide a lot of odor control. However, the seal provided by a plastic glove can be much more effective. Just stuff the items inside the glove or use the same method above in order to compress and seal up stinky socks, shirts and underwear. You can also use this as a way to seal the odor produced by leftover food.
Dispenser
You can also use the glove to store thick liquids and dispense them as needed. Shampoo, sunscreen, toothpaste and even glue are just a few items that come to mind. You can also use it in a million-and-one different ways in the kitchen as well.
Remember that a box probably contains more gloves than you will need for first aid or basic protection, so it just makes sense to put those extra supplies to good use. Take some time to think of other ways to utilize latex gloves, and you’ll see why they are such a valuable commodity to have on hand.
