Pressure washer gloves are an essential piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) for individuals involved in power washing activities. These gloves provide protection from hot water spray, chemicals, and debris, ensuring the safety of the operator’s hands. When selecting the best pressure washer gloves, it’s crucial to consider factors such as water resistance, chemical resistance, durability, comfort, and padding to ensure optimal protection and performance.
Key Features and Considerations
Water Resistance
Pressure washer gloves should be waterproof or water-resistant to prevent hands from getting wet, especially in cold weather conditions. The level of water resistance is typically measured by the glove’s Ingress Protection (IP) rating, which indicates the degree of protection against water and dust. For pressure washing, gloves with an IP rating of at least IPX4 (protection against water splashes from any direction) are recommended.
Chemical Resistance
Pressure washing often involves the use of cleaning chemicals, so the gloves should be able to withstand exposure to these hazardous liquids. Gloves made from materials like nitrile, neoprene, or butyl rubber are generally more resistant to chemicals compared to standard leather or cotton gloves.
Durability
Pressure washing can be a demanding task, and the gloves need to be durable enough to withstand the rigors of high-pressure water streams and potential impacts from debris. Look for gloves with reinforced palms, fingers, and knuckles to enhance their longevity.
Comfort
Pressure washing can be a physically demanding task, so the gloves should be comfortable to wear for extended periods. Features like breathable materials, flexible designs, and ergonomic shapes can help reduce hand fatigue and improve dexterity.
Padding
Gloves with padding, such as gel or foam inserts, can help reduce hand fatigue and cramping, especially when using a gun-style pressure washer. This is particularly important for prolonged use or when operating high-powered pressure washers.
Recommended Pressure Washer Gloves
Carhartt Waterproof Cold Weather Gloves
These gloves are highly recommended for power washing in cold weather, offering durability, warmth, and water resistance at an affordable price of around $29 per pair. They feature a waterproof and breathable membrane, reinforced palms and fingers, and a fleece lining for added insulation.
Weight Lifting Gloves
Some users have found weight lifting gloves to be effective in reducing hand cramps and soreness while power washing. These gloves typically provide a good grip, padding, and flexibility, making them a viable option for pressure washing tasks.
Neoprene Gloves
Neoprene gloves can provide a good balance of protection and dexterity, although they may not be as warm as other options. Neoprene is a synthetic rubber material that is resistant to water, chemicals, and abrasions, making it a popular choice for pressure washing gloves.
Technical Specifications
Pressure Resistance
Some pressure washer gloves, like the US Jetting Safety Gloves, are designed to protect against water strikes up to 7500 PSI rotary jets and 3000 PSI straight jets. This level of pressure resistance is crucial for operators working with high-powered pressure washers.
Material
Pressure washer gloves can be made from a variety of materials, each offering different levels of protection and comfort:
| Material | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Leather | Durable, good grip, but less water-resistant |
| Rubber/Neoprene | Waterproof, chemical-resistant, but less breathable |
| Synthetic Fabrics (e.g., polyester, nylon) | Lightweight, breathable, but less durable |
| Aramid Fibers (e.g., Kevlar) | Highly cut-resistant, but more expensive |
Safety Precautions
Eye Protection
Always wear safety glasses or face shields to protect your eyes from hot water spray and debris during pressure washing operations.
Full-Body Protection
Consider wearing full-body protection, including coveralls, boots, and aprons, to minimize exposure to chemicals and debris while power washing.
References
- Kleen-Rite Corp. – Pressure Washing Protection Supplies | Power Washing Safety. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/c-1660-safety-products-for-pressure-washing.aspx
- The Power Wash Store – Pressure Washing PPE: Chemical Safety Gloves | Dust Mask | Gloves. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.powerwashstore.com/C/41/Personnel-Safety
- Pressure Washing Institute – Gloves? | Pressure Washing Institute – XenForo. (2015, March 30). Retrieved from https://propowerwash.com/board/upload/threads/gloves.32639/
- US Jetting – Safety Gloves – US Jetting. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://usjetting.com/products/safety-gear/safety-gloves/
- Reddit – Glove recommendations for power washing? : r/pressurewashing. (2023, March 1). Retrieved from https://www.reddit.com/r/pressurewashing/comments/11fcwkj/glove_recommendations_for_power_washing/