3 Reasons Why You Should Always Wear Dish Gloves at the Sink
Updated: Mar. 23, 2021Dish gloves should be your new kitchen BFF.
I didn’t always use rubber gloves when washing dishes. I got my first pair of dish gloves in my mid-twenties as a gift from my best friend after she realized I didn’t own any. She couldn’t fathom how I had gone my whole life without ever putting on a pair. Truthfully, I didn’t think it was a big deal. I used my favorite dish scrubber and regularly cleaned the dishwasher. But now that I’ve started using dish gloves, I can never, ever go back to washing dishes without them. Here’s why.
1. You’ll Use Hotter Water
Dish gloves protect you from the heat, so you can use hotter water than you would with bare hands. Since hot water is the key to getting your dishes clean, this is an important step. When I used to wash dishes with my bare hands, I kept the water temperature mild enough so I wouldn’t be too uncomfortable when cleaning up after Taco Tuesday dinners. I also rushed through it so my hands wouldn’t scald when I did turn up the heat. With dish gloves, you won’t think twice about making the water nice and hot, hot, hot.
2. You’ll Clean Thoroughly
Armed with a pair of dish gloves, there’s no stuck-on food I can’t tackle. I’m no longer afraid to get in there and scrub, removing burnt bits and cheese that’s stuck to the pan after making the best macaroni and cheese. This might sound strange, but wearing dish gloves helps me commit to the task at hand and get those pots and pans squeaky clean. It’s even—dare I say it—a little fun! When you’re not worried about getting your hands dirty, you’ll clean more thoroughly.
3. Your Hands Won’t Dry Out
Dry hands aren’t pleasant. They crack and can even hurt. If you wash your hands a lot, then you know wet hands dry out fast. You may even find yourself making one-dish meals in order to make dish duty go faster. Using dish gloves is a small step that makes a big impact in preventing your hands from drying out.
Pro tip: Slather on lotion before putting on the gloves. The hot water will open up your pores, helping the lotion to sink in and moisturize more deeply. It’s a mini spa day at the sink!
Now that you know about the benefits of using dish gloves, it’s time to treat yourself to a pair (they’re not expensive!). Happy dishwashing!
Psst! These one-pan recipes are incredibly quick to cleanup.
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Chicken Artichoke Skillet
My fast chicken entree featuring artichokes and olives has real Greek flair. Seasoned with lemon juice and oregano, the stovetop chicken turns out moist and tender. —Carol Latimore, Arvada, Colorado
Roasted Kielbasa & Vegetables
I like this dish featuring kielbasa and veggies for two reasons: It's so hearty, and it’s a one-pan meal. That’s a win-win dinner! —Marietta Slater, Justin, Texas
Chicken Cordon Bleu Pizza
This recipe combines my two favorite foods—pizza and chicken cordon bleu. I've made this for my family and the teachers at my school. Now my teachers ask me to make it for them for lunch! —Justin Rippel, Colgate, Wisconsin
Maple Sausage Skillet
Maple syrup adds sweetness to this yummy stir-fry. I sometimes add a little broccoli, too, for a change of pace. Add a green salad and a crusty loaf of bread for a complete meal in minutes. —Dottie Tarlton, Malvern, Arkansas
Sheet-Pan Chipotle-Lime Shrimp Bake
I like to make this seafood dinner for company because it tastes amazing but takes very little effort to throw together. Use asparagus, Broccolini or a mix of the two. It’s all about what's available for a decent price. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Sweet Potato and Egg Skillet
I try to incorporate nutritious sweet potatoes in my meals as often as possible, especially with breakfast. This recipe originated with the purpose of feeding my family a healthy, hearty breakfast...and it worked! —Jeanne Larson, Mission Viejo, California
Creamy Skillet Noodles with Peas
I’ve made this creamy noodle side for years. Since kids and adults go for it, I keep the ingredients on hand at all times. —Anita Groff, Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania
Broiled Greek Fish Fillets
Combine olives, onion, dill and feta cheese in a tangy, Greek-inspired topping to boost the flavor of tilapia or your favorite whitefish. —Jennifer Maslowski, New York, New York
Lemon-Dijon Pork Sheet-Pan Supper
Most nights I need something that I can get on the table with minimal effort and delicious results. This sheet-pan supper has become an all-time favorite, not only because of its bright flavors but also because of its speedy cleanup time. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Beefy Tortellini Skillet
This skillet wonder is a tortellini dish the family craves. From browning beef to cooking the pasta and melting the cheese, everything happens in one pan. You can add basil or chives for a touch of freshness. —Juli Meyers, Hinesville, Georgia
Tomato-Onion Phyllo Pizza
With a delicate crust and lots of lovely tomatoes on top, this dish is a special one to serve to guests. I make it often when fresh garden tomatoes are in season. It freezes well unbaked, so I also keep one on hand to pop in the oven for a quick dinner.—Neta Cohen, Bedford, Virginia
Ragin' Cajun Eggplant and Shrimp Skillet
We always have a large summer garden where lots of produce lingers into fall. That's when we harvest our onion, bell pepper, tomatoes and eggplant, the main ingredient of this dish. This recipe turns Cajun with the Holy Trinity (onion, celery and bell pepper), shrimp and red pepper flakes. —Barbara Hahn, Park Hills, Missouri
One-Skillet Lasagna
This is hands-down one of the best skillet lasagna recipes our testing panel has ever tasted. With classic flavors and cheesy layers, it’s definitely kid-friendly. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pan-Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
This one-dish roast chicken with vegetables tastes as if it took hours of hands-on time to put together, but the simple ingredients can be prepped in mere minutes. The rosemary gives it a rich flavor, and the meat juices cook the veggies to perfection. It’s unbelievably easy! —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Skillet Shepherd's Pie
This is the best shepherd's pie recipe I've ever tasted. It's very quick to make, and I usually have most—if not all—of the ingredients already on hand. —Tirzah Sandt, San Diego, California
Garlic Toast Pizzas
Between working full-time, going to school and raising three children, finding time-saving recipes that my family likes is one of my biggest challenges. These quick pizzas pack a huge amount of flavor. —Amy Grim, Chillicothe, Ohio
Skillet Mac & Cheese
This super creamy mac 'n' cheese is so simple it seems almost too easy! Kids really go for the rich cheese flavor, but I've never met an adult who didn't love it too. —Ann Bowers, Rockport, Texas
Spicy Roasted Sausage, Potatoes and Peppers
I love to share my cooking, and this hearty meal-in-one has gotten a savory reputation around town. People have actually approached me in public to ask for the recipe. —Laurie Sledge, Brandon, Mississippi
Skillet Sausage Stuffing
To make this sausage stuffing, I dressed up a package of stuffing mix with pork sausage, mushrooms, celery and onion. It impressed my in-laws at a family gathering and has since become a popular side dish with my husband and children. —Jennifer Lynn Cullen, Taylor, Michigan
Sweet & Tangy Salmon with Green Beans
I'm always up for new ways to cook salmon. In this dish, a sweet sauce gives the fish and green beans some down-home barbecue tang. Even our kids love it. —Aliesha Caldwell, Robersonville, North Carolina
Meatball Pizza
I always keep meatballs and pizza crusts in the freezer to make this specialty on the spur of the moment. Add a tossed salad and you have a delicious dinner. —Mary Humeniuk-Smith, Perry Hall, Maryland
Skillet Chicken Stew
It's been 20 years now since I adapted this from a recipe for beef stew. We like it so much that, in all that time, I have never changed any ingredients or amounts - unless it was to double them! Our home's on a river, and my husband, our three boys and I enjoy camping and boating. — Valerie Jordan, Kingmont, West Virginia
Skillet Pork Chops with Apples & Onion
Simple recipes that land on the table fast are lifesavers. I serve skillet pork chops with veggies and, when my husband lobbies, cornbread stuffing. —Tracey Karst, Ponderay, Idaho
Chili Skillet
Like most farmers, my husband loves a good hearty chili. With all the vegetables, cheese and meat in it, this dish makes a super supper—and it comes together in one skillet on top of the stove. I serve it frequently in fall and winter. —Katherine Brown, Fredericktown, Ohio
Skillet Tacos
This fast and healthy alternative to traditional tacos has a delicious southwestern flair. The fact that is comes together in just 30 minutes makes it even more irresistible. —Maria Gobel, Greenfield, Wisconsin
Skillet Beef Tamales
I found something similar to this years ago and have recently added my own spin. Here’s the outcome: an easy, cheesy meal your family can't get enough of. We don't have to tell them it's healthy. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona
Roasted Curried Chickpeas and Cauliflower
When there’s not much time to cook, try roasting potatoes and cauliflower with chickpeas for a warm-you-up dinner. It's a filling meal on its own, but you can add chicken or tofu to the sheet pan if you like. —Pam Correll, Brockport, Pennsylvania
Parmesan Chicken with Artichoke Hearts
I've liked the chicken and artichoke combo for a long time. Here's my own lemony twist. With all the praise it gets, this dinner is so much fun to serve. —Carly Giles, Hoquiam, Washington
Garlicky Chicken Pizza
Tomatoes, olives and goat cheese really brighten up this white pizza. I like to cook extra chicken for this recipe while making another meal. Just make sure the tomatoes are well drained to keep the crust nice and crispy. —Teri Otte, Cannon Falls, Minnesota
One-Pot Chicken Pesto Pasta
When my garden basil goes nuts, I make pesto and keep it frozen in small containers for the right opportunity, like this saucy one-pot chicken pesto pasta recipe. —Kimberly Fenwick, Hobart, Indiana
Roasted Chicken Thighs with Peppers & Potatoes
My family loves this dish! There's nothing better than oven baked boneless chicken thighs for dinner. It looks and tastes like you fussed, but it is really simple to make. These roasted chicken thighs use healthy olive oil and fresh herbs from my garden. —Pattie Prescott, Manchester, New Hampshire
Confetti Kielbasa Skillet
Here's one of my husband's favorite dishes. When it's in season, substitute fresh corn for frozen. Add a dash of cayenne pepper if you like a little heat. —Sheila Gomez, Shawnee, Kansas
Roasted Chicken & Red Potatoes
Here's how long to bake chicken leg quarters. Pop this homey dinner in the oven for about an hour, then enjoy! It has so much flavor—the meat juices help cook the veggies just perfectly. —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Barbecue Pork and Penne Skillet
I'm the proud mother of wonderful and active children. Simple, delicious and quick meals like this BBQ pork skillet are perfect for us to enjoy together after school activities, especially if I have leftover pulled pork. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana
One-Skillet Pork Chop Supper
My husband, Clark, and I reserve this recipe for Sundays after the grandkids have gone home and we're too tired to prepare a big meal. It's comforting and quick. —Kathy Thompson, Port Orange, Florida
Beef and Spinach Skillet
Over the years, I've tried to instill a love of cooking in our seven children. And we've enjoyed a variety of delicious recipes, including this one. - Nancy Robaidek, Krakow, Wisconsin
Skillet Steak Supper
With all of the ingredients cooked in one skillet, this steak dish couldn't be quicker to prepare—or clean up! But the wine and mushroom sauce makes it seem special. —Sandra Fisher, Monroe, Washington
Lemon-Pepper Tilapia with Mushrooms
My husband and I are trying to add more fish and healthy entrees to our diet and this one makes it easy. It comes together in less than 30 minutes, so it's perfect for hectic weeknights. —Donna McDonald, Lake Elsinore, California
Baked Cheddar Eggs & Potatoes
I love making breakfast recipes with eggs for dinner, especially this combo with potatoes and cheese that's started in a skillet on the stovetop and then popped into the oven to bake. —Nadine Merheb, Tucson, Arizona
Cheesy Onion Chicken Skillet
My zesty chicken with peppers and onions is so versatile, it works when you serve it over rice, potatoes, noodles, even a hoagie bun. —Kim Johnson, Sibley, Iowa
German Apple Pancake
If you're looking for a pretty dish to make when having guests for brunch, try this. Everyone I've served it to has enjoyed it—except for one time, that is, when my husband tried to make it following my recipe, which I'd written down incorrectly! If you don't leave out the flour as I did, it'll turn out terrific! —Judi Van Beek, Lynden, Washington
Skillet Ham & Rice
Ham, rice and mushrooms make a tasty combination in this homey stovetop dish. It goes from start to finish in just 25 minutes. —Susan Zivec, Regina, SaskatchewanPopular Videos
Originally Published: January 24, 2018
