How to Sterilize Rubber Gloves

While the Centers for Disease Control recommends using a new pair of gloves in the medical field for every use, some situations such as a shortage of gloves or an emergency may require multiple uses of gloves. In this case, it is imperative that gloves are appropriately disinfected using a specific procedure to avoid passing along germs, pathogens, infections or even diseases.

Things You'll Need

• Steamer
• Steamer pans
• Forceps
• Soap
• Water
• 0.5% chlorine solution
• Paper towels
• Disinfected containers with lids

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Instructions

• 1

  Grab the cuff of one of the gloves to turn inside out and pull halfway off of the hand. Pull the other glove at the cuff to turn inside out and pull halfway off the hand. When both gloves are halfway off the hands, pull both gloves off from the inside at the same time. Never touch the outer portion of the gloves with your skin.

• 2

  Soak the gloves in 0.5 percent chlorine solution for at least 10 minutes.

• 3

  Wash gloves in soapy water inside and out and rinse fully. Test for holes or tears by placing the gloves under water. If any air bubbles appear, throw the gloves away immediately. If no air bubbles appear, let the gloves air dry.

• 4

  Turn the cuffs of the gloves inside out a few inches and place five to fifteen pairs of gloves onto each steamer pan and cover with the lid.

• 5

  Steam the gloves for 20 minutes at a rolling boil.

• 6

  Air dry the gloves in the steamer pan for four to six hours before use and remove with forceps into a disinfected container with a lid.