Do Latex Gloves Expire

Did you know that disposable gloves expire, just like your produce? Well, not exactly like your produce--they have a much longer shelf life. Even so, every glove has an expiration date, and much like your pantry supplies, you won’t get good results if you use your gloves after their expiration date. 

So, for medical professionals, it’s worth asking if (and when) latex gloves expire. 


Why Disposable Gloves Have an Expiration Date

While you might not think that plastic gloves have a limited lifespan, it’s important to remember that nothing lasts forever. 

Most manufacturers put an expiration date on their gloves because they recognize that nothing lasts forever--not even disposable gloves. All materials eventually break down over time, and gloves are no exception (even highly durable ones like nitrile gloves). 


Do Disposable Natural Latex Gloves Expire?

In short, latex gloves do expire, just like any other type of disposable gloves. And if you’re using a latex glove past its lifespan, it won’t do its job very well. 

Most latex gloves have a labeled shelf life of three years. Remember, they’re typically thinner and less durable than, say, nitrile gloves, so they’re going to age faster. However, that three-year lifespan only applies if you’re storing gloves in optimal conditions (i.e. in the original unbroken packaging, with no ozone or ultraviolet exposure, in cooler temperatures). 

Otherwise, your latex glove shelf life will be much shorter. 

The good news is that it’s pretty easy to check if your glove is past its expiration date. Again, a deteriorated glove will show clear signs of degradation, and you’ll be able to feel the difference as soon as you try to put it on. Any signs of discoloration, tears, cracks, or holes, and it’s time to throw a glove away. 

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