The $12 Home Project Staple I Buy Once a Year and Use Every Single Day

Harbor Freight is my go-to for budget-friendly tools, but one of the most useful things I buy there isn’t a tool at all; it’s a box of Hardy 5 Mil Nitrile Powder-Free Gloves. These disposable nitrile gloves work great for cleaning, cooking, DIY projects, and gardening.

At just $11.99 for 100 gloves, they cost significantly less than similar gloves from other brands. I pick up one box a year, and since they’re so durable, I use them for everything from deep-cleaning our bathrooms to painting without worrying about them tearing.

And the best part? They come in a full range of sizes (small through XXL), making them a great fit for everyone — including those with smaller hands who struggle to find gloves that aren’t oversized and clunky. They’ll also save your hands from getting stained or messy from oils and cleaning products as well as keeping your nails clean and free from dirt and grime.

A glove is just a glove, right? Not exactly. I’ve tried latex gloves, vinyl gloves, and everything in between, and none of them hold up like these 5 mil nitrile gloves. Here’s why they’re my daily must-have:

• They’re tough. These gloves are three times more puncture-resistant than latex or vinyl, which means they don’t rip when you’re scrubbing, cleaning, or handling rough surfaces.
• They fit like a second skin. With sizes from small to XXL, they offer a comfortable, snug fit, which is especially great for women with smaller hands who don’t want loose, baggy gloves getting in the way.
• They have textured fingertips for grip. Whether I’m washing dishes, handling raw chicken, or opening a stubborn jar, the non-slip texture gives me way more control than regular gloves.
• They’re latex-free and powder-free. If you have a latex allergy (or just don’t want powdery residue all over your hands), these gloves are a perfect alternative.
• They’re touchscreen-compatible. I can still use my phone while wearing them, which is incredibly convenient when I’m following a cleaning hack on YouTube or checking a recipe while handling food.

I originally bought these gloves for cleaning and changing the oil in my truck, but I quickly realized they’re useful for so much more. Here’s how I use them every single day:

• Washing pots and pans – They protect my hands from hot water, harsh soaps, and food oils, and the grip helps prevent heavy cast-iron pans from slipping.
• Cooking and meal prep – I wear these when I’m handling raw meat, chopping onions, or mixing marinades. No more sticky hands or lingering smells! They are my go-to for BBQ and smoking meat.
• Cleaning and disinfecting – Whether I’m wiping down countertops, scrubbing the bathroom, or deep-cleaning the fridge, these gloves keep my hands safe from harsh cleaning chemicals.
• Painting and home projects – Perfect for painting, staining, or handling adhesives, they keep my hands clean and prevent messes.
• Car maintenance and DIY fixes – I don’t do heavy-duty auto work, but these are great for checking/changing the oil, changing a headlight, or working with household tools.
• Gardening and yard work – They protect my hands from dirt and fertilizers while being much thinner and more flexible than bulky gardening gloves.

I keep one box under the sink, one in the garage, and one in the car for emergencies. Since they’re disposable but durable, I can use a pair multiple times before tossing them.

At just $12 for 100 gloves, these last me a full year, saving me money compared to constantly buying flimsy alternatives. They’re more durable than latex, more comfortable than vinyl, and cheaper than most other nitrile gloves.