Rubber gloves may seem like they belong in the backyard or the doctor's office, but in fact these household cleaning accessories can help protect your skin and nails from harsh chemicals, among other things. A combination of hot water and cleaners can dry out your skin and nails, plus scrubbing away dirt can increase the chance that cuts or lesions on your hands will become infected. Kitchen gloves act as a barrier against the harsh environment of the kitchen sink, plus they allow you to get a better grip on those slippery dishes.