Getting water out of gloves can be a frustrating problem, especially if you need the gloves to remain usable afterwards. However, there are several effective techniques you can use to remove excess water from gloves of various materials.
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Squeezing
For lightweight gloves like cotton or leather, a thorough squeezing can expel a good amount of water. Turn the gloves inside out and squeeze from the fingertips down through the palm and wrist. Work all around the glove, twisting and wringing it out as you go. This should force out water that has collected inside.
Blotting
After squeezing, absorbent materials like paper towels, rags or napkins can help blot moisture from the glove’s surface. Place a blotting material inside each finger and rub it all around to soak up lingering drops. You can also stuff the gloves lightly with dry paper towels or newspaper to help draw moisture out.
Air Drying
Allowing time for the gloves to air dry is one of the simplest and most effective solutions. Turn the gloves inside out and lay them on an absorbent, breathable surface to dry. A towel rack, clothes line or flat surface works well. Circulating air from a fan, heater or open window can speed up drying time.
Rice
For gloves that are still quite soggy, filling them with rice can help absorb excess moisture. Funnel dry rice into each glove, filling the fingers and palm area. Tie the end or use a rubber band to close. Let sit overnight, then dump out the rice in the morning – it should have absorbed a good amount of water by then.
Heat
Applying low heat can evaporate moisture from soggy gloves. Lay them flat and turn a blow dryer on low setting. Wave the dryer over the surface of the gloves, keeping it moving constantly. The light airflow and warmth should help draw out water. Be careful not to hold it in one spot long or use too high heat, which can damage the material.
Absorbent Powders
Sprinkling moisture-wicking powders inside wet gloves can pull out water. Options like talcum powder, cornstarch, baking soda or baby powder work well. Apply a light coating inside the fingers and palm, then let sit for 30 minutes up to a few hours, dump out excess powder.
Desiccant Packets
Small desiccant packets contain moisture-absorbing beads. They are often packaged with electronics, medications, or shoes to maintain dryness. Activating 1-2 of these packets and placing them inside wet gloves draws moisture into the packets instead. Reseal packets to reuse.
Newspaper
Stuffing gloves with crumpled newspaper is an old trick for drying wet gloves. The newsprint absorbs excess water from the material. Use enough to fully pack fingers and palm without stretching the glove. Replace with fresh dry paper as needed.
Conclusion
Getting waterlogged gloves dry again takes patience, but is usually possible. Start by squeezing out excess water, then use blotting, powders, or desiccants to draw out remaining moisture. Allowing time to air dry, and using circulating air or mild heat also helps evaporate residual wetness. With the right technique for the glove material, they can be restored to comfortably dry and usable.