A few days ago, I was completely soaked in the rainwater during a long drive on my motorbike. When I pulled off my gloves, they were full of mud and rainwater.
Moreover, they were also in a bad smell. Have you ever faced a similar situation? Don’t worry! I have described my experience of drying and restoring rain-soaked gloves in 3 easy steps.
Additionally, I will share a bonus tip to save your gloves from rainwater next time. You can read the details in the blog.
3 Steps Guide to Dry and Restore Your Rain-Soaked Gloves
You can dry and restore your rain-soaked gloves by following this step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Remove Rain Water and Maintain Glove Shape
Wiping out rainwater from your glove while maintaining its shape is difficult. You can do it easily by going through these simple stages:
◈ Before removing the rainwater, closely inspect your gloves to assess the damage. You will need extra care for a completely soaked compared to a slightly wet glove.
◈ Now, take a clean and dry towel to delicately extract rainwater, loose dirt, and debris from the glove surface. Focus on the fingers, palms, and webbing because they hold more water.
Note: Please gently absorb as much water as you can. Do not rub the glove surface. It can damage the material.
◈ Wetting in the rain can deform the glove shape due to over-softness. Therefore, maintaining its shape is mandatory while it is still wet. You can put a baseball, football, or your hand in the glove pocket to restore its shape.
Step 2: Do Fast Drying While Maintaining the Glove Structure
Drying your rain-soaked glove can be fast-tracked. You can do this in the following ways:
◈ You can dry out a soaked glove quickly by air drying it. For this purpose, hang the glove on a rope in an open place to allow air circulation. You can also lay the glove on a surface that does not absorb water, such as a plastic table.
◈ If you want to speed up the drying process, hook the glove opposite the fan. But not put it directly opposite to airflow as it can damage its structure.
Note: Do not use an air dryer or a heater to dry the glove. It can lose and damage the glove fibers and shape.
Step 3: Restore the Glove by Conditioning
Once the glove is dried after soaking, it has lost most of its natural oils. Ultimately, it has become stiff and brittle.
Condition your leather gloves with the Eagle Glove Conditioner. Put this conditioner on a clean cloth and rub it on the glove surface in circulation motion. Especially focus on the palm and webbing part as they store most water.
Now, leave your gloves for a few minutes to absorb the conditioner completely. Conditioning the gloves will restore its flexibility but also give it a polished and new look.
After restoring your rain-soaked glove with these easy steps, store it in a clean and dry place away from direct sunlight. Put a basketball in the glove pocket to maintain and retain its shape.
What Happens If Gloves Stay Wet Too Long?
If your gloves stay wet for a longer period, it can impact glove structure and your body in the following ways:
1: Bacterial Growth and Bad Smell
Wetting gloves for prolonged periods can be subject to bacterial and fungal growth due to a moist environment. Moreover, it provides the perfect environment for mold growth, leading to unwanted smells.
2: Damage to Glove Structure
The consistent existence of water will weaken the fibers of leather and wool of your gloves. In rubber and synthetic gloves, it can cause peeling and cracking.
3: Hand Related Diseases
Wearing soaked gloves can cause several hand-related diseases, such as contact dermatitis or warts, due to bacterial and fungal infections.
4: Decreased Insulation of Gloves
Sustained water in the gloves can weaken their padding and lining, decreasing their insulation power. Therefore, drying and restoring your rain-soaked gloves on time is mandatory to avoid these issues.
Bonus Tip: How to Protect Gloves From Rain
You can protect your gloves from rainwater by applying a waterproofing spray. Use the spray, especially before exposure to heavy rain.
Conclusion
Dealing with dirty and wet gloves is not an easy task. You can dry and restore your rain-soaked gloves by applying these 3 simple steps described in this blog.
If you have a better way to deal with the rain-soaked gloves, please share it with our valued customers in the comment section!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can we put gloves in the dryer?
No, you shouldn't. The heat from the dryer can shrink, crack, or weaken the glove material. Instead, air-dry them at room temperature to keep them in good shape.
Q2: What is the best glove conditioner?
After testing various options, we found that Eagle Glove Conditioner is the best choice! Its high-quality formula deeply nourishes leather, keeping gloves soft, flexible, and resistant to cracks. Whether you're breaking in a new glove or restoring an old one, this conditioner enhances durability and performance. You can order it online from My Shoe Supplies.
Q3: How can we dry a baseball glove quickly?
To dry a baseball glove quickly, place it near a fan for steady airflow or gently pat it dry with a towel. Avoid direct heat like hairdryers or sunlight, as they can dry out and stiffen the leather. For best results, use a glove conditioner after drying to keep it soft and flexible.
Q4: How to clean the gloves?
You can clean your gloves by soaking them in a mixture of soap and water for a few minutes and then hanging them in a ventilated area to dry.
Q5: How to soften leather gloves?
To soften leather gloves, apply a quality leather conditioner or mink oil and gently massage it in. Let the gloves absorb the product overnight for the best results. Wearing them while they soften can also help mold them to your hands for a perfect fit.
