How to Dry a Wet Baseball Glove

If you are a seasoned baseball player, you know that baseball games can delay, postponed, or cancel due to sudden downpours and thunderstorms. However, the game will continue during light showers. As a result, you will have a soaking-wet glove to deal with at the end of the day.

The wetness makes it lose its protective oils. In turn, it becomes stiff and out of shape. Sadly, this is a step back for a glove that was breaking in well.

So, how do you dry your wet glove in readiness for your next game?

This is a detailed guide:

The Reasons You Need to Keep Your Baseball Gloves Dry

First things first, it is crucial that you keep your baseball gloves dry at all times. Your game-ready mitts rely on the protective oils on the shell to maintain their broken-in state fit for your playing style and skill level.

In contrast, water weakens your rain-soaked or water-logged gloves by getting rid of this barrier. The gloves become brittle and accumulate harmful bacteria that make them smell. The laces may form visible cracks and start tearing easily. And, when the gloves dry, they become too rigid.

It is advisable to keep your gloves dry and well-conditioned at all times. And, should they get wet, ensure you find the fastest way to dry, reshape, and recondition them.

The Methods

Whether you accidentally dropped your glove in water or were playing amidst light showers, there are numerous safe ways to dry your wet baseball glove fast. Here are two top ways that work: –

1. Pat & Air Dry at Room Temperature

Is your wet glove free of mud or dirt? You can pat dry it, condition it, and then reshape it to get it back to its former state as follows: –

You Will Need:

• A clean microfiber towel or applicator sponge
• A good glove conditioner
• A baseball
• Rubber bands

The Steps   

Step 1: Use a clean microfiber cloth to pat the inner and outer sections of the gloves. The towel should absorb as much moisture as possible. 

Step 2: Apply your choice conditioner to the glove’s pocket, fingers, and back. Ensure it absorbs as much conditioner as possible. Then, wipe off any excess moisture visible on the glove.

Step 3: Place the glove in a ventilated shade or near a heat source. Let it dry for several hours.

Step 4: Check on the glove to ensure it does not over-dry. And you may have to pat dry it some more if it looks too wet.

Step 5: Once the glove is moderately dry, place a baseball in the pocket section. Wrap the glove around the baseball using your rubber bands. Repeat this step until you achieve your desired break-in level or pocket shape. 

Using a Fan

Now, if your baseball gloves feel wet even after patting and air drying them, you may have to use a fan to achieve a deeper dry. To do this;

You Will Need

• A box fan
• A microfiber towel or applicator sponge
• Baseball glove conditioner or oil

The Preparation

You can get a good box fan from your local store. When you shop, check and confirm if the fan has a condition and heat feature. If so, turn this feature off before the fan is drying your glove.

The Steps

Step 1: Set up and switch on the fan, pointing it directly towards the wet baseball glove.

Step 2: Let the fan blow the gloves for several hours. Monitor the glove to make sure it is neither too cold nor hot.

Step 3: Use your microfiber tower or applicator sponge to apply your choice glove conditioner to the inner and outer sections of the glove. The conditioner or glove oil replaces the lost oils, rehydrates, softens, and breaks in the mitt. This conditioner will also bring back the luster to your colorful glove. 

People Also Ask:

Is It OK to Put a Baseball Glove in The Dryer?

You ought to be careful not to subject your wet glove to excessive heat when drying it. Extreme heat may damage your glove beyond repair. Putting the baseball glove in the dryer, microwave, or oven destroys the structure of the leather and inner linings. Plus, it dries out the mitt, hence disfiguring and making it unusable. Worse still, if your plastic or vinyl-based baseball gloves may melt when exposed to extreme temperatures.

If you are in a hurry to dry your baseball gloves and you prefer using a dryer or any other heat source, we recommend the following precautions: –

• Run the glove through a hairdryer. Ensure the dryer is at the lowest setting. And keep on moving the dryer back and forth until the mitt dries. Apply a protective conditioner to keep the leather from cracking or over-drying.
• Use a convection oven on the lowest setting. Here, we recommend temperatures not exceeding 350 degrees. Turn the stove on to attain the maximum temperature, then switch it off.

Now put your glove on a cookie sheet before placing it inside the oven. Leave the glove inside the stove for up to 15 minutes. Remove your glove. Beak it in using a mallet while it is still warm. Apply your choice glove conditioner, then return the glove to the oven.

Repeat this step two or three more times. Finally, remove the glove, place a baseball in the pocket, and tie the glove with a rubber band before storing it.

• Use a boot dryer. These dryers are specific for drying leather boots, hence safe on your baseball gloves. They will get rid of the wetness without damaging the leather. More so, they prevent any mildew or mold growth. For best results, leave the gloves in the boot dryer for up to one hour only. And remember to oil or condition the mitt accordingly.

Quick Glove Care Tips

Tip 1: Wipe off or flush out any mud, grime, or dirt off the baseball glove before you start the drying process. If stained, use white vinegar and water solution to get rid of the spots.

Tip 2: Compare the before and after weight of your glove. Weighing your glove before and after drying gives you an idea of how much moisture is lost. Ideally, your baseball glove should not weigh less than its out-of-box weight after you dry it.

Tip 3: Use glove oils or conditioners containing lanolin. Lanolin protects, softens, and preserves the shape and condition of your glove for longer.

Tip 4: Note that, apart from getting waterlogged or rain-soaked, steaming your glove to break it in exposes it to too much moisture. This excessive wetness makes the mitt less durable. That is why renowned brands like Wilson will void the one-year warranty if you do so. We also recommend you break in your glove using other safer methods like a mallet.

Tip 5: Place a baseball in the glove pocket. Tie the glove and let it dry in the shade.

Tip 6: Does your glove seem too waterlogged? Never wring it out. Doing so will deform the glove and tear the seams or laces.

Instead, pat or wipe it using an absorbent towel.

Conclusion

You may have little control in keeping your gloves dry as you play. But you can always maintain its shape and quality by drying it correctly. Follow the above best drying and care tips to get the best value for your money.