How To Dry a Wet Baseball Glove and Other Baseball and Softball Gear

It’s been a brutal spring in the Northeast this year, and as a result, there have been a lot of rainy, wet baseball and softball practices. My older guys typically know what to do with their wet gear. But, my softball team is relatively young and is just starting to get used to rough conditions, so we had a chat the other day after a wet practice.

Yes, I told them we practice in the rain because we’ll play in the rain. Yes, I told them about how the ball slows down once it hits wet grass and how that changes defense and baserunning. But, I also told them to take their gear out of their bags that night so their gloves don’t get moldy.

They had no idea that was possible.

So, I thought this was a topic worth discussing. We’ll cover how to dry a wet baseball glove or softball glove, as well as other gear that you might need dried out quickly over the course of a tournament weekend, or just to avoid the stink that might develop.

Here’s what we’re not going to do: Don’t even think about using a heat source, leaving your gear in your bag, or putting almost any of your gear in direct sunlight unless you love cracked leather, warped gloves, or mold.

How to Dry a Wet Baseball Glove (or Softball Glove)

Arguably, your glove is the most important part of your game (unless you’re a DH, but if so, how’d you glove get wet?). It’s also made of leather, which makes it especially sensitive to moisture. Here’s how to dry a wet baseball glove the right way:

1. Wipe away surface moisture using a dry cloth or clean towel. Don’t scrub—pat it firmly.
2. Open the glove and remove any dirt or mud using a damp cloth (just warm water, no soap). You want to remove the grit and dirt as it can become embedded in the pores and break down the leather.
3. Stuff the pocket and fingers loosely with paper towels or newspaper to absorb moisture and help the glove maintain its shape. Don’t use toilet paper, as it can clump and become like papier-mâché.
4. Let the glove sit palm down on a towel in a well ventilated area. This prevents water from pooling in the pocket and helps preserve the glove’s shape. Make sure the glove is spread as you normally store it.
5. Let it air dry—no direct sunlight, no heat, and definitely not in a bag. If you have a fan nearby, put it on low and allow it to circulate air up the fingers.
6. Replace the paper towels or newspaper every few hours until fully dry. Rotate the fan so it can blow air into the palm and pocket.
7. Once dry, work the glove with your hands to re-shape it. I don’t suggest you wrap it with a ball in the pocket, as this will reform the pocket but will also curl the thumb and pinky in, making it harder to catch a ball. Let rest it after getting it back to the right shape.
8. If your glove feels stiff and brittle, a light coat of glove conditioner will do the trick.

Tip: If this is a new glove, moisture can make it even stiffer. Give it extra time and care.

How to Dry Catcher’s Gear

Anyone who knows me knows I love catchers. But, as much as I love you guys, you stink. And most of the time, it’s because you’re putting your wet or sweaty catcher’s gear away before it can dry. Here’s how to clean and dry it:

1. Use a wet towel or sponge with warm water to wipe down pads, helmet, and chest protector.
2. Gently rinse straps with warm water and pat dry with a towel.
3. Place each item in a well-ventilated area to air dry completely. Do not hang it in a bag or near a heat source. Again, if you have a fan, use it to circulate air around the chest protector, into the helmet, and the back of the shins.
4. If the gear smells a bit funky, spray with a sports-safe cleaning solution to prevent moisture-loving bacteria.

I’m a huge fan of All-Star catchers gear (we currently own no less than four sets in our house). One thing All-Star does really well is control the smell. Many of its sets feature StinkStop anti-microbial tech, which is way beyond my chemistry knowledge. All I can tell you is the three sets we have with it don’t smell at all.

How to Dry a Batting Helmet

Your batting helmets may be leather, but they can trap a lot of moisture and even cause skin irritation if they’re not cared for. Here’s what you should do:

1. Wipe the interior padding with a clean towel dampened with warm water to remove any sweat and gunk on the surface.
2. Dry the plastic surface with a dry cloth (remove any mud or dirt, too, as it can flake off and get in your eyes).
3. Place upside down in a well ventilated area—never in direct sunlight or near a heat source. Again, a fan is a big help.

How to Dry Baseball or Softball Cleats

You never really appreciate dry cleats until you don’t have them anymore. And cleats are often the first gear to get soaked, whether it’s from early-morning dew or a rainy practice. Here’s the quickest solution that’s still safe:

1. Just like regular shoes, remove the insoles and laces. Wash or rinse them separately and lay them out to dry.
2. Gently brush away any dirt or mud from the cleats with warm water and a stiff brush. Don’t soak the shoes any further.
3. Stuff the shoes with newspaper or paper towels to draw out moisture and help them dry evenly. Replace the material every hour.
4. Let them air dry in a well-ventilated area. Don’t use a dryer or place near any heat source.
5. If you have that fan, use it to blow air into the cleats. Pull the tongue out as far as it can go to allow for the best airflow.
6. Once dry, reinsert insoles, relace your cleats, and check for signs of stiff areas or damage to the leather.

Tip: Rotate cleats if possible. Playing back-to-back games with still-wet shoes is not only uncomfortable—it can cause blisters or athlete’s feet and break down materials faster. A spare set of cleats is always a good idea. Your turf shoes won’t help on grass field, especially if things are still muddy.

How to Dry Batting Gloves

Gone are the days of $20 batting gloves from Walmart. I’ve seen kids with sets of batting gloves worth more than their fielding gloves (priorities, parents!). While not as sensitive as your glove, batting gloves still need proper care:

1. Gently wipe away dirt and moisture with a clean towel and warm water.
2. Press dry with paper towels or a dry cloth.
3. Lay flat in a well ventilated area to air dry. Do not twist, wring out, or leave them in your bag. The fan isn’t necessary hear because the leather is so thin.
4. Once dry, rub with your hands to keep them from feeling stiff.

Final Tips for Wet Baseball & Softball Gear

• Always let your gear air dry—never use a heat source like a blow dryer or radiator. A fan is definitely okay.
• Never store wet gear in a bag—it’s a recipe for mildew, smell, and leather breakdown.
• For new gloves, extra moisture can delay the break-in. Be patient and reshape as needed.
• Keep a spare set of paper towels and a cleaning kit in your bat bag—you’ll thank yourself after a rainy game.

Want help picking the right products to protect your gear from the rain? Or looking for a new glove that’s easier to maintain? Check out our latest product reviews and gear guides.