Drying wetsuit gloves effectively is crucial for maintaining their lifespan, preventing odor, and ensuring they're ready for your next adventure. The key involves a thorough rinse, proper ventilation, and avoiding direct heat, aligning with general best practices for wetsuit care, as often highlighted in resources like "Drying Wetsuit Boots and Gloves | Quick Scuba Tips".
The Essential Steps for Drying Wetsuit Gloves
Follow these steps to ensure your wetsuit gloves dry properly and efficiently:
1. Rinse Thoroughly
- Freshwater Rinse: Immediately after use, rinse your wetsuit gloves inside and out with cool, fresh water. This removes salt, chlorine, sand, and other debris that can degrade the neoprene and cause odors.
- Gentle Cleaning (if needed): For stubborn dirt or odors, you can use a wetsuit-specific cleaner diluted in water. Gently scrub the gloves, then rinse thoroughly.
2. Turn Inside Out
- Inner Surface First: One of the most important steps is to turn the gloves inside out. The inner lining of wetsuit gloves absorbs the most moisture, and drying this part first helps prevent bacterial growth and persistent dampness.
- Ensure Full Reversion: Make sure all fingers and the palm area are fully inverted to expose the entire inner surface to the air.
3. Hang Properly for Airflow
- Avoid Clips or Pegs: Do not use clothespins or hangers that pinch the neoprene, as this can create weak spots or damage the material over time.
- Specialized Hangers: Ideally, use a wetsuit hanger designed to allow airflow through the arms and legs, or for gloves, a dedicated glove hanger that keeps them open. If unavailable, drape them over a wide, non-absorbent surface (like a plastic railing or a dedicated drying rack) to allow air circulation.
- Maximizing Airflow: Position the gloves so that air can flow freely into and around them. You might need to gently "inflate" them or use a small object (like a plastic bottle or rolled-up newspaper inside to hold the shape and keep the opening wide, but avoid materials that absorb moisture).
4. Choose the Right Drying Environment
- Shade and Ventilation: Always dry wetsuit gloves in a shaded area with good airflow. Direct sunlight, prolonged exposure to UV rays, or high heat (from radiators, tumble dryers, or even a hot car) can cause the neoprene to break down, lose its flexibility, and shorten the lifespan of your gloves.
- Cool, Dry Place: A garage, a well-ventilated bathroom, or an outdoor shaded spot are ideal.
5. Flip and Finish Drying
- After Inner Surface Dries: Once the inside of the gloves feels dry to the touch (this might take several hours or overnight depending on humidity), turn them right side out.
- Dry Outer Surface: Allow the outer surface to air dry completely using the same methods, ensuring full ventilation.
Tips for Faster Drying
While patience is key, these tips can help speed up the process:
- Gentle Squeeze: Before hanging, gently squeeze out excess water from the gloves. Do not wring them vigorously, as this can damage the neoprene.
- Air Circulation: Use a small fan directed towards the drying gloves to enhance airflow and accelerate evaporation.
- Towel Method (Initial Drying): For very wet gloves, you can roll them loosely in a clean, dry towel and gently press to absorb some initial moisture. This is especially helpful for the inner lining before turning them inside out.
Important Considerations
| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Rinse with cool fresh water | Use hot water or harsh chemicals |
| Turn inside out to dry first | Dry in direct sunlight |
| Dry in a well-ventilated, shaded area | Use a tumble dryer, radiator, or hairdryer |
| Use proper hangers/drying racks | Store wet or damp |
| Ensure gloves are completely dry before storing | Fold or crease neoprene unnecessarily |
By following these guidelines, you can ensure your wetsuit gloves remain in excellent condition, ready to provide warmth and protection on countless future dives or water sports sessions.
