If you work in the fire service, you know that your gloves aren’t just a piece of gear—they’re your first line of defense against heat, sharp debris, and hazardous materials. After a tough call, whether it’s a residential structure fire, a vehicle extrication, or even a hazardous materials incident, those gloves are soaked. Not just with water from the hose, but with sweat, soot, chemical residues, and sometimes even blood or other bodily fluids. The question of how to dry firefighting gloves correctly isn’t just about keeping them from smelling bad—it’s about preserving their integrity, extending their lifespan, and most importantly, making sure they’ll protect you the next time you need them. As someone who’s been in the firefighting gear industry for over a decade, supplying gloves to departments across the country, I’ve seen firsthand what happens when crews cut corners on drying. Let me walk you through the science-backed methods I recommend, plus the mistakes to avoid at all costs. Firefighting Gloves
First, let’s talk about why drying gloves the wrong way is a big problem. Firefighting gloves are made with multiple layers: an outer shell (usually leather, aramid fabric like Kevlar, or a combination), a moisture barrier (like Gore-Tex or polyurethane), and a thermal liner. Each layer serves a specific purpose, and exposing them to improper drying can break down those materials. For example, high heat from a dryer, radiator, or fire can cause the leather to crack, the moisture barrier to delaminate, or the aramid fibers to weaken. On the flip side, letting them air dry in a damp, confined space (like a closed gear bag) creates the perfect environment for mold and bacteria to grow. Not only does that lead to that unpleasant “firefighter gear” odor that’s hard to get rid of, but mold can also irritate your skin, and if left untreated, it can eat away at the inner layers of the glove. I’ve had customers come to me with gloves that were only a year old but were already falling apart because someone hung them over a hot water heater for a few days. It’s a preventable issue, and it starts with understanding the right drying process.
Let’s start with the immediate post-incident steps. As soon as you’re back to the station, before you even take off your turnout coat, set your gloves aside to let any excess water drain off. Don’t stuff them into a gear bag right away—sitting in a closed, damp space for hours will accelerate mold growth. If they’re really soaked (say, after working in a fully involved structure fire where you had to wade through water), you can gently squeeze out excess water, but don’t wring them or twist them too hard. Wringing can warp the shape of the glove, especially the finger sections, which can make it harder to grip tools or hoses later. For leather gloves, excessive twisting can also cause the grain to tear. That’s a quick way to ruin a pair in a matter of seconds.
Now, the best method for drying gloves, according to NFPA standards and our own product testing, is air drying in a well-ventilated area. But not just any ventilation—you need to avoid direct sunlight and high heat. Direct sunlight might seem like a good way to dry things fast, but ultraviolet rays can break down the outer shell materials, especially aramid fabrics and leather. I remember a new firefighter on our team years ago who hung his gloves on the station’s fence in full sun after a call. By the next time he needed them, the outer shell was faded and brittle, and he could see small cracks forming. That’s not just a cosmetic issue—when those cracks form, heat and chemicals can get through to your hands. High heat, like from a radiator or space heater, is even worse. Even if you turn the heat low, prolonged exposure can break down the adhesive that holds the moisture barrier and liner in place, causing them to separate.
So, where should you hang them? A dedicated glove drying rack, if you have one, is perfect. Most of these racks are designed to hold each glove upright, allowing air to circulate freely around every surface. If you don’t have a rack, hang them on separate hooks, spaced at least a few inches apart, so they don’t touch each other. Hang them by the cuff, not the fingers—hanging by the fingers can cause the moisture to pool at the tips, leading to mold in the finger sections. Make sure the area is cool, dry, and has good cross-ventilation—like near an open window or a station fan. A box fan set on low can help speed up the process without causing too much heat. How long does it take? Depending on how wet they are, usually 12 to 24 hours. If it’s humid, it might take a little longer, but rushing it will only lead to damage.
Wait a second—what about liners? A lot of gloves have separate thermal liners, and those need to be dried separately too. Some crews make the mistake of leaving the liner inside the shell when they dry them, which traps moisture between the two layers. That’s a recipe for mold. Take the liner out, shake it gently to remove excess water, and hang it in the same well-ventilated area as the outer shell. For synthetic liners, you can even lay them flat on a clean towel to dry if hanging isn’t an option, as long as you don’t put them in direct sun. Leather liners (though less common) should be handled extra carefully—never let them dry completely flat, as that can cause them to stiffen too much.
Now, what about the mistakes I mentioned earlier? Let’s break those down. First, putting gloves in a clothes dryer. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen departments do this, thinking it’s a quick fix. Clothes dryers use high heat, and even the “low heat” setting is too much for firefighting gloves. The tumbling can also stretch the fabric and break down fibers. We tested this with a sample pair of our gloves last year: after one cycle on low heat, the moisture barrier delaminated completely, and the leather outer shell developed a crack in the palm area. That pair was done for, and it only took one 30-minute cycle. Second, using a dehumidifier in a closed space. If you hang gloves in a small closet with a dehumidifier, you might dry the air around them, but if there’s no airflow, the moisture has nowhere to go. You’ll end up with damp gloves anyway. Third, ignoring small amounts of moisture. Even a light dampness after a call can lead to mold if you leave the gloves in a gear bag for more than a day. It might seem like no big deal, but over time, that mold will degrade the glove’s performance.
We also get a lot of questions about sanitizing gloves while drying. After a call where you’re dealing with soot, chemicals, or biological materials, it’s a good idea to clean them before drying, right? Wait—how should you clean them? Never machine wash your gloves, even if they look like they’re dirty. Machine washing can damage the moisture barrier and liner, and the harsh detergents can break down the materials. Instead, use a mild, pH-neutral soap and warm (not hot) water. Gently wipe the outer shell with a soft cloth, paying attention to areas with heavy dirt or soot. For the liner, you can use a damp cloth with a little soap, or if it’s removable, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning. After cleaning, make sure to rinse off any soap residue, as leftover soap can attract dirt and break down the materials over time. Then dry them using the same methods I mentioned earlier.
As a supplier, I also want to talk about how proper drying affects the lifespan of your gloves. A good pair of firefighting gloves is an investment—they can cost $150 to $300 per pair, and you don’t want to replace them prematurely. We have customers who’ve been using the same pair of gloves for 3, 4, even 5 years, simply because they take care of them properly, including drying them the right way. On the other hand, customers who skip drying best practices often need to replace their gloves every 1 to 2 years. That’s a huge cost difference over time. Plus, the peace of mind that comes with knowing your gloves will protect you when you’re on the line is priceless.
Let me share a quick story to drive this home. A few years ago, a volunteer fire department in a small town reached out to us looking for new gloves. They said their previous pair had only lasted 18 months, which was half the expected lifespan. When we asked about their care routine, they admitted they’d been throwing their gloves in the dryer on low heat after every call. We explained the damage that was causing, sent over a set of our gloves with care instructions, and a year later, they came back to us to say their new gloves were still in perfect shape. They changed their drying habits, and their costs went down significantly. That’s the kind of impact proper care can have.
Now, what about when you’re in a hurry? Sometimes you have a big call back to back, and you need your gloves dry fast. Is there a way to speed up the process safely? Yes, but you have to do it right. If you need them in 8 hours or less, you can use a fan set on medium (not high) and make sure the gloves are hanging in a well-ventilated area. You can also stuff the fingers with clean, dry towels or paper towels to absorb moisture from the inside. Just make sure to replace the towels if they get wet. Don’t use heating pads or hair dryers—those too often use heat that’s too high, even if you think they’re on low. A hair dryer on cool setting is sometimes okay, but only if you keep it moving and hold it a few inches away from the glove, not focused on one spot for too long. But remember, this is a temporary fix—if you can air dry overnight, that’s always better.
Another thing to keep in mind: check your gloves regularly for signs of damage, even if you’re drying them correctly. Look for cracks in the leather, frayed edges on the fabric, or any separation between the outer shell and the liner. If you see any of these, it’s time to replace them. Firefighting gloves have a shelf life too—even if you take perfect care of them, most should be replaced every 5 to 7 years, depending on usage. But proper drying will help you reach that full lifespan.
I can’t stress enough how important this is. As someone who’s spent years designing and supplying firefighting gear, I know that every detail matters. Your gloves are your hands’ only protection in some of the most dangerous situations you’ll face. Taking the time to dry them correctly isn’t just a chore—it’s a way to look out for yourself and your teammates.
If you’re in the market for high-quality firefighting gloves that are built to last when cared for properly, or if you have questions about any aspect of glove maintenance, feel free to reach out to our team for more information and to discuss your specific needs. We’re here to support firefighters and departments with gear that keeps you safe, and we’re happy to share our expertise to help you get the most out of your equipment.
Firefighting Boots References:
- National Fire Protection Association. (2020). Standard on Protective Clothing for Firefighters (NFPA 1971).
- Fire Protection Equipment Manufacturers Association. (2018). Care and Maintenance Guidelines for Structural Firefighting Gloves.
- Journal of Fire Protection Engineering. (2019). “Effect of Drying Methods on the Structural Integrity of Firefighting Glove Materials.” Vol. 30, No. 2, pp. 45-62.
- International Association of Fire Fighters. (2021). Member Safety Bulletin: Proper Maintenance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Zhenjiang Linhao Forest Fire Prevention Equipment Co., Ltd.
Zhenjiang Linhao Forest Fire Prevention Equipment Co., Ltd. is one of the most reliable manufacturers and suppliers of firefighting gloves in China, featured by quality products and low price. Please rest assured to wholesale customized firefighting gloves from our factory. Contact us for quotation and free sample.
Address: No.16,Fenghuangshan Road, Runzhou District, Zhenjiang City, Jiangsu Province
E-mail: lh@lhfirefighting.com
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