How to Care for Snowboard and Ski Gloves to Keep Them Dry
By Dakine | Backpacks, Luggage, Surf, Snow, & Bike Gear Since ... | Published: 2026-10-13
Category: Tips & Care
Keep your hands warm and dry with a simple glove care routine. Learn how to wash, dry, and re-waterproof snowboard and ski gloves without ruining them.
Quick answer
To keep snowboard and ski gloves dry, wash them only when needed with a gentle detergent, never use fabric softener, and always air-dry them at room temperature. Reapply a waterproofing treatment after washing to restore the DWR finish. Rotating two pairs and drying them thoroughly between sessions prevents odor, clumping insulation, and cold hands.
Why glove care is different from jacket care
Gloves take more abuse than any other piece of your kit. They get soaked from snow, sweat, and rain, then stuffed into a pack or left in a cold car. That cycle breaks down the water-repellent finish and compresses insulation. Unlike a jacket, gloves have small, high-wear areas—palms, fingertips, and cuffs—that need gentle handling. A simple routine after each trip keeps them working longer and saves you from cold, clammy hands on the lift.
How to wash snowboard and ski gloves without ruining them
Most glove shells and liners can be hand-washed in lukewarm water with a mild, non-detergent soap or a technical wash. Avoid hot water, bleach, and fabric softener—they strip waterproof coatings and leave residue that attracts water. If your gloves have a removable liner, wash it separately. For stubborn odors, a short soak in a vinegar-and-water solution (1 part white vinegar to 4 parts water) helps before washing. Always check the care tag first; some leather-palmed gloves should never be submerged.
How to dry ski gloves fast (and safely)
Never put gloves on a radiator, in a tumble dryer, or directly in front of a heater. High heat melts adhesives, shrinks liners, and cracks waterproof inserts. Instead, stuff the fingers with crumpled newspaper or a dry towel to absorb moisture and hold the shape. Lay them flat in a well-ventilated room, or use a boot dryer on a low, cool setting. Turn them inside out if the liner is removable. Most gloves dry in 8–12 hours; if they still feel damp inside, give them more time—wearing damp gloves accelerates odor and breakdown.
When and how to re-waterproof
After a few washes, or when water stops beading on the surface, it's time to reapply a DWR (durable water repellent) treatment. Use a spray-on or wash-in product made for technical fabrics. Spray-on gives you more control and is better for gloves with leather palms; wash-in is easier but can affect breathability. Apply to a clean, damp glove, then air-dry completely. Never use a hair dryer. For best results, follow the product instructions—usually a light mist on the shell and a short air-dry.
How liners and mittens fit into the routine
Liner gloves add warmth and manage moisture, but they also need care. A fleece liner like the Women's Storm Liner is machine-washable on gentle and dries quickly, but it should never go in a hot dryer. Mittens have fewer seams and stay warmer, but they dry slower because of their shape. Turn mittens inside out to speed drying and check the palm for wear. If you use a liner inside a mitten, wash both regularly—sweat and oils from your hands degrade waterproof coatings from the inside out.
Step-by-step glove care routine
- Shake off snow and dirt after every session: Before you store your gloves, knock them together to remove loose snow and grit. Wipe the palms with a damp cloth if they feel sticky. This prevents abrasive particles from working into the fabric and insulation. Checkpoint: If the gloves are soaked through, dry them completely before storing—never leave them crumpled in a bag.
- Wash only when needed, by hand: Fill a sink with lukewarm water and a capful of gentle soap. Submerge the gloves and gently squeeze the water through the fabric. Do not wring or twist. Rinse until the water runs clear. Mistake to avoid: Using hot water or regular laundry detergent—both can strip waterproof coatings.
- Remove excess water without wringing: Press the gloves between two dry towels to blot out water. Never twist or wring them, as that can damage the waterproof insert and distort the insulation. Checkpoint: The gloves should feel damp, not dripping, before you start drying.
- Stuff and air-dry at room temperature: Loosely stuff the fingers with crumpled newspaper or a dry towel. Lay the gloves flat in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat. If you have a boot dryer, use the cool setting. Mistake to avoid: Placing gloves on a radiator or using a hair dryer—heat breaks down adhesives and waterproof membranes.
- Reapply DWR when water stops beading: Spray a technical waterproofing treatment evenly over the clean, damp shell. Pay extra attention to the fingers and back of the hand. Let them air-dry completely before use. Checkpoint: After treatment, flick a few drops of water on the surface—they should bead up and roll off.
- Store loosely and rotate pairs: Keep gloves in a dry, cool place—not compressed in a gear bag. If you ride often, rotate between two pairs so each has time to dry fully between sessions. Mistake to avoid: Storing damp gloves in a closed bag; that leads to mildew and permanent odor.
Gear that rewards good care
- Womens Storm Liner - Black: Midweight fleece liner with touchscreen compatibility, silicone gripper palm, and 4-way stretch. A liner like this adds warmth and wicks moisture, but its fleece surface picks up oils and dirt. Washing it regularly keeps it breathable and prevents odor.
- Nova Short Glove - Black: Water-repellent shell, high-loft insulation, DK Dry waterproof insert, and water-repellent palm. The DK Dry insert keeps water out, but the outer shell still needs a DWR refresh after washing to maintain breathability and prevent saturation.
