Apparatus and method for removing liquid from exterior surfaces of sample wells in a well plate. Wells that have water or other liquid on an exterior surface, e.g., after acoustic energy treatment in a water bath, may have the liquid removed by contacting the exterior surfaces of the sample wells with an absorbent material. A pad made of absorbent material may have a plurality of openings arranged to receive an array of sample wells inserted into the openings so that liquid can be removed from each of the sample wells.