AbstractPurified polyglycol ester and ether types of non‐ionic surfactants were investigated to determine optimum structures for wetting hydrophobic soils, peat moss, and standard cotton skeins (Draves test). The most rapid wetting of hydrophobic soil was observed with diethylene glycol monoesters of fatty acids possessing 8,9, and 10 carbon atoms and triethylene glycol monoesters of fatty acids containing 9 and 10 carbon atoms. Methyl pentaethylene glycol decanoate and methyl hexaethylene glycol dodecanoate were also effective wetting agents for hydrophobic soil. Nonionics with slightly longer oxy‐alkylene chains most effectively wet Draves skeins and peat moss. Diethylene glycol and triethylene glycol monodecyl ethers also effectively wet hydrophobic soil and peat moss.