An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine has special accommodations for preventing the pooling of water in the passageways of the exhaust system. One or more of the components of the exhaust system such as mufflers and or sections of exhaust tubing etc. have absorbent liners disposed at points within said exhaust system where water is likely to pool. The absorbent liners wick moisture away from the inner surfaces of the exhaust components in which they are disposed. Moisture is held within the absorbent liners until the temperature of the exhaust system rises enough to evaporate the moisture at which time the water vapor exits the exhaust system with the combustion products of the internal combustion engine. The absorbent liners are of a size and shape and are positioned within the exhaust system components such that they present minimal restriction to flow of combustion products through the exhaust system.