Extraneous liquid is absorbently removed from the rim or sealing area of a contact lens package prior to sealing it, so as to promote good adhesion of the foil cover to the rim when the package is sealed. As the package moves through the system, the package rim and an absorbent blotter are moved into contact with one another. The blotter absorbs any extraneous liquid on the rim. A vacuum or other dryer can be included to further remove the absorbed liquid from the blotter.