Want your wetsuit to last longer? Proper care is the key. Here’s how to keep it flexible, insulating, and ready for every session:
- Rinse after every use: Use cold freshwater to remove salt, sand, and chlorine.
- Dry it properly: Avoid direct sunlight; use a shaded, ventilated area with a wide wetsuit hanger.
- Store smartly: Keep it in a cool, dry place with stable temperatures, avoiding folds or pressure points.
- Handle gently: Roll it up to avoid tears, and never pull on seams or neck seals.
- Use helpful tools: Invest in wetsuit-specific hangers and a changing mat to prevent damage.
How to wash a wetsuit properly, and other tips for better wetsuit care
1. How to Clean Your Wetsuit the Right Way
Keeping your wetsuit clean is key to preserving its neoprene material and making it last longer. Here’s how to take care of it properly.
Rinse After Every Use
After every session, rinse your wetsuit with fresh, cold water. Avoid hot water - it can weaken the neoprene, reducing its flexibility and insulation.
Flip your wetsuit inside out and rinse thoroughly, paying extra attention to seams and zippers where salt and sand tend to hide. Then, rinse the outside. Use a gentle spray to prevent damage. This routine helps wash away salt, sand, and chlorine, all of which can break down the neoprene over time.
Use Wetsuit Shampoos for Deep Cleaning
For deeper cleaning, especially to tackle oils and odors, use a wetsuit shampoo every 15-20 uses or baby shampoo monthly. Mild soap works too if needed.
Here’s how to deep clean your wetsuit:
- Mix cool water with a cleaner in a tub. Avoid washing machines, as they can harm the neoprene.
- Soak the wetsuit for 10-15 minutes. Gently knead it to ensure the cleaner reaches all areas.
- Rinse with cold water until all soap is gone. Leftover cleaner can impact the wetsuit's performance.
Regular cleaning not only keeps the material in good shape but also ensures it’s ready for proper drying and storage.
"Regular cleaning and maintenance can significantly extend the lifespan of a wetsuit by removing harmful substances that can damage the material over time." [1][2]
2. Best Ways to Dry Your Wetsuit
Drying your wetsuit the right way helps maintain its shape, flexibility, and overall lifespan. The method you choose can make a big difference in its durability and performance.
Dry in a Shaded Area
Avoid exposing your wetsuit to direct sunlight. UV rays can damage neoprene, making it brittle and less flexible. Instead, pick a shaded, airy spot where air can move freely around the suit.
Here’s how to dry it effectively:
- Pick a good spot: A shaded porch, ventilated garage, or a covered outdoor area works well.
- Improve airflow: Use a fan to boost air circulation and turn the wetsuit inside out halfway through to ensure it dries evenly.
Hang Your Wetsuit Correctly
How you hang your wetsuit is just as important as where you dry it. Using the wrong method can stretch the neoprene and ruin its shape.
| Hanging Method | Effect on Wetsuit |
|---|---|
| Wide wetsuit hanger | Maintains shape, prevents stretching |
| Folded at waist over a rail | Even drying, preserves flexibility |
| Regular clothes hanger | Stretches shoulders, should be avoided |
| Hanging by shoulders | Causes pressure points, damages neoprene |
The best option is a wide wetsuit hanger with smooth edges to avoid stretching. If you don’t have one, fold the wetsuit at the waist over a thick, towel-covered rail. This spreads the weight evenly, keeping the neoprene intact.
Proper drying not only keeps mold and mildew at bay but also helps your wetsuit stay flexible and comfortable. Once it’s fully dry, focus on storing it correctly to extend its life even further.
3. Tips for Storing and Handling Wetsuits
Store in Cool, Dry Places
How you store your wetsuit plays a big role in keeping it in good shape and lasting longer.
Here’s what to aim for:
- A consistent temperature (around 60-70°F)
- Good airflow
- No moisture
| Storage Location | Effect on Wetsuit | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Garage | Temperature swings damage neoprene | Only if climate-controlled |
| Closet | Stable, protected environment | Great option |
| Car trunk | Extreme heat or cold, poor airflow | Avoid completely |
| Basement | High risk of moisture issues | Only use with a dehumidifier |
For added protection, consider a breathable storage bag. Brands like O'Neill and Rip Curl make dust-proof, breathable options that cost around $30-50. These bags can help your wetsuit last much longer.
Once your wetsuit is stored properly, focus on handling it with care to avoid wear and tear.
Handle Gently to Avoid Damage
The seams, neck seals, and zippers are the most fragile parts of your wetsuit, so treat them carefully.
Here are some tips for putting it on:
- Roll it up: Start from the legs and roll the wetsuit up instead of pulling it.
- Use your fingertips: Avoid using your nails, as they can puncture the neoprene.
- Support the neoprene: Handle the wetsuit by the neoprene itself, not the seams.
When hanging your wetsuit, use wide-shouldered hangers to prevent pressure points that can deform the material. Brands like Creatures of Leisure and FCS make hangers designed specifically for wetsuits, with smooth, wide surfaces to evenly distribute weight. C-Monsta also makes a great one that includes a spot for booties and gloves.
If you’re storing your wetsuit for a long time, roll it instead of folding it. Rolling prevents creases that can weaken the neoprene over time.
4. Keep Up with Regular Maintenance
Taking care of your wetsuit regularly helps it stay in good shape and last longer. A little effort now can save you from having to replace it sooner, which also saves you money.
Rinse After Every Use
Rinsing your wetsuit with cool freshwater after every use is key to keeping it clean and flexible. This simple step removes salt, sand, and chlorine, which can break down the neoprene over time. Pay extra attention to zippers, seams, and neck seals since these spots tend to trap residue.
Plan for Deep Cleaning
Daily rinsing is great, but it won't remove oils, bacteria, or stubborn buildup. That's where deep cleaning comes in.
How often should you deep clean? It depends on how much you use your wetsuit:
- If you surf weekly: Deep clean every 2-3 months.
- If you surf monthly: Deep clean every 4-6 months.
- If you surf occasionally: Deep clean twice a year.
To deep clean, use a wetsuit cleaner like O'Neill or Gear Aid. Soak your suit in cool water mixed with the cleaner for 10-15 minutes. Gently agitate it, then rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear. Setting reminders can help you stick to this schedule.
With regular maintenance in place, you can explore tools and accessories to make caring for your wetsuit even easier.
5. Use Tools and Accessories to Protect Your Wetsuit
Using the right tools can help extend your wetsuit's life and make maintenance much simpler. Here are a couple of items worth considering.
Wetsuit Changing Mat
The Banana Bag Changing Mat ($29.95) offers a waterproof, sand-free surface with velcro straps for easy portability. It protects your wetsuit from tears and abrasions when changing on rough or uneven surfaces. This small investment can save you from costly repairs down the line.
Wetsuit-Specific Hangers
Regular hangers can stretch or damage your wetsuit, especially around the shoulders and neckline. Opt for wide, padded hangers that distribute weight evenly and help maintain the wetsuit's shape. Avoid thin wire hangers, as they can create pressure points in the neoprene. If you don’t have a wetsuit-specific hanger, pants hangers with horizontal bars can also work well.
These tools make caring for your wetsuit more manageable, keeping it in great shape for many seasons.
Conclusion
Quick Recap of the 5 Methods
Taking care of your wetsuit keeps it comfortable and performing well every time you hit the waves. Here’s a quick rundown of the five key steps we’ve discussed:
- Clean it after every session with fresh water, and use wetsuit shampoo for a deeper clean when needed.
- Dry it in the shade, away from direct sunlight, to protect the neoprene and keep it flexible.
- Store it properly in a cool, dry spot using wide hangers or flat storage to maintain its shape.
- Maintain it with regular deep cleaning and quick repairs to stop wear and tear from getting worse.
- Use the right tools, like wide hangers and changing mats, to keep your wetsuit in top condition.
Why Start Caring for Your Wetsuit Now?
Looking after your wetsuit doesn’t take fancy gear or complicated routines - just consistency. By sticking to these simple steps, you’ll make it last longer and enjoy better comfort and flexibility in the water.
Start today, and you’ll not only save money on replacements but also keep your wetsuit working its best. Whether you’re an everyday surfer or just hit the water occasionally, these habits will ensure your suit stays ready to protect and support you for years to come.
FAQs
Here are some quick answers to common questions about taking care of your wetsuit. These tips will help you avoid damage and keep it in top condition.
Can you wash a wetsuit in the washing machine?
No, you should never put a wetsuit in the washing machine. The harsh spinning and agitation can damage neoprene, making it less flexible and less effective at keeping you warm.
Instead, follow these steps:
- Hand wash your wetsuit using cool water.
- Use a cleaner made specifically for wetsuits (like O'Neill Wetsuit Cleaner or Rip Curl Piss Off).
- Gently work the cleaner into the neoprene.
- Rinse thoroughly with fresh water to remove all residue.
How often should I clean my wetsuit?
Rinse your wetsuit with cool, fresh water after every use. For a deeper clean, aim to wash it every 15-20 uses or whenever you notice any unpleasant odors.
What's the best way to dry a wetsuit?
Avoid drying your wetsuit in direct sunlight, as it can weaken the neoprene and cause it to crack. Here’s what to do instead:
- Hang it in a shaded area with good airflow.
- Use a wide, padded hanger designed for wetsuits.
- Make sure both the inside and outside are completely dry.
- Keep it away from heat sources like radiators or direct sunlight.
How should I store my wetsuit?
To store your wetsuit properly, keep it in a cool, well-ventilated space. Use a wide hanger, lay it flat, or fold it once at the waist. For added protection, consider a breathable storage bag to shield it from dust and moisture. Avoid storing it in hot garages, damp basements, or tightly packed spaces.