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Wetsuit Care: Rinse, Dry, Repeat

Wetsuit Care: Rinse, Dry, Repeat

Written by Leisure Pro Staff
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Published on April 2, 2015

Taking care of your wetsuit properly is one of the most important things you need to learn to do as a SCUBA diver. Wetsuits are not necessarily cheap, and they will break down quickly if they are not cared for properly. Therefore, wetsuit care is one of the most crucial habits you’ll build. With the rinse, dry, repeat method, you should never have to use any kind of cleanser to wash your wetsuit, and you’ll reap the benefits of longer lasting gear.

Freshwater is Your Wetsuit’s Best Friend

The most important step in keeping your wetsuit clean is to rinse it thoroughly with freshwater as soon as possible after your dive. Salt and mineral deposits are surprisingly effective at degrading neoprene rubber. Most dive shops will have a freshwater rinsing tank onsite, but you can also just shower with your wetsuit on right after the dive if that is an option.

However, make sure you do not shower with hot water, as heat will also degrade neoprene. Use cool water as you shower while you are still wearing your wetsuit. You’ll only be in the cool water for a few minutes, so you shouldn’t experience much discomfort. You can increase the water temperature after your peel off your wetsuit to finish showering.

Hang to Dry

After you have rinsed with freshwater, hang the wetsuit up to dry as soon as possible. Make sure that it is not in direct sunlight, as — you guessed it — sunlight will quickly degrade neoprene too! Hanging it outside in the open air is a great way to accelerate the drying process, but make sure you choose a spot in the shade. Even a short time in direct sunlight can have damaging effects on your wetsuit. Once it is completely dry, store in a cool, dry place where it will be protected until your next dive.

No Need for Cleaner

If you always rinse your wetsuit with freshwater as soon as you finish diving, you will never have any need for cleaner. However, if you pee in your wetsuit or fail to clean it immediately after a dive, you will eventually need to use soap to clean it, as bacteria that form as a result will start to stink. If you don’t have ready access to a commercial wetsuit cleaner, you can simply soak your wetsuit in a tub of cool water with a few squirts of dish washing soap to get rid of the smell. Rinse it well in plain freshwater after the soak, and you’ll be fresh and clean for the next dive.

Leisure Pro Staff

Leisure Pro Staff

Marketing Director for LeisurePro