How to Care for Your Wetsuit – Cleaning & Drying Video Guide
Looking after your wetsuit properly can help extend its lifespan and maintain its flexibility and comfort. In this practical video, Jeff from Wetsuit Centre demonstrates how to rinse and clean your wetsuit after use, explains when to use a specialist wetsuit cleaner, and shows how to dry it without damaging the neoprene. Follow these simple care tips to keep your wetsuit in good condition for longer.
Video Transcript
Introduction – How to Look After Your Wetsuit
Hi there, Jeff here from Wetsuit Centre.
Today we're going to talk about wetsuit care and, in particular, how to look after your wetsuit once you've bought it.
One of the questions we often get asked is how to keep a wetsuit in good condition and make it last as long as possible.
There are a few simple things you can do after every session that will help maintain the neoprene and reduce unnecessary wear.
Let's take a look at the most important ones.
Understanding Wetsuit Wear and Warranty Cover
Most wetsuits come with a manufacturer's warranty covering certain defects in materials or workmanship.
This may include problems with the seams or construction of the wetsuit, depending on the manufacturer's terms.
However, there's an important difference between a manufacturing fault and accidental damage.
For example, if a seam fails because of a manufacturing defect, that may be covered by the warranty.
If you accidentally tear the wetsuit on a sharp object, that's a different matter.
So, although a warranty offers protection against certain faults, it's still important to take good care of your wetsuit.
The better you look after it, the more use you're likely to get from it.
Step 1: Rinse Your Wetsuit with Fresh Water
One of the most important things you can do is rinse your wetsuit thoroughly after every use.
Most wetsuits spend a lot of time in salt water.
Salt, sand and other residues can build up on the material and around the seams if they're not rinsed away.
Over time, this can contribute to unnecessary wear and deterioration.
That's why we recommend giving your wetsuit a good rinse in fresh water after every session.
You don't need anything particularly complicated.
You can use a bucket, a bath or a shower.
The main thing is to rinse the wetsuit thoroughly, removing as much salt water, sand and dirt as possible.
Ideally, rinse both the inside and outside of the wetsuit.
Step 2: Use a Specialist Wetsuit Cleaner When Needed
Another useful way to look after your wetsuit is to use a specialist neoprene cleaner.
Here we've got an example from Rip Curl called Piss Off.
There are several manufacturers making similar products designed specifically for cleaning wetsuits.
These can help remove unwanted residues and odours from the neoprene.
It's worth remembering that wetsuits can develop unpleasant smells, particularly when they've been used regularly and haven't been cleaned thoroughly.
A specialist wetsuit cleaner can help keep the suit fresher and more pleasant to wear.
Step 3: Cleaning Your Wetsuit in a Bucket
The method is very straightforward.
Ideally, you'll want a bucket, bath or another container large enough to immerse your wetsuit.
Fill it with fresh water.
For the cleaner we're demonstrating, we're using approximately 10 litres of water with the recommended amount of cleaning product.
Always follow the dilution instructions on the cleaner you're using, as the quantities vary between products.
Once you've added the cleaner, give the water a gentle stir.
Then place your wetsuit into the solution.
Move the wetsuit around in the water so that the cleaning solution reaches the different parts of the suit.
Make sure you rinse away any salt, sand and other unwanted residues.
Work the water through the wetsuit gently rather than pulling or stretching the neoprene unnecessarily.
Once you've finished cleaning, follow the product instructions for rinsing and removing any remaining cleaning solution.
Step 4: Dry Your Wetsuit Without Damaging It
Once the wetsuit is clean, the next important step is drying it properly.
One thing you should avoid is hanging your wetsuit on a thin wire hanger.
A narrow hanger can put too much pressure on the neoprene around the shoulders.
Over time, that can stretch the material or affect the shape of the wetsuit.
A better option is to use a suitable wetsuit hanger with broad support.
You can also fold the wetsuit over a wide horizontal support around the waist, so the weight is distributed more evenly.
This helps prevent unnecessary stress on the shoulders while the wetsuit is wet and heavy.
Step 5: Keep Your Wetsuit Out of Direct Sunlight
Another important consideration is where you dry your wetsuit.
Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight for extended periods.
Sunlight and excessive heat can gradually affect the neoprene, making it less flexible and potentially shortening the lifespan of the suit.
Instead, hang it somewhere shaded with good airflow.
A well-ventilated area is ideal because it allows the wetsuit to dry naturally without exposing it to excessive heat.
Make sure the wetsuit has enough space for air to circulate around the material.
Once it's completely dry, you can store it somewhere cool and dry until your next session.
Final Advice – Making Your Wetsuit Last Longer
Those are the main things to remember when looking after your wetsuit.
Rinse it thoroughly with fresh water after every use.
Use a specialist wetsuit cleaner when needed to help remove residues and unwanted odours.
Avoid thin wire hangers that can put pressure on the shoulders.
And always dry your wetsuit somewhere shaded and well ventilated, away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.
They're simple steps, but following them regularly can make a real difference to how well your wetsuit lasts.
Taking a few minutes to look after your equipment after each session can help keep it comfortable, flexible and ready for your next trip into the water.
Further Wetsuit Care & Maintenance Advice
For more information about cleaning, maintaining and repairing your wetsuit, explore our Wetsuit Care collection, including specialist cleaners, hangers and repair products.
You may also find these guides useful:
