Your wetsuit is an investment in both comfort and performance, so taking good care of it is essential. Proper maintenance not only keeps it hygienic but also extends its lifespan, ensuring your gear performs at its best through countless sessions. This wetsuit care guide will provide you with easy, actionable tips to protect your wetsuit and keep it in top-notch condition.

Why Wetsuit Care Matters

Wetsuits are exposed to harsh conditions like saltwater, UV rays, and constant friction. Without proper maintenance, these factors can damage the fabric, weaken seams, and compromise insulation. Taking the time to care for your gear ensures you’ll enjoy more time in the water without unnecessary wear and tear.

Benefits of Maintaining Your Wetsuit:

• Durability: Keeps neoprene and stitching strong for longer.
• Comfort: Prevents odors and bacterial buildup.
• Performance: Maintains flexibility and insulation properties.

How to Clean a Wetsuit

Regular cleaning is essential for removing salt, sand, chlorine, and other residues that can degrade neoprene. Here’s how to clean your wetsuit effectively.

1. Rinse with Fresh Water After Every Use

• Rinse your wetsuit thoroughly with cool, fresh water after each session to eliminate salt, sand, and debris.
• Avoid hot water, as it can damage neoprene and reduce its elasticity.

2. Wash with Wetsuit Cleaner Occasionally

For a deeper clean, use a wetsuit-specific cleaner every few weeks.

• Fill a tub or large container with lukewarm water (not hot).
• Add a small amount of wetsuit shampoo or cleaner, designed to remove odors and preserve neoprene.
• Submerge the suit, gently massage the fabric, and focus on high-use areas like armpits and cuffs.

Pro Tip: Avoid regular detergents, as they can harm the neoprene and leave behind harmful residues.

3. Rinse Thoroughly

After washing, rinse your wetsuit thoroughly to remove all cleaning products. Leftover cleaner can irritate your skin or damage the material over time.

4. Drying the Right Way

• Turn the wetsuit inside out first to allow the interior to dry completely.
• Hang it on a wide hanger (not a thin one, which can stretch the shoulders) in a shaded, ventilated area.
• Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources like radiators, which can weaken neoprene and fade colors.
• Once the inside is dry, turn it right-side out to dry the exterior.

Storing Your Wetsuit

Proper storage is critical to maintaining your wetsuit’s structure and preventing creases.

1. Hang It Correctly

Use a wetsuit hanger or a padded, wide hanger to support the shoulders and maintain its shape. Avoid folding your suit, as it can cause permanent creases and damage the neoprene.

2. Store in a Cool, Dry Space

Choose a storage area away from direct sunlight, excessive heat, or humidity. A ventilated closet or garage works well.

3. Avoid Heavy Items

Don’t store your wetsuit under heavy objects, as this can deform the material. Give it plenty of space to hang freely.

4. Roll for Travel

If you need to store it temporarily for transport, roll your wetsuit instead of folding it to prevent damage.

Wetsuit Maintenance Tips

1. Inspect Seams and Zippers

• Check for signs of wear along the seams and zippers regularly.
• Apply zipper lubricant to keep the mechanism smooth and prevent salt buildup.

2. Repair Small Tears Right Away

Small holes or rips in the neoprene can grow quickly if not addressed. Use a wetsuit repair kit or neoprene glue to patch up minor damage.

3. Limit Exposure to Sun and Heat

UV rays and high temperatures damage neoprene, making it brittle. Rinse your suit promptly after surfing and never leave it exposed to the sun for extended periods.

4. Rotate Wetsuits

If you surf frequently, consider owning more than one wetsuit. Alternating between them reduces wear from consistent use and gives each suit time to dry properly.

5. Avoid Stretching the Material

When putting on or taking off your wetsuit, avoid tugging too hard at seams or cuffs. Stretching the material unnecessarily can weaken it over time.

Common Wetsuit Care Mistakes to Avoid

• Using Harsh Chemicals: Cleaners not designed for neoprene can break down its structure.
• Skipping Rinses: Salt and sand left behind can cause stiffening and wear.
• Storing Damp Suits: Storing a damp wetsuit promotes mildew and nasty smells.
• Hanging on Thin Hangers: Thin hangers create stress points, leading to permanent shoulder dents.
• Drying in Sunlight: UV rays degrade neoprene and make it less effective.

How to Extend Your Wetsuit’s Lifespan

By combining proper cleaning, storage, and handling habits, you can dramatically extend the life of your wetsuit. Treating your gear with care not only saves you money but also ensures your suit performs at its peak, trip after trip.

Key Practices to Follow:

• Rinse after every use.
• Store on a padded hanger, away from sunlight.
• Use wetsuit-safe cleaners for deeper cleaning.
• Repair minor damage quickly to prevent further issues.
• Keep it out of extreme heat or direct UV exposure.

Final Thoughts

Your wetsuit is more than just gear—it’s your ally in the water. Keeping it clean, dry, and properly stored ensures it’s ready to perform whenever you are. With the right routine, your wetsuit will retain its flexibility, comfort, and warmth for years to come.

Call to Action

Take care of your wetsuit today with these wetsuit maintenance tips and extend its usefulness all year round. By investing a little effort in upkeep, you’ll enjoy the water more while maximizing your gear’s durability and value. Happy surfing!