How to Wash a Wetsuit: Wetsuit Care and Storage

Buying wetsuits should be seen as a long term investment, especially those that are brand new or top of the range. Like any purchase, if you part ways with a lot of cash, then you’ll want to make sure what you’ve bought remains in good condition for as long as possible. There are a number of ways you can approach storing, wearing, caring for and cleaning your wetsuit that will help you do just that.

From how to wash a wetsuit to how to store it, here at NorthShore Watersports, we’ve outlined pro tips for prolonging its life and help you to get more for your money.

How to Wash a Wetsuit

One of the most vital things to get right when it comes to wetsuit care is learning how to wash a wetsuit properly. 

To prevent smells, damage and general build-up of grime, it’s important to clean and dry your wetsuit as soon as possible and not leave it festering! Keeping your wetsuit clean will go a long way towards extending its lifespan and prevent any nasty odours. Not to mention a clean wetsuit will be a lot nicer to wear next time!

To clean a wetsuit, rinse both sides in cold, fresh, water after every use. Never use hot water, as this will damage the neoprene’s flexibility. Not only will rinsing it remove sand and mud, but if you’ve been in seawater, it will also prevent the build-up of salt crystals, which can also be very damaging to neoprene.

A thorough rinse should be enough to keep your wetsuit fresh between uses, providing you’ve washed and dried both sides properly.

How to Clean a Wetsuit Thoroughly

However, it’s a good idea to give your wetsuit a more rigorous cleaning occasionally. Wetsuits can also start to smell, so a soak is good for preventing and removing any odour.

1. Soak your wetsuit in fresh, cold water mixed with baking soda for 30 minutes. Again, never use hot water. After 30 minutes, turn it inside out and soak for another 30 minutes.
2. Using a toothbrush, scrub all zippers and velcro areas to remove any sand, grit or dirt. Once scrubbed, pull the zips up and down several times to work out any final leftover grit. You can also use zip lubricant to loosen up zips.
3. Rinse the wetsuit with fresh, cold water.
4. Finally, hang the wetsuit inside out away from sunlight on a flat hanger. 
5. Once dry, turn right side out and dry again.

How to Store a Wetsuit

Knowing how to clean a wetsuit is crucial, but to keep it in the best condition for as long as possible, you also need to know how to store a wetsuit to keep it fresh and damage-free. Follow these tips for storing it when it’s not in use:

• Lie your wetsuit flat, or hang it up on a thick hanger to give it support. If you have to fold your wetsuit, then fold it loosely, as hard creases can become permanent in the material.
• Always keep your wetsuit in a cool, dry area where the temperature doesn’t fluctuate. Never leave it in the boot of a hot car, on any hot surfaces and never in direct sunlight.
• Don’t store your wetsuit in a garage if it is also used for storing a vehicle, as vehicle emissions will damage the neoprene over time.
• Be sure to store it away from chemicals or solvents such as aerosol sprays, as these will also attack and degrade the rubber over time.

General Wetsuit Care

• Prevent and repair rips

Take care to avoid snagging your wetsuit on any sharp edges. However, if you do notice any tears, you can mend them by using a heavy polyester thread on nylon or using a wetsuit repair kit. Rips typically occur along seems, so it’s good practice to inspect these areas when you wash it.

• Never use a washing machine

It probably goes without saying, but never put your wetsuit in the washing machine or tumble dryer! Heat is very damaging to wetsuits, so be sure to only ever wash or rinse your wetsuit using our methods above.

• Avoid stretching the material

The main thing you want to avoid when taking off a wetsuit is stretching it. Once you’re out of the water and ready to take your wetsuit off, start by undoing all of the zips on the wetsuit. Then, remove each area of the wetsuit bit by bit (both arms, torso, both legs) to avoid any unnatural stretching of the material.

• Dry it indoors or in the shade

If you need to dry your wetsuit quickly for your next use, it can be tempting to leave it in the sun. No one likes getting into a cold, damp wetsuit! However, because UV damages and ages neoprene, you should always avoid doing this. Instead, dry your wetsuit inside out first so that the driest side will be the one your skin touches.

Now you know how to wash your wetsuit, how to dry your wetsuit and our top tips for wetsuit care and storage, you can ensure you’re keeping yours in the best condition possible for many future uses. Be sure to browse our comprehensive range of wetsuits here at NorthShore Watersports, and our full watersports clothing range for more options.