Life Hack: How to clean a wetsuit and make sure it lasts as long as possible

Do you know how to clean a wetsuit properly?

Do you wash your wetsuit after each wear?

Summer is on the way and after the recent spell of sunny weather, many of us are dreaming of days splashing in the water. Even with the warmer temperatures, you might prefer to brace yourself against the chill of the Atlantic by wearing a wetsuit — but if you already own one do you know how to clean it properly? Here are some tips to keep in mind.

How often should I wash my wetsuit?

To maintain your wetsuit you should wash it after each wear. This makes it last longer as well as removing odours, sand, salt and more. Washing instructions vary depending on the manufacturer so make sure you check the care label. Luckily you can usually wash them quickly and easily after they have been worn.

What’s the best way to wash a wetsuit?

After you remove the wetsuit from your body, rinse it in cold water and turn the wetsuit inside out. Avoid using hot water and also do not place it in the sunshine to dry — heat can affect the durability and flexibility of a wetsuit's fabric. You can wash the wetsuit in your shower or fill a large bucket with water. You could even rinse it with a garden hose. Make sure you rinse the zip thoroughly as salt water can build up in the crevices and clog the zip, making it difficult to open and close. To dry it, lie it flat in the shade or if you are at home, hang it on a wide plastic hangar in a ventilated area. Do not fold it as this will cause creases. 

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Can I use soap or detergent?

It is best to avoid chemicals when cleaning the wetsuit. Instead, use a natural soap to keep it smelling fresh. You could also opt for a specific wetsuit cleaning product, which could help the longevity of your suit. It is recommended you use a wetsuit shampoo after between three and five wears. Another chemical to avoid is chlorine, so don’t wear your wetsuit in a swimming pool.

Can I put a wetsuit in the washing machine or tumble dryer?

No. Again, any heat will compromise the fabric and it can damage glued seams. Similarly, a tumble dryer’s intense heat can melt the neoprene material. Allow it to air dry.

How should I store a wetsuit?

Make sure your wetsuit is completely dry before storing it. As mentioned above, you should avoid folding wetsuits as creases can damage the fabric. You can place it on a hanger and store it in your wardrobe, but there are some points to note about hanging it. You can place it on a wide-shouldered hanger and leave it but if you are using a narrow hanger do not hang it from the shoulders as it could stretch and misshape the fabric.