Wetsuit Care and Maintenance

Following a regular care and maintenance routine is the most important factor in prolonging the life of your wetsuit. The following wetsuit care and maintenance tips will save you money and improve the quality of your swimming or surfing experience.

The wetsuit care regimen
Wash your entire wetsuit thoroughly after each use. A wetsuit shampoo is sufficient for basic cleaning, but if your wetsuit has been stained, you'll need to use an appropriate degreaser. Never dry clean a wetsuit or leave it hanging in the sun. Wetsuits should be permitted to drip dry from a hanger designed specifically for wetsuits.

Washing a wetsuit is especially important if it has been used in salt or chlorinated water as salt and chlorine will cause neoprene to stiffen. If your wetsuit has become stiff or been in storage for a long time, soak it in warm water for several hours. Rinse it with fresh water, and let it hang dry with all zippers open.

If your wetsuit must be stored for any significant period of time, do not roll or fold it. Store the wetsuit flat or from a thick hanger designed for wetsuits. Wetsuits should be stored in cool, dry places free of sunlight. Automobile emissions make a garage an inappropriate storage place for wetsuits.

Caring while you're wearing
Wetsuits are made from sensitive materials. Even fingernails can cause cuts and tears in a wetsuit's neoprene, so keep your nails trimmed or wear gloves when donning a wetsuit. Always unzip a wetsuit completely before wearing or removing it. If possible, avoid diving or swimming near rocks or abrasive objects.

If your wetsuit is scratched or nicked, treat each instance as soon as possible with neoprene glue. This will prevent cuts from expanding and ruining your wetsuit. More significant damage may need professional attention.