Caring for your wetsuit: a complete guide
Your wetsuit is your best friend. It protects you from the cold, allows you to surf longer, and offers unparalleled comfort in the waves. But, like any lasting relationship, it needs attention and care.
Did you know that a well-maintained wetsuit can last twice as long? Imagine the savings and extra years of enjoyment you can get from it!
In this article, discover the ultimate secrets to keeping your wetsuit in perfect condition. Follow our simple tips and enjoy your passion without worrying about premature wear and tear.
So, ready to give your wetsuit the love it deserves? Let's go!
Introduction: why care for your wetsuit?
Neoprene is a technical material used in many pieces of equipment: surf wetsuits, diving booties, gloves, etc. Its insulating properties keep you warm even in very cold water.
The problem is that neoprene is sensitive to certain factors that can cause premature wear: UV rays, heat, chemicals, etc. Not to mention the salt in seawater, which acts as an abrasive.
Result: without proper care, your wetsuit can deteriorate very quickly. As it wears out, your wetsuit loses its elasticity and insulating properties. Not to mention the bacteria that can settle in.
Fortunately, you can maximize the lifespan of your equipment with a few simple steps. Extend the life of your gear, and forget about bad odors.
Discover the ultimate guide to neoprene care in this article.
-
Rinse thoroughly with fresh water
The first rule after each session is to carefully rinse your wetsuit or neoprene accessory. Salt, sand, sunscreen... All these impurities must be removed quickly.
- Use cold fresh water
- Remember to turn the wetsuit inside out to wash the interior as well
- Pay special attention to zippers, seams, and seals
A pressure jet (like a garden shower head) is ideal for dislodging all ingrained dirt.
You can also use a large basin of clear water for rinsing.
This rinsing helps to maintain the waterproofness and elasticity of your neoprene by preventing residue from building up.
Pro tips: for washing your wetsuit outdoors and indoors
Outdoors, use a garden hose with a strong spray to dislodge all dirt. Rinse your wetsuit in a shady area to avoid drying the neoprene too quickly. Then, hang it on a wide hanger to air dry.
Indoors, in your bathroom, opt for rinsing in a bathtub or shower with cold fresh water. Scrub dirty areas, such as zippers and seams, with a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue. Finally, hang the wetsuit on a wide hanger in a well-ventilated area to air dry.
-
Dry in the shade
Once rinsed, it is essential to properly dry your neoprene. The enemies to absolutely avoid:
- Sun drying: UV rays damage the fibers
- Heat: it dries out and cracks the neoprene
The ideal drying process is done at room temperature, in the shade, avoiding any stretching or deformation.
Follow these steps:
- Turn the wetsuit inside out to start with the interior
- Hang it by the waist on a wide support or a specific hanger.
- Airing it out with a fan will increase the drying speed
Make sure both sides are completely dry before storing your neoprene.
Be careful not to hang your wet wetsuit on a hanger by the shoulders. You risk deforming them due to the weight of the water. Neoprene can deform, and you risk damaging your surf wetsuit.
- Use a special disinfectant and stain remover
Rinsing is crucial, but it's not enough. Indeed, residues of sweat, sunscreen, salt, and sand can become embedded in the fabric of your neoprene wetsuit. These invisible enemies can cause stubborn bad odors, promote neoprene degradation, and ultimately reduce the lifespan of your equipment.
The solution? Regular deep cleaning with a special neoprene disinfectant and stain remover.
Why use a special product?
- Conventional household products can be too harsh and damage neoprene.
- Special neoprene disinfectants and stain removers are formulated to eliminate bacteria, mold, and odors without damaging the material.
- They can also help dissolve salt and sand, which can accumulate in the fibers and weaken the wetsuit.
How to use a special disinfectant and stain remover?
- Dilute the product according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Soak your wetsuit in the solution for 30 minutes.
- Gently scrub particularly dirty areas with a soft brush.
- Rinse thoroughly with fresh water.
- Air dry your wetsuit in the shade.
Additional tips:
- Rinse your wetsuit after each use, even if you don't deep clean it.
- Inspect your wetsuit regularly for signs of wear and degradation.
- If you use your wetsuit in cold water, clean it more often.
- Never use harsh chemicals like bleach or gasoline to clean your wetsuit.
By following these tips and using a special neoprene disinfectant and stain remover, you will maximize the lifespan of your wetsuit and enjoy your aquatic sessions with confidence!
Which disinfectant to choose for neoprene wetsuits?
- Bacterless Surf: based on eucalyptus essential oils
- Piss Off 250 wetsuit cleaner
- Mystic Wetsuit Cleaner
- You can find them in most surf shops and on Amazon
The instructions are simple:
- Mix the product in 5 liters of cold water
- Soak the wetsuit for 30 min
- Gently scrub stains
- Rinse thoroughly
Repeat this deep wash once a month.
- No washing machine, iron, or dryer!
Many websites advise washing neoprene wetsuits in a washing machine. Caution: this is a bad idea! Here's why you should avoid this method:
- Mechanical aggressiveness damages the seams
- The drum weakens and stretches the fibers
- Detergents are too corrosive for neoprene
- Machine drying (tumble dryer) or ironing will completely damage your wetsuit.
- Storage tips
Even if used occasionally, a neoprene wetsuit must be stored carefully between uses.
- Do not compress it: avoid storing it in an airtight bag
- Room temperature: no damp or overheated places
- Out of direct sunlight: including through a window!
For a surf wetsuit, prefer vertical storage on a wide C Monsta type hanger.
You can also roll it without folding it for flat storage.
Accessories for drying your wetsuit
C-monsta offers durable drying hangers for surf wetsuits made from recycled materials, designed to extend the life of your gear while saving space, time, and money.
The Surf Logic Wetsuit Dryer
Forget your hairdryer for drying your wetsuit.
Designed for fast drying in 20 minutes thanks to its powerful 6,000 liters per minute airflow system, smart heat control, and compact, easy-to-store format. Its price: €199
The ultimate for surfing in winter with a dry wetsuit.
Conclusion
By following these few neoprene care tips, you will significantly extend the life of your wetsuit.
Tips for successful care:
- Rinse after each use
- Dry at room temperature, in the shade
- Regular deep cleaning with specific disinfectant
- Store flat, without compression, at room temperature
- No washing machine
With these few tips, caring for your neoprene wetsuit
Summary in a few key points:
Our tips for a longer-lasting neoprene wetsuit:
After each session:
- Rinse thoroughly with fresh water.
- Dry in the shade, at room temperature.
Regularly:
- Deep clean with a special neoprene disinfectant.
- Do not use a washing machine, tumble dryer, or iron.
For storage:
- Store flat or hanging, without compression.
- Avoid humid, hot, and sunny places.
By following these simple tips, you will maximize the lifespan of your neoprene wetsuit and fully enjoy your sea outings!
Useful resources
- Maintain and extend the life of a foam surfboard
- Maintain your surf poncho
- The complete guide to starting surfing
Complete FAQ for caring for your wetsuit
How to properly care for your neoprene wetsuit?
Follow these steps after each session:
- Rinse thoroughly with fresh water.
- Air dry in the shade, at room temperature.
- Deep clean regularly with a special neoprene disinfectant.
Which cleaning soap for neoprene wetsuits?
Do not use ordinary soap, as it can damage neoprene. Opt for a mild soap or a special neoprene disinfectant product.
How to disinfect a neoprene wetsuit?
Dilute a special neoprene disinfectant product in water and soak your wetsuit for 30 minutes. Then rinse thoroughly with fresh water.
How to store a surf wetsuit?
A: The best way to store a surf wetsuit is to hang it on a wide hanger by the waist. Avoid hanging your wetsuit by the shoulders. Store your wetsuit in a dry, cool place, away from sunlight. Also avoid folding or compressing it.
All our advice applies to neoprene wetsuits for surfing, coastal walking, triathlon, canyoning, kitesurfing, diving, and all board sports.
This article is part of our complete guide to surfing for beginners. Discover our other resources to delve into each aspect of your new passion.
