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How to Clean Scuba Gear

How to Clean Scuba Gear
Scuba diving gear can be a very costly investment. That is why it is extremely important to learn how to clean and maintain your gear so that it lasts a long time. Salt, sand and even sunlight can be very damaging to the delicate plastic, rubber and metal parts that make up your scuba diving gear.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:
  • Bathtub and Shower Nozzle Scuba Gear Clothes Hangers Clean Towel
  • Bathtub and Shower Nozzle
  • Scuba Gear
  • Clothes Hangers
  • Clean Towel
Step 1
Rinse your mask, fins and other equipment. You need to remove the salt deposits, so be sure to rinse thoroughly with fresh water. Once you are done, set aside your gear to air dry.
Step 2
Clean your wetsuit, weights and dive booties. Rinse everything with fresh water, and make sure to get rid of any sand particles. If you're worried about odors in your wetsuit, apply a wetsuit conditioner. To dry your wetsuit, hang it inside-out on a clothes hanger and allow to drip-dry. Hang up your booties to drip-dry.
Step 3
Clean your BCD inside and out. First, rinse the outside off by submerging it in fresh water. Since salt water could have gotten into your BCD, you also will need to rinse the inside. To do this, press the deflate button of your low-pressure inflator and pour water in the exhaust valve until the bladder is one-third full. Swish the water around by shaking the BCD so that the water gets into all of the crevices. Drain the water out through the exhaust valves and partially inflate the BCD so that the insides don't stick together, and then hang it up to dry.
Step 4
Dry the dust cap and replace it on your regulator before cleaning your regulator. You should prevent water from entering the first stage, so use a clean cloth or blow air from your tank to dry the dust cap and replace it on your regulator. Then, simply submerge your regulator in fresh water for several minutes, turning it to make sure you remove all of the salt. Dry your regulator with a clean towel and store it in a cool, dark, dust-free area.

Article Written By Shiromi Nassreen

Shiromi Nassreen has been writing professionally since 2005. She specializes in travel and outdoor topics, and her articles have appeared in various print and online publications, including "DISfunkshion Magazine" and Matador Travel. Nassreen holds a Bachelor of Arts in theatre studies from Rose Bruford College of Speech & Drama.

Write for Trails.com

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