How to Clean a Neoprene Wetsuit

Kevin Conners

Neoprene wetsuits provide comfort and safety for water sports. Whether you are surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling or paddling, your wetsuit is a vital piece of equipment. Proper cleaning of your wetsuit after use will prolong its life and protect the sizable investment you have made.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Washing your Wetsuit

Things You’ll Need:

Wetsuit shampoo
Wetsuit hanger or large wooden hanger

Step 1

Rinse your wetsuit as quickly as possible after using it. This will remove body oils and salt if it has been used in the ocean. Rinse the outside and inside, then wring out the excess water.

Step 2

Soak your wetsuit in a tub of warm, fresh water for 10 to 15 minutes. After soaking add wetsuit shampoo and thoroughly agitate the suit in the water. If your suit has zippers, work them up and down to remove any sand or dirt.

Step 3

Rinse your wetsuit again. Use plenty of water to remove all of the residue from the shampoo. Wetsuit shampoos are available at dive shops and online.

Step 4

Lubricate the zippers.

Step 5

Lay the wetsuit flat to dry or use a wetsuit hanger. Wetsuit hangers are wide to keep the wetsuit from becoming creased. Keep your suit out of direct sunlight.

Step 6

Store your wetsuit in a dry, cool area. Keep it flat or use a wetsuit hanger.

Tips & Warnings

Avoid storing your wetsuit in areas exposed to high heat.

Resources

Wetsuit Warehouse

Article Written By Andy McVeigh

Andy McVeigh lives in Scottsdale, Arizona. He is an avid outdoors enthusiast who enjoys paddling, biking, hiking, backpacking, camping, scuba diving and photography. McVeigh is a graduate of Northern Arizona University and is currently working on his MBA.

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