How to Care for a Wetsuit

Co-authored by Sophia Latorre

Last Updated: February 21, 2023 References Approved

A wetsuit is an investment that will last for years, as long as you care for it properly. Though it may seem like a hassle, you should always rinse your wetsuit with cold, fresh water after using it. Never leave a sandy, salty wetsuit in the trunk of your car or crumpled on your bathroom floor. It only takes a little time and effort to keep your wetsuit in the best possible shape.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Washing and Rinsing Your Wetsuit

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Use cold, fresh water to rinse your wetsuit after each use. Be sure to use cold, fresh water, rather than hot water or saltwater, both of which can cause neoprene to lose its flexibility. Leaving sand, salt, or chlorine on your suit can shorten it’s lifespan.^{[1]
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2
Rinse both the inside and outside of your wetsuit each time. It’s important that you rinse the inside of your wetsuit in addition to the outside to remove chlorine or saltwater. Be sure to do this every time you use it to help it last as long as possible.^{[2]
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3
Use wetsuit shampoo to remove odors. Sweat, oil, algae, and urine can all make your wetsuit smell awful. When you notice an unpleasant odor, hand wash the suit using a wetsuit shampoo, available from diving and surf shops and online.^{[3]
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Research source} You can also use a small amount of mild liquid soap, like baby shampoo, to wash your wetsuit.
4
Wash your wetsuit in the bathtub. Fill your bathtub with cool water, add the recommended amount of shampoo, and agitate the water. Submerge your suit for 20 minutes, then scrub the suit against itself to clean especially stinky areas, like the armpits. Rinse the wetsuit thoroughly, inside and out, with cold water to remove all the soapy residue.^{[4]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Drying Your Wetsuit

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Let the inside of the suit dry first. After you rinse or wash your suit, leave it inside out to dry. It’s important to let the inside of the suit dry to avoid any odors or mildew from building up. Drying the inside also lengthens the life of the wetsuit.^{[5]
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2
Use a plastic hanger to dry your suit indoors. Slide the top of the wetsuit through a heavy, plastic hanger so that it folds in half near the waist, rather than hanging it by the neck or shoulders. Hang it indoors, such as on your shower rod, while it dries. If you must hang it outdoors, make sure it stays shaded, as direct sunlight degrades the fabric.^{[6]
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Allow the outside of the suit to dry. Once the inside of your suit is dry, turn the suit right-side out. Use the same method as before to hang the suit over a plastic hanger. Allow it to dry completely, indoors and away from the sun.^{[7]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Storing Your Wetsuit

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Inspect the wetsuit for damage. Before you store your wetsuit, check for any rips, tears, or gouges. Check the seams carefully, and look at the Velcro patches and zippers as well. If you notice any damage, take it to a wetsuit shop to get repairs or make them yourself.^{[8]
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- Cover a hole in your wetsuit by using a blind stitch to sew on a neoprene patch.
- Fix busted seams by applying wetsuit cement to both edges, then press them together and allow the cement to dry. Sew the seams together, then seal them with seam tape.^{[9]
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- If you need to lubricate your zippers so they slide more smoothly, use a small amount of beeswax rather than an oil or grease.^{[10]
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2
Lay it flat or hang it in half. You can leave your wetsuit hung in half over the hanger, if you wish. You could also store your wetsuit flat by laying it out on a table or other level surface. Don’t hang it by the neck or shoulders, crumple up your suit, or shove it in a drawer. These practices could cause your suit to become misshapen or creased, reducing the suit’s insulating effectiveness.^{[11]
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Store your wetsuit in a temperature-controlled environment. A consistent temperature will extend the life of your wetsuit, so store it indoors, such as in a mudroom or bathroom, away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing your wetsuit in your vehicle, as the high temperatures can break down the neoprene. Don’t store your wetsuit in your garage, as exhaust fumes from your vehicle can deteriorate the fabric.

Community Q&A

Question

I just bought a new wetsuit & the saleslady folded it and put it in a bag. When I unpacked it the next day, it had a crease down the middle front. Will this crease go away?

Community Answer

Yes. Wetsuits can be folded, scrunched up and left for periods of time and still look normal when put on. At worst it may take getting wet for it to go away.
Question

How do I repair small tears?

Community Answer

You can use a neoprene patch or sew the tear closed with heavy-duty thread. If you don't have sewing experience, take the wetsuit to a shop to get repaired.
Question

Will packing a wetsuit in a backpack cause it to be damaged?

Community Answer

No, but it may be helpful to put it in a resealable bag before packing it to give it some extra protection.

Warnings

Do not put a wetsuit in the washing machine or dryer, or bleach or iron it.^{[13]
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Keep your wetsuit away from any chemicals, solvents, or aerosols.

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