Let's not beat around the bush. Wetsuits can be pricey, so for most of us, we'd like them to last and look top-notch for as long as possible, which makes knowing how to properly care for your wetty important.
Firstly, what's the best way to wash a wetsuit? Simple - grab a large bucket or use your bath, fill it with lukewarm or cold water and a splash of wetsuit shampoo. Submerge your suit in the water, swill it around a bit, then leave for 5 minutes. Then take the suit out and, without rinsing it, leave it to dry naturally, inside out first and then the right way round. When drying, hang it on a wetsuit hanger or a broad shoulder hanger, or fold it at the waist over a chair so the shoulders are not carrying the weight. Wet wetsuits can be heavy so make sure where you are hanging the suit can take the weight.
Wet wetsuits can be heavy so make sure where you are hanging the suit can take the weight.
Top tips to prolong the lifespan of your wetsuit
Wash your wetsuit after every use. Now I'm not suggesting you get out of the water and head straight for the nearest dry cleaners. After a good day on the water and a nice time relaxing on the beach, get home from your adventures and then wash your suit.
When drying, keep the suit out of direct sunlight - UV fades the neoprene and breaks down the glue holding the seams, so dry it in the shade or indoors rather than in strong sun.
Use a wetsuit shampoo - we have a few available at Wetsuit Outlet, with most of us opting for the suitably named Rip Curl Piss Off! The bottle comes with instructions on how much to use.
If you plan to use your suit every day for a week, then you don’t need to wash it every day. Just rinse it in some cold fresh water, getting rid of salt and sand ready for tomorrow. Oh and try to dry it - there's not much worse than putting on a cold, damp wetsuit.
Never put your wetsuit through a washing machine. The agitation and the spin cycle stress the glued seams and the neoprene, and most manufacturers treat machine washing as misuse, which can invalidate the warranty. If the suit is really dirty or smelly from stagnant water, give it a longer soak in cold water with a dedicated wetsuit cleaner instead. Don't tumble dry your suit - if it can't go outside, put it on an airer/clothes horse in a warm, airy room, well away from radiators and other direct heat sources.
For long-term storage, use a wetsuit hanger in your wardrobe. Alternatively you can use a regular broad shoulder hanger, or even roll the wetsuit up loosely, avoiding sharp creases. Most of us at Wetsuit Outlet store our wetsuits in drawers or under beds and they are still in top condition.
Pee. YES! You can pee in your wetsuit - everyone does it, don't be shy. Just make sure to wash your suit afterwards, otherwise you may find people avoiding you.
Northcore's wetsuit slide hanger reduces shoulder wear and material fatigue.
Nothing lasts forever, and even sticking to these guidelines will not save an ageing suit that's seen one too many swells. It can be hard to let go, but when you do, be sure to visit Wetsuit Outlet for your replacement wetsuit. We've got the biggest brands, lowest prices online and best customer service with free delivery and 60-day returns.
About the author
Mitchell is a mainstay at Wetsuit Outlet HQ, helping out customers and other team members with his extensive knowledge of watersports gear. He has a passion for the sea, SUP, surfing and food - plus he's one of our wetsuit gurus. Got a question about your next wetsuit? Give Mitchell a call on 01702 295678.
