Proper cleaning, washing and care of a surf suit

A wetsuit is essential for water sports enthusiasts, providing insulation and protection against cold water and harsh elements. To ensure its longevity and optimal performance, proper care is essential. One crucial aspect of wetsuit maintenance is cleaning, drying, and hanging it.

Following the right steps, you can keep your wetsuit clean, fresh, and in good condition, ready for your next aquatic adventure. This guide will walk you through cleaning, drying, hanging, and folding your wetsuit, providing valuable tips to maintain its quality and extend its lifespan.

What you need to know

Cleaning, drying, and hanging a wetsuit properly is essential for maintaining its quality and extending lifespan. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean, dry, and hang a wetsuit:

1. Rinse the salt water or chlorine off: After using your wetsuit, rinse it thoroughly with fresh water to remove any saltwater or chlorine. Turn the wetsuit inside out while rinsing to clean the interior.
2. Fill a tub or basin with lukewarm water: Fill a tub or basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild wetsuit-specific cleaner. Avoid harsh detergents or bleach, as they can damage the neoprene material.
3. Gently hand wash the wetsuit: Submerge it in the water and gently agitate it to loosen any dirt or residue. Pay extra attention to areas with stains or odors. Use a soft sponge or cloth to scrub the wetsuit, focusing on the inside where sweat and oils accumulate. Avoid excessive scrubbing or twisting, as it can stretch or damage the neoprene.
4. Rinse thoroughly: Drain the soapy water and rinse the wetsuit with fresh water until all traces of soap are gone. Repeat the rinsing process several times to ensure complete removal of any remaining detergent.
5. Dry the wetsuit: Once it is rinsed, gently squeeze out the excess water, but do not twist or wring it. Lay the wetsuit flat on a clean towel or hang it over a wide hanger to dry. Avoid hanging the wetsuit by the shoulders or folding it, as this can cause creases and damage to the neoprene.
6. Speed up the drying process: To speed up drying, place the wetsuit in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Do not use a dryer, hairdryer, or radiator, as the excessive heat can shrink or damage the neoprene. Turning the wetsuit inside out can help accelerate drying as well.
7. Rotate the wetsuit during drying: To ensure even drying, rotate the wetsuit every few hours, especially if one side is in contact with the surface. This helps prevent mold or mildew growth and maintains the wetsuit’s shape.
8. Store or hang the dry wetsuit: Once completely dry, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid folding or compressing the neoprene excessively to prevent creases. If you hang the wetsuit, use a wide hanger or a dedicated wetsuit hanger to avoid stretching the shoulders.

Following these steps, you can properly clean, dry, and hang your wetsuit, ensuring it remains in good condition for future water adventures.

Fresh Water Heals: How to Rinse and Wash Your Wetsuit

Rinsing and washing your wetsuit with fresh water after each use is essential for removing saltwater, sand, and other debris that can degrade the material and cause unpleasant odors. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to rinse and wash your wetsuit properly:

1. Find a suitable location: Choose a spot where you can rinse and wash your wetsuit, such as a backyard, shower, or tub. Ensure there is access to clean, fresh water.
2. Rinse the wetsuit with fresh water: Before removing it, thoroughly rinse it with fresh water while wearing it. This initial rinse helps remove loose debris or sand from the suit’s exterior.
3. Fill a tub or basin with lukewarm water: Once you’ve removed the wetsuit, fill a tub or basin with lukewarm water. The water should be at a comfortable temperature, neither too hot nor too cold.
4. Add wetsuit-specific cleaner: Add a small amount of mild wetsuit-specific cleanser to the water. Use a cleaner specifically designed for wetsuits, as regular detergents can be harsh and damage the neoprene.
5. Submerge and agitate the wetsuit: Immerse the wetsuit in soapy water and gently agitate it. Use your hands to rub any soiled or stained areas gently. Pay particular attention to the armpits, crotch, and neck areas, as these areas tend to accumulate sweat and oils.
6. Rinse thoroughly with fresh water: Once you’ve cleaned the wetsuit, drain the soapy water and rinse it thoroughly with fresh water. Rinse until all traces of soap and cleaner are removed.
7. Remove excess water: Squeeze the water from the wetsuit, but avoid twisting or wringing it, as this can damage the neoprene. Gently press down and squeeze along the length of the wetsuit to remove as much water as possible.
8. Hang to dry: Hang the wetsuit in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat sources. You can use a wide hanger or a dedicated wetsuit hanger. Ensure that the wetsuit is not folded or creased, which can cause permanent damage. Hanging the wetsuit inside out can help speed up the drying process.
9. Rotate the wetsuit: Periodically rotate the wetsuit while drying to ensure airflow and prevent mold or mildew growth. This is especially important if one side of the wetsuit touches the surface.
10. Store the dry wetsuit: Once completely dry, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Folding the wetsuit along natural creases can help save space but avoid excessive compression.

Following these steps, you can adequately rinse and wash your wetsuit with fresh water, ensuring it remains clean, fresh-smelling, and in good condition for your next water adventure.

Neoprene Under the Shade: How to Dry, Hang and Fold Your Wetsuit

Drying, hanging, and folding your wetsuit correctly is crucial for maintaining its shape and extending lifespan. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to dry, hang, and fold your wetsuit:

1. Squeeze out excess water: After using your wetsuit, gently squeeze the excess water by pressing along its length. Avoid twisting or wringing the wetsuit, which can damage the neoprene material.
2. Choose a suitable drying location: Find a shaded, well-ventilated area to dry your wetsuit. Direct sunlight can degrade the neoprene over time, so it’s best to avoid drying it in the sun.
3. Hang the wetsuit: Use a wide, sturdy hanger designed for wetsuits. Hang the wetsuit by the waist or crotch area to evenly distribute its weight and prevent shoulders stretching. Avoid hanging it by the shoulders alone, as it may cause the neoprene to pull out of shape.
4. Consider using a wetsuit hanger: If you frequently use your wetsuit, investing in a wetsuit hanger can be beneficial. These hangers have extra support for the shoulders and often come with hooks or clips to secure the wetsuit in place.
5. Dry it inside out. To speed up the drying process, turn the wetsuit inside out. This allows better airflow inside and helps the wetsuit dry more quickly. Be gentle when turning it inside out to avoid stressing the seams.
6. Dry in a well-ventilated area: Hang the wetsuit in space to facilitate airflow. A breeze or a fan can help speed up the drying process. Avoid drying it near heat sources, as excessive heat can damage the neoprene.
7. Rotate the wetsuit: To ensure even drying, periodically rotate it while it’s hanging. This helps prevent moisture buildup in certain areas and promotes uniform drying.
8. Check for complete dryness: Ensure the wetsuit is completely dry before storing or folding it. Depending on the humidity and airflow, the wetsuit may take several hours to a day to dry thoroughly.
9. Folding the wetsuit: If you need to fold the wetsuit for storage or travel, follow these steps:
10. a. Lay the wetsuit flat on a clean, dry surface, with the inside facing up. b. Fold one arm across the chest, aligning it with the centerline of the wetsuit. c. Fold the other arm across the chest, overlapping the first arm. d. Fold the legs up toward the chest, aligning them with the centerline. e. Fold the wetsuit in half, bringing the waist up to the chest, or roll it up from the bottom if preferred.
11. Proper storage: Store the folded wetsuit in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid compressing it excessively or placing heavy objects on top of it, as this can cause permanent creases or damage to the neoprene.

By following these steps, you can ensure proper drying, hanging, and folding of your wetsuit, maintaining its quality and prolonging its usability.

Conclusion

Taking the time to clean, dry, hang, and fold your wetsuit correctly is an investment in its longevity and performance. Following the guidelines outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your wetsuit remains clean, fresh, and in optimal condition. Regular rinsing, gentle washing, and a thorough drying will remove saltwater, debris, and odors, preventing the neoprene from deteriorating.

Hanging your wetsuit and folding it properly for storage will help maintain its shape and prevent unnecessary creasing. By incorporating these practices into your wetsuit care routine, you can enjoy the benefits of a well-maintained wetsuit and extend its lifespan, allowing you to make the most of your water adventures for years.