Good wetsuit care benefits you and the environment in terms of sustainability. The better you care for your wetsuit, the longer you can use it and save money.
Although neoprene is very durable, there are some things you should keep in mind. Read on to learn how to give your wetsuit the deluxe treatment.
In general: Rinse salt and dirt out of your neoprene thoroughly and use only specialized wetsuit cleaners.
We recommend Rip Curl's Piss off. This special cleaner is biodegradable, disinfects gently, and fights bacteria and mold.
Why you should wash your wetsuit
Regular cleaning of a wetsuit is crucial to prolong its lifespan and prevent unpleasant odours. It also prevents damage caused by salt, sand and dirt. After each use, the wetsuit should be rinsed out with fresh water and treated with special cleaning agents if necessary. A shady, well-ventilated place is ideal for drying to prevent mould growth. Direct sunlight and aggressive cleaning agents should be avoided to prevent damage to the material. Regular checks help to recognise minor damage at an early stage – this also makes it easier to repair. So your wetsuit stays in top condition and you will be happy with it for a long time.
Can the wetsuit be washed in the washing machine?
If you pay attention to a few important points, your wetsuit will be ready for the washing machine: Use a gentle wash cycle with cold water and mild detergent, no fabric softener and no bleach. Close the zips and Velcro fasteners and put the suit in a laundry bag – do not use the spin-dry function. Then hang dry in a shady place. However, hand washing is still the best way to preserve your suit.
8 Tips for a long-lasting wetsuit
- Take care puttingon and taking off your wetsuit to not overstretch theneoprene.
- Rinse with fresh water after every session to remove any residual salt.
- To clean, thoroughly soak your wetsuit in room temperature water with wetsuit cleaner.
- To hang it up properly, fold over a plastic coat hanger. (See photo)
- For drying, turn it inside out as shown and hang it in a shady, well-ventilated place or in the shower.
- Turn your suit over several times until it is scorched.
- Store your wetsuit in a dry and dark area.
- Repair your wetsuit immediately if it has a tear.
6 mistakes to avoid
- Don't wash your wetsuit in hot water.
- Don't hang it in direct sunlight. It makes neoprene brittle and causes tears.
- Don't use aggressive detergents.
- Don't use metal hangers for hanging.
- Don't hang it by the shoulders. This way it can deform.
- Don't store it compressid in a box.
When do I need a new wetsuit?
If the neoprene of your wetsuit is already becoming brittle and showing cracks, it is time to get a new model. The material loses functionality and flexibility over time. It keeps less warm, and a rough inside can irritate the skin.
Which wetsuit shall I buy?
We'll help you find the right wetsuit for your next surf trip. Check out our Buyer's Guide for all the information on neoprene thickness, fit, and features.
