Tips to Ensure Your Wetsuit Lasts: How to Wash, Dry, and Store It

Understanding Your Wetsuit

A wetsuit is not only an essential piece of gear for triathletes and open-water swimmers; it also plays a crucial role in enhancing performance and ensuring safety in cold water conditions. However, like all equipment, wet suits require proper care to maintain their integrity and longevity. This comprehensive guide will provide you with tips on how to wash, dry, and store your wetsuit to ensure it lasts for many racing seasons.

Why Proper Care is Important

Taking care of your wetsuit can enhance its lifespan by several years. Proper maintenance can prevent the breakdown of neoprene, which is the material most wetsuits are made from. Exposure to sunlight, saltwater, chlorine, and even the chemicals in your skin can degrade the wetsuit over time. Therefore, implementing a washing and storage routine can save you money in the long run and help you perform at your best when it matters most.

Washing Your Wetsuit

Cleaning your wetsuit after every use, especially after racing or training in open water, is critical. Here are steps and tips for washing your wetsuit effectively:

Step 1: Rinse with Fresh Water

• Immediate Rinse: As soon as you exit the water, rinse your wetsuit with fresh, cool water. This helps remove salt, dirt, and other debris that can damage the neoprene.
• Use a Hose or Shower: A gentle flow of water is ideal. Avoid high-pressure hoses as they can force water into any seams and damage them.

Step 2: Use a Specialized wetsuit cleaner

While rinsing is a good initial step, occasionally you will want to use a wetsuit cleaner:

• Choose Wisely: Seek out biodegradable wetsuit cleaners. Traditional soaps can strip the natural oils from the neoprene.
• Application: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, this involves mixing the cleaner with water and soaking the wetsuit for a few minutes before rinsing again.

Step 3: Avoid Common Mistakes

• No Hot Water: Always use cool or lukewarm water—100+ degree Fahrenheit water can damage neoprene and alter its buoyancy.
• Avoid Scrubbing: A gentle squeeze is sufficient. Scrubbing can stretch or tear the fabric.

Drying Your Wetsuit

After washing your wetsuit, the next crucial step is drying it effectively to prevent mildew and maintain its shape. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Turn It Inside Out

To dry your wetsuit, start by turning it inside out. This exposes the inner lining to air, allowing moisture to escape more easily.

Step 2: Hang It Up Properly

• Use a Wide Hanger: Opt for a hanger specifically designed for wetsuits to avoid stretching the shoulders. If unavailable, use a padded hanger or any handle wide enough.
• Hang in a Cool, Shady Spot: Find an area where sunlight won’t directly hit the wetsuit, as UV rays can degrade the material.

Step 3: Avoid Extreme Heat

Never use a dryer, heater, or direct sunlight to expedite the drying process. Excessive heat can cause the neoprene to lose its insulating properties and stretch out.

Storing Your Wetsuit

Proper storage is equally important in extending the life of your wetsuit. Here are the best practices:

Step 1: Choose the Right Location

• Cool, Dry Place: Store your wetsuit in a temperature-controlled environment away from direct sunlight.
• Avoid Constant Folding: Try not to leave your wetsuit folded for extended periods as creasing can weaken the material over time.

Step 2: Use a Suit Bag

Consider investing in a breathable wetsuit bag. This provides protection from dust while allowing airflow to prevent mildew growth.

Step 3: Check Regularly

Even in storage, regularly inspect your wetsuit for signs of wear and tear, like thin areas or seams coming apart. Addressing these early can prevent bigger issues down the line.

Signs Your Wetsuit Needs Replacement

No matter how well you care for your wetsuit, there will come a time when it needs to be replaced. Here are some signs to look for:

• Visible tears or holes that cannot be repaired.
• Significantly reduced buoyancy due to material degradation.
• Frequent water leakage while swimming, indicating loss of seal.

Conclusion

Caring for your wetsuit is vital for maintaining its performance and extending its lifespan. Proper washing, drying, and storage can help you make the most of your investment and enhance your experience in the water. By following these tips, you’ll not only preserve your gear but also ensure that it operates at peak performance when you need it the most. Your wetsuit is your ally in endurance sports; treat it well, and it will serve you well!