Wetsuit maintenance

The 5 best tips for washing and drying your wetsuit

Want to enjoy your wetsuit for as long as possible? Then it's important to maintain your wetsuit properly. A wetsuit that is cleaned, dried, and stored regularly and correctly will stay flexible, comfortable, and hygienic for much longer. In this blog, we share practical tips and tricks on how to take care of your wetsuit, from washing and drying to storing and repairing it.

Source: vaikobi.com

Tip 1: Wetsuit rinse off

After every windsurfing, kitesurfing, wingsurfing, wakeboarding, or SUP session, it’s important to rinse your wetsuit with cold or lukewarm tap water. This helps remove salt, sand, and other dirt. It prevents damage to the neoprene and keeps the material flexible.

Note: Never put your wetsuit in the washing machine! The strong movements and high temperatures can seriously damage it.

Tip 2: Wetsuit washing

While rinsing is usually enough, occasionally giving your wetsuit a thorough wash can help keep it extra fresh.

How to do it:

• Use a large bucket or plastic container
• Fill it with lukewarm water and a special wetsuit shampoo (such as Mystic wetsuit cleaner)
• Let your wetsuit soak for a few minutes, not too long
• Then rinse it thoroughly with clean, cold water

Do not use regular shampoo or detergent! These contain chemicals that can damage the neoprene and reduce its flexibility.

Tip 3: Drying your wetsuit

After use, it’s important to dry your wetsuit properly. Follow these steps to prevent mold, unpleasant odors, and damage to the neoprene:

• Turn your wetsuit inside out and hang it on a wide clothes hanger or over a bar.
• Don’t leave your wetsuit in a closed bag. The material needs to breathe — otherwise, there’s a higher risk of mold and damage to the neoprene.
• Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources. Sunlight can fade the colors and dry out the neoprene, which may lead to cracks. Heaters and dryers can also harm the material.
• Make sure your wetsuit is completely dry before storing it. A damp wetsuit can start to smell, and that odor is hard to get rid of.
• Once your wetsuit is dry, take it off the hanger. Leaving it hanging too long can cause hanger marks or "shoulder bumps." These pressure points can thin out the neoprene, making your wetsuit more fragile and prone to wear.

Tip 4: Wetsuit storage

Hanging a wet wetsuit by the shoulders is a common mistake. The neoprene stretches out, especially when left hanging for a long time, which affects the fit.

Here’s how to store your wetsuit properly:

• Hang it over a round bar or wide hanger, folded at the waist.
• Make sure it’s completely dry.
• Store it in a cool, dark place.