How to care for your wetsuit
How to rinse, wash, repair and store your wetsuit so that it lasts for many seasons to come
A wetsuit is a real investment, probably the most expensive piece of swimming kit you will buy. Careful and meticulous maintenance will keep it smelling fresh and help your wetsuit last longer.
What to do after your swim
Saltwater, chlorine, sand, dirt and environmental toxins will slowly degrade wetsuit material, reducing the suit’s resilience over time. After you’ve finished your swim, always rinse your wetsuit thoroughly with cool fresh water, both inside and out. Close any Velcro fastenings (including on your gloves and booties) before packing your suit away in your kit bag to avoid scratching the delicate material.
Drying your wetsuit
Once home, hang up your wetsuit, ideally doubled over by the waist so the water-heavy suit doesn’t stretch at the neck or shoulders. Invest in a sturdy hanger, like C-Monsta Wetsuit Hanger, which will hold your suit and all of your neoprene accessories. Avoid drying your wetsuit in the sun, but outside in the shade is fine. Once the outside is dry, turn the wetsuit inside out so it can dry on the inside, too.
How to wash
Even if you’re meticulous with your after-swim routine, once in a while your wetsuit could do with a freshen up. Washing your wetsuit prevents neoprene degradation. Salt and chlorine deteriorate over time, meaning your suit might crack or tear; gently washing away these chemicals will extend a wetsuit’s life. It will also eliminate odours, remove sand and dirt and prevent mold and mildew. To wash your wetsuit, use an specialist eco-friendly wetsuit wash. Don’t use the washing machine, mix the solution in a large bucket or tub and follow the instructions, which usually suggest soaking the wetsuit for around half an hour. Thoroughly rinse it, then allow to dry.
How to store
Store your wetsuit (the right way out) in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight. Hang it on a sturdy wide-shouldered hanger or doubled over a trouser hanger at the waist. If you’re putting a wetsuit away for the season, it’s better to hang it rather than to fold it up in a cupboard. Most importantly, make sure it is 100% dry before storing it. Also, give it a good once over to look for tears and scratches. Small tears can be repaired at home with neoprene adhesive; larger tears might need professional wetsuit repair service.
Wetsuit care products we love
C-MONSTA Wetsuit Hanger V2
£30
This seriously sturdy wetsuit hanger allows you to hang your wetsuit at the waist not the shoulders, drying your suit faster, ensuring it lasts longer and keeping all your kit in one place.
GRANGERS Wetsuit
Wash
£9.95
This eco-friendly wash-in cleaner is specifically formulated to neutralise and remove deposits that cause neoprene to corrode, keeping them fresh, durable and ready for your next dip.
C-MONSTA Split Bag
£55
An enormous 70L capacity kit bag, split into wet and dry sections, with strong carrying straps. Ideal for keeping your kit organised in the car or between swims.
All products were chosen independently by our editorial team. This review contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission for purchases made. Click here to subscribe to the magazine. Read more Outdoor Swimmer gear reviews. Photo: Zoggs.
Jo Tinsley
Jo is the Gear Editor for Outdoor Swimmer and also writes news and features for the website. A keen open water swimmer and long-distance walker, she loves seeking out lakes and lidos close to her home in the Mendip Hills, Somerset. She is the author of The Slow Traveller, editor and founder of independent magazine, Ernest, and has previously tested outdoor clothing and kit for BBC Countryfile Magazine, BBC Focus and Ernest Journal.
