Let's not beat around the bush. Wetsuits can be pricey, so for most of us, we'd like them to last and look top-notch for as long as possible, which makes knowing how to properly care for your wetty important.
Firstly, what's the best way to wash a wetsuit? Simple - grab a large bucket or use your bath, fill it with luke warm or cold water and a splash of wetsuit shampoo. Submerge your suit into the water, swill it around a bit, then leave for 5 minutes. Then remove, and don’t rinse, just dry naturally turning it inside and out. When drying, try to hang it, with either a wetsuit hanger or a broad shoulder hanger, or over a chair. Wet wetsuits can be heavy so make sure where you are hanging the suit can take the weight.
Wet wetsuits can be heavy so make sure where you are hanging the suit can take the weight.
Top tips to prolong the lifespan of your wetsuit
Wash your wetsuit after every use. Now I'm not suggesting you get out of the water and head straight for the nearest dry cleaners. After a good day on the water and a nice time relaxing on the beach, get home from your adventures and then wash your suit.
When drying, try not to leave the suit in direct sunlight for an extended amount of time - leaving it for a day or two will be fine, but any more and you risk fading the wetsuit.
Use shampoo - we have a few available at WSO, with most of us opting for the suitably named Rip Curl Piss Off! The bottle comes with instructions on how much to use.
If you plan using your suit every day for a week, then you don’t need to wash it every day. Just rinse it in some cold fresh water, getting rid of salt and sand for use tomorrow. Oh and try to dry it - there's not much worse than putting on a cold, damp wetsuit.
On a cold wash with a slow RPM, a good wetsuit will survive in the washing machine. However, we do not recommend using a washing machine and would only suggest doing this if the suit is really dirty or smelly from stagnant water. Don't tumble dry your suit - if it can't go outside, put it on an airer/clothes horse near a radiator, making sure it doesn't touch the radiator.
For optimal storage, try a wetsuit hanger in your wardrobe for best results. Alternatively you can use a regular broad shoulder hanger, or even roll up the wetsuit from the back. Most of us at Wetsuit Outlet store our wetsuits in drawers or under beds and they are still in top condition.
Pee. YES! You can pee in your wetsuit - everyone does it, don't be shy. Just make sure to wash your suit afterwards, otherwise you may find people avoiding you.
Northcore's wetsuit slide hanger reduces shoulder wear and material fatigue.
Nothing lasts forever, and even sticking to these guidelines will not save an ageing suit that's seen one too many swells. It can be hard to let go, but when you do, be sure to visit Wetsuit Outlet for your replacement wetsuit. We've got the biggest brands, lowest prices online and best customer service with free delivery and 60-day returns.
About the author
TeamWSO Mitchell is a mainstay at Wetsuit Outlet HQ, helping out customers and other team members with his extensive knowledge of watersports gear. He has a passion for the sea, SUP, surfing and food - plus he's one of our wetsuit gurus. Got a question about your next wetsuit? Give Mitchell a call on 01702 295678.
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