Wetsuits can be an expensive investment, so it is vital that they are properly stored. How you care for and store your wetsuit will determine its lifespan.
Before storing your wetsuit, ensure it has been rinsed and dried properly – this will extend its lifespan and ensure it will be ready when you need it again.
Rinse it
Rinsing a wetsuit regularly is essential to its overall condition and keeps it in peak shape for longer. Doing this removes salt crystals and dirt that could wreak havoc with its material, as well as eliminates any odors that develop over time. Rinse away to prolong its longevity!
Clean your wetsuit in a bathtub or large sink for optimal results, using special wetsuit shampoo or conditioner designed for wetsuit cleaning. These products help break down body oils that accumulate within neoprene.
After you’ve washed your wetsuit, be sure to store it somewhere dry and ventilated; direct sunlight is best avoided since UV rays can fade neoprene over time.
Hang it inside your home or garage to dry for another option that protects from sun damage while preventing mildew or mold growth. This method ensures a quicker drying time.
When storing your wetsuit, the optimal method for storage should involve hanging it over a wide shoulder hanger to prevent creases from forming that could potentially harm its neoprene material.
Fold and store it in a dry, moisture-free storage box or bag to preserve its condition and avoid it becoming smelly or moldy over time. This will also keep its durability high!
if you need assistance when it comes to how and what products to use when it comes to wetsuit rinsing, it is always wise to consult a water sports professional for advice. They will know exactly what steps need to be taken and which products need to be applied.
If your wetsuit is only being used occasionally, rinsing with fresh water will usually suffice; however, for longer-term storage it might be beneficial to soak it in either the bath or shower in order to rid itself of salt crystals left from previous swims. This method may help eliminate any leftover smell.
After immersing your wetsuit in warm water for several minutes, it is recommended that you turn it over and rinse both sides to ensure all suds have been eliminated and ensure it is thoroughly clean. This will also ensure that any new foam build-up doesn’t build up on its surface over time.
Gear Aid ReviveX Odor Eliminator can also help remove unpleasant odors from wetsuits, hoods, booties, gloves and drysuits in one 5-minute application. This biodegradable solution penetrates fabric pores to destroy bacteria, mold and mildew that create unpleasant aromas – so use one today for optimal odor-control!
Hang it to dry
Properly drying your wetsuit is a key component to maintaining its lifespan and prolonging its useful life. Allowing too much drying time could damage its neoprene material and accelerate wear-and-tear.
There are various methods of drying your wetsuit, but the most efficient is hanging it in a shaded location to allow the natural drying process. Exposure to UV rays may speed up its degeneration over time.
Simply place your wetsuit on a wide hanger, fold it in half, and hang it back up – this prevents stretching of neoprene while simultaneously drying your wetsuit quickly!
An effective and straightforward method for drying your wetsuit is with the aid of a large towel. Just fold it so that its corners form an appealing rounded edge before feeding your wetsuit through it so it hangs with its edges intact.
Once your wetsuit has dried on its exterior, turn it inside out and hang it back up for drying to ensure the inner parts also dry quickly, helping it maintain its shape for as long as possible.
If you don’t have time to wait for your wetsuit to dry naturally, a wetsuit dryer can be an excellent alternative. Utilizing waterproof fans, these devices quickly dry your suit in under several hours without damaging its neoprene coating. Some come equipped with heating elements as well so it dries even faster without impacting its integrity.
Use one of these dryers if you’re going away for more than several hours, as they ensure your wetsuit dries completely before leaving and can help maximize any warranties available to you if applicable.
No matter which approach or method you use to dry your wetsuit, be careful to avoid leaving it soaking wet – as doing so could cause permanent damage and increase mildew risk. Once your suit has fully dried out, store it away safely until its time for diving, surfing, or whitewater kayaking again!
Fold it
Ideal, when storing your wetsuit, it should be stored flat to avoid creasing. This is particularly important when traveling and not having access to a wetsuit hanger; any folds can potentially damage its neoprene fabric and result in irreparable creases that could affect performance and durability.
First, fold the suit in half at the chest with its front facing up, with both knees bent backwards towards each other to fold them into the top half of your body and tuck your legs inside, followed by wrapping arms around them since you have folded up half your suit.
Fold the suit back in half and fold both shoulders under so they tuck into the bottom of the suit, preventing pinches at its folds while making it easier to store or transport in bags or suitcases.
Once your wetsuit has been folded and stored away safely, the next step should be keeping it away from any potential damages or odors. Direct sunlight can lead to UV degradation which damages neoprene material; avoid this situation for optimal storage results.
Reducing wetsuit creases by not folding it repeatedly is another key tip, since repeated folding may create creases that reduce its warmth. This is particularly crucial if storing your wetsuit for extended periods; any repeated creases may deteriorate the effectiveness of neoprene material and even stretch or tear the suit, potentially increasing risks.
No matter where your wetsuit lands in terms of storage space, do not try shoving it into a drawer or piling clothes on top of it; this will lead to compression of its neoprene and introduce wrinkles. Instead, hang it from a smooth plastic coat hanger or Ventilator Quick Dry hanger in order to hasten its drying process.
Once your wetsuit is dry, store it in an upright closet or box to maintain its quality and avoid further creasing and damage to neoprene material. Do not expose it directly to sunlight or keep in wet car boot for any extended length of time as this could introduce further creases into its fabric and harm its longevity.
Store it
Purchase of a wetsuit is an investment in your safety from the elements. They’re constructed out of neoprene rubber that provides excellent UV ray and sharp object protection as well as temperature regulation – as well as keeping you warm and cozy while performing its function.
Your wetsuit is an important piece of gear, and its lifespan must be maximized to extend its usefulness for as long as possible. Proper care includes regularly rinsing it after use, hanging it to dry properly, and storing it appropriately.
Wetsuits can become abrasive and cause skin damage if not cleaned correctly, which is why it is best to rinse it in clean fresh water after every use and hang it to dry on a thick hanger – this will keep it from absorbing too much water while drying, helping avoid mold build-up in its place.
Hang your neoprene item outdoors for drying to prevent its becoming brittle over time and help preserve its form.
Once it is dry, store it in an air-conditioned storage space if storing for extended periods.
To hang your wetsuit properly, a thick and wide-shouldered hanger should be used. This will ensure it does not overstretch and cause wrinkles, shortening its lifespan.
Fold your suit before storing. Never put a wetsuit into a dryer as this can cause shrinkage that compromises its structural integrity and damages the neoprene material.
Avoid placing your wetsuit in a bag as this will only add extra moisture and may turn it into an unsightly, smelly mess.
To safely store your wetsuit, hang or lay it flat to prevent stretching the neoprene material. Additionally, fold your suit in a towel as an added measure against staining or damage during transit.