How to Wash a Wetsuit – Clean Your Wetsuit Properly Every Time
Last Updated on December 13, 2023 by Matt Hapgood
If you have ever bought a wetsuit from a physical store, the salesperson will have most likely told you to look after your wetsuit. If you want your investment to last, it’s important to wash a wetsuit regularly and for sure after every use in salt water.
In this guide, I’ll tell you how to wash a wetsuit and why it’s important to do so.
Let’s rip in!
TL;DR (Too long didn’t read)
Try to wash your wetsuit after every use to maintain its condition and flexibility.
Rinse well in clean fresh water, and leave to drip dry in the shade, ideally not on a hanger.
Why Proper Wetsuit Care Matters
Wetsuits are normally made of synthetic neoprene rubber and then laminated with a jersey or lycra skin over the top.
The neoprene itself is quite a fragile material, prone to tears and rips.
To prevent damage, wetsuit manufacturers laminate a jersey ‘skin’ over the top of the raw neoprene. This helps to keep the integrity of the material for longer.
Extends Lifespan
Even though the raw neoprene has been laminated with a lycra outer, if you don’t clean your wettie often enough, the saltwater and UV can still cause damage to your suit.
Prevents Damage
Cleaning your wetsuit after every saltwater outing is what I would advise – this way you keep the material, seams, and zippers in good condition and tip-top working order.
Maintains Performance
The material will also retian its stretchy performance – something modern wetsuits are known for. Back in the day, my first wetsuit was a two piece – a long john (basically a tank top with legs) and a front zipped jacket to go over top.
About as flexible as a piece of wood, it reminds me how far wetsuit technlgy has come in a couple of decades.
So, wah your wetsuit regularly to keep it stretchy and comfortable.
Materials Needed for Wetsuit Washing
Mild Detergent
Try to choose something organic and made with natural materials. I like this one from Slosh.
Top Tip!
If you are in a bind and you don’t have any wetsuit detergent, try some mouthwash to get rid of any sticky odors and also to recondition your wetsuit.
Water
You’re obviously going to need some water – just use regular, cold, fresh (not salty) water
Bucket or Bathtub
I like to wash my suits in a flexible builders bucket, but you can use any sort of bucket or bathtub.
How Often You Should Wash Your Wetsuit
After Every Use in Saltwater
Ok, I will admit, I don’t wash my suit every time I surf. Sometimes I forget and leave it the back of the car. And then when I get back in the car and wonder what that funky smell is, I remember about the stinky wetsuit in the trunk.
But, do as I say, not as I do! It’s best to give your suit at least a quick rinse after every surf – even if it just gets the majority of the salt off the neoprene and out of the zippers.
After Every Few Uses in Freshwater
If you are wingsurfing in lakes or freshwater it’s not as important to wash your wettie. But every 3 or 4 times, I’d suggest giving it a good wash.
When It Smells Bad!
Do you pee in your suit? I have to admit I too am a pee-er, so if you don’t clean your wetsuit, yes it is going to smell pretty bad.
Step-By-Step Guide to Hand Washing a Wetsuit
Step 1: Rinse With Fresh Water
First up, give your suit a good rinse in your bucket of water or bathtub. Slosh it around and try to get any sand off your wettie.
Alternatively, blast it with a hose like I am doing in the picture below.
Step 2: Apply Wetsuit Shampoo/Detergent
Pour the recommended quantity of wetsuit shampoo into your bucket/tub and mix thoroughly so it is well mixed.
Step 3: Gently Massage The Entire Surface
Massage or rub the wetsuit and gently work the soapy water into the wetsuit.
Be sure to try to get into the seams, zips, and high funk areas like armpits, crotch and so on.
Step 4: Thoroughly Rinse All Soap Away
Rinse thoroughly in fresh clean water, and replace the water a few times if the soapy suds remain.
I just give a quick extra blast with the hose to get any wetsuit shampoo off the suit.
Step 5: Air Dry Outside/Indoors
Now, drying your suit is an important bit of wetsuit care that’s often overlooked.
Try not to dry in direct sunlight – as tempting as it is, the sun does damage the suit somewhat.
My way to dry a suit is as follows:
- Make sure the wetsuit is inside out.
- Hang it over a rail or specific wetsuit hanger.
- Allow it to drip dry.
- Ensure any velcro pieces are not loose, and stuck in the correct place they should be.
Can I Dry My Wetsuit in a Tumble Drier?
Well, in a word no.
The tumble drier could damage your wetsuit beyond repair, so I’d avoid that one.
Top Tip!
Put your wet wetsuit in the washing machine – not to wash it, but to dry it.
I recentrly tried this with my own wetsuit. I was going for a surf, and it was a cold damp day.
The thought of putting on a dripping wet wetsuit filled me with dread – I put the machine on to spin and drain only, just for 6 minutes.
And guess what? It worked! My suit wasn’t completely dry, but it took a lot of the water out, and it was a lot more comfortable to put on – give it a try!
