If you're into open water swimming, you know that slipping into your wetsuit can feel like gearing up for an epic adventure.
Whether you're conquering waves or gliding through serene lakes, your wetsuit is your trusty sidekick. But to keep it in top shape and ready for countless swims, you need to give it some TLC.
Here’s your ultimate guide to wetsuit care, ensuring it lasts for years and through hundreds, if not thousands, of swims.
Top Tips for Wetsuit Care and Maintenance
Step-by-Step Wetsuit Care Guide
- Get Rid of the Sand and Grime Shake It Off: Before you rinse, give your wetsuit a good shake to remove sand and debris. This prevents tiny particles from abrading the neoprene.
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Attach the Lining Protector
Protect your suit: Avoid letting the Velcro make contact with the inside lining of the wetsuit as this will pull on the sensitive fibres, make it bobble and weaken the material. Keep the Velcro covered when you’re not wearing your wetsuit with the fabric patch that is provided.
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Rinse Immediately After Use Freshwater Rinse: As soon as you’re out of the water, give your wetsuit a thorough rinse with COLD freshwater. This is the most important step of them all because saltwater, chlorine, and even lake water can damage the neoprene over time. Use a hose, big bucket or shower to wash away any residues. Hot water can make neoprene less flexible and prone to damage so keep it cool. Be sure to rinse both the inside and outside of the wetsuit to really care for it as residue can build up on both sides.
Spot Clean: If there are stubborn spots (like from mud or algae), gently rub them with your fingers or a soft cloth while rinsing.
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Turn It Inside Out
Drying the Right Way: Flip your wetsuit inside out before drying. The inside lining needs to dry first since it’s usually the dampest part. This helps maintain the suit's outer layer in good condition. Putting on a dry wetsuit is much easier than putting on a damp one, so drying it inside out is also a benefit if you’re planning to swim more than once a day (lucky you!).
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Hang It Properly
Avoid Stretching: Use a wide hanger, preferably a wetsuit hanger such as a C-Monsta , to hang your suit. With a wide hanger, you can fold and hang the suit at the waist because regular hangers can cause the shoulders to stretch and deform.
Out of Direct Sunlight: We recommend initially hanging it over the bath or in a shower, so the excess