The Best Ways to Store Your Wetsuit for Longevity and Performance

Ah, the constant struggle of maintaining your wetsuit. Did you know that improper storage can drastically reduce its lifespan and performance? This article will guide you through proper cleaning, drying and storing techniques to ensure your wetsuit stays in top shape for longer.

Ready to preserve the life of your surf buddy? Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways

• Rinse your wetsuit with fresh water after each use to remove salt and debris.
• Thoroughly clean your wetsuit using a designated wetsuit shampoo as needed, avoiding bleach or washing machines.
• Allow your wetsuit to dry completely before storing it in a cool and dark place, using a wide hanger for optimal storage.
• Avoid common mistakes like storing your wet wetsuit in hot trunks or direct sunlight, drying it inside out, and using bleach or washing machines for cleaning.

Proper Cleaning and Drying Techniques

After each use, rinse your wetsuit with fresh water to remove salt and debris.

Rinse your wetsuit after each use

Rinsing your wetsuit after every use is one of the best ways to keep it in top shape. Here’s how:

1. After you are done with your water adventure, take off your wetsuit.
2. Use fresh, cool water to rinse it well.
3. Make sure you clean both the inside and outside of the suit.
4. Be gentle while washing so as not to damage its material.
5. Clean all parts such as arms, legs and back area.
6. Rinse until all salt water, sand or dirt is gone.

Thoroughly clean your wetsuit as needed

Keeping your wetsuit clean is important for its longevity and performance. Here’s how you can thoroughly clean your wetsuit:

1. Rinse it after each use: After you’re done using your wetsuit, rinse it with fresh water to remove any salt, sand, or debris.
2. Use wetsuit shampoo: Every now and then, give your wetsuit a thorough cleaning using a designated wetsuit shampoo. Follow the instructions on the shampoo bottle for best results.
3. Avoid bleach or washing machines: Do not use bleach or put your wetsuit in a washing machine as these can damage the fabric and reduce its lifespan.
4. Hand wash gently: If you need to clean specific spots on your wetsuit, gently hand wash them using a soft brush or cloth.

Allow your wetsuit to dry completely before storing

To keep your wetsuit in good shape, make sure it’s completely dry before putting it away. Here are some tips to help you with that:

• Hang your wetsuit up in a cool and dry place. This will help it dry faster and prevent mold from growing.
• Turn your wetsuit inside out after drying one side. This will ensure that both sides are completely dry.
• Avoid storing your wet wetsuit in a bag or container without proper ventilation. It’s important for it to have airflow to dry properly.
• Don’t use direct heat sources like radiators or hairdryers to speed up the drying process. This can damage the fabric of your wetsuit.
• If you’re in a hurry and need to store a slightly damp wetsuit, hang it outside but out of direct sunlight. The air circulation will help it dry faster.

Appropriate Folding and Storage Methods

Fold your wetsuit in half between uses to prevent creasing and damage. Store your wetsuit in a cool, dark closet to protect it from sun exposure. Use a wide hanger to hang your wetsuit with the arms crossed over each other for optimal storage.

Fold your wetsuit in half between uses

To keep your wetsuit in good shape, make sure to fold it in half when you’re not using it. This helps prevent creases and keeps the neoprene material from getting stretched out. Here are some other tips for storing your wetsuit properly:

• Rinse your wetsuit after each use
• Thoroughly clean your wetsuit as needed
• Allow your wetsuit to dry completely before storing
• Store your wetsuit in a cool, dark closet
• Use a wide hanger to hang your wetsuit
• Avoid storing your wetsuit in hot trunks or direct sunlight
• Do not dry your wetsuit inside out
• Avoid using bleach or washing machines to clean your wetsuit
• Use wetsuit shampoo for thorough cleaning
• Avoid ironing or applying surf wax to your wetsuit
• Consider using a dry bag or specific storage solutions for wet wetsuits.

Store your wetsuit in a cool, dark closet

To keep your wetsuit in the best condition, store it in a cool, dark closet. This will help protect it from excessive heat and sunlight that can damage the material. Storing it in a closet also keeps it out of the way and prevents any accidental damage. Remember, proper storage is key to extending the lifespan of your wetsuit and ensuring its performance remains top-notch.

Use a wide hanger to hang your wetsuit

To properly store your wetsuit, use a wide hanger. Hanging it up will help prevent creases and wrinkles. Here are some tips for hanging your wetsuit:

• Choose a hanger that is wide and sturdy enough to support the weight of your wetsuit without stretching or damaging it.
• Make sure the hanger has rounded edges to avoid creating pressure points on the neoprene material.
• Hang the wetsuit by its shoulders, with the arms facing down and the zipper closed. This will help maintain its shape.
• Avoid hanging your wetsuit in direct sunlight or in hot areas, as this can cause damage over time.
• Store your hanging wetsuit in a cool, dry place to protect it from excessive heat or humidity.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Avoid storing your wetsuit in hot trunks or direct sunlight. Don’t dry your wetsuit inside out. Say no to bleach and washing machines for cleaning. Read on for more tips on proper wetsuit storage and care.

Avoid storing your wetsuit in hot trunks or direct sunlight

To keep your wetsuit in good condition:

• Store it in a cool place away from direct sunlight.
• Don’t leave it in hot trunks or expose it to the sun.
• This can damage the material and shorten its lifespan.

Do not dry your wetsuit inside out

Drying your wetsuit inside out is not recommended. Here’s why:

• Drying your wetsuit inside out can prevent both sides from drying completely, leading to trapped moisture and potential mold or mildew growth.
• Keeping the wetsuit right side out allows for better airflow and faster drying.
• It also helps maintain the shape and integrity of the wetsuit fabric.
• Make sure to dry both sides of the wetsuit thoroughly before storing it to prevent any unpleasant odors or damage.

Avoid using bleach or washing machines to clean your wetsuit

When cleaning your wetsuit, it’s important to avoid using bleach or washing machines. These methods can damage the fabric and affect its performance. Instead, follow these tips to keep your wetsuit clean and in good condition:

• Use wetsuit shampoo: Opt for a gentle wetsuit shampoo specifically designed to remove dirt and odor without causing harm.
• Hand wash with cold water: Fill a tub or basin with cold water and add some wetsuit shampoo. Gently agitate the wetsuit in the water to loosen any dirt or salt.
• Rinse thoroughly: After washing, rinse the wetsuit with fresh water until all soap residue is gone. This will help prevent any skin irritation when you wear it next.
• Air dry in shade: Hang your wetsuit on a wide hanger or lay it flat in a shaded area away from direct sunlight. Allow it to air dry completely before storing.

Additional Tips for Longevity and Performance

To ensure optimal longevity and performance of your wetsuit, consider using specifically designed storage solutions or dry bags for wet suits. These options provide airtight protection from moisture and help prevent mold or mildew growth.

Use wetsuit shampoo for thorough cleaning

Keeping your wetsuit clean is important to maintain its performance. Here are some tips on using wetsuit shampoo for thorough cleaning:

• Apply a small amount of wetsuit shampoo to a bucket of warm water.
• Gently agitate the water to create a soapy solution.
• Immerse your wetsuit in the soapy water and gently rub it to remove dirt and salt residues.
• Pay extra attention to areas that are prone to odors, like underarms and crotch.
• Rinse your wetsuit thoroughly with fresh water until the soap is completely removed.
• Hang your wetsuit to dry in a cool, shaded area away from direct sunlight.

Avoid ironing or applying surf wax to your wetsuit

• Ironing can damage the neoprene material of your wetsuit, so it’s best to avoid it altogether.
• Applying surf wax may seem like a good idea to improve grip, but it can actually cause the wetsuit to deteriorate faster.
• The chemicals in surf wax can break down the neoprene and reduce its flexibility and durability over time.
• Instead, consider using non-abrasive alternatives like body glide or wetsuit-specific lubricants for added comfort and ease of movement.

Consider using a dry bag or specific storage solutions for wet wetsuits.

• Using a dry bag can help protect your wet wetsuit from getting damaged.
• Dry bags are designed to keep water out, so your wetsuit stays dry and ready for the next use.
• They are portable and convenient, allowing you to easily transport your wet wetsuit without getting other items wet.
• Dry bags come in various sizes, so you can choose one that fits your wetsuit perfectly.
• Some dry bags even have separate compartments to store other gear or accessories alongside your wetsuit.

Conclusion

In conclusion, taking proper care of your wetsuit is essential for its longevity and performance. Remember to rinse it after each use, thoroughly clean it when needed, and allow it to dry completely before storing.

Fold or hang your wetsuit in a cool, dark place, avoiding direct sunlight or heat sources. By following these simple steps and considering additional tips like using wetsuit shampoo and storage solutions, you can ensure that your wetsuit stays in great condition for many water adventures to come.

FAQs

1. How should I store my wetsuit to ensure its longevity and performance?

To maintain the longevity and performance of your wetsuit, it is best to hang it in a cool, dry place with proper ventilation. Avoid direct sunlight or extreme heat, as they can damage the material.

2. Can I fold my wetsuit for storage?

It is not recommended to fold your wetsuit for long-term storage, as this can cause creases and permanent damage to the material. Hanging is the preferred method to preserve its shape.

3. Should I rinse my wetsuit before storing it?

Yes, after each use, make sure to thoroughly rinse your wetsuit with fresh water to remove saltwater or chlorine residue. This helps prevent odor buildup and extends the life of the suit.

4. Is there any special care needed for storing a wet wetsuit?

If you need to store a wet wetsuit temporarily before thoroughly drying it, avoid sealing it in an airtight container or bag. Instead, hang it up in an open area where air can circulate freely until completely dry.