How To Take Care Of Your Wetsuit

The following information is intended as a general guide for the basic care and upkeep of your wetsuit. Always refer to your manufacturer's manual if one is provided.

CONTENTS:

• Different materials
• Care before the dive
• Care during the dive
• Care after the dive
• Wetsuit cleaning
• Storage
• Zipper care and maintenance
• Chemicals and solvents

Different materials

There are several different types of materials used in wetsuits to achieve specific functions. Understanding each one will help you take better care of your suit.

• Neoprene - Neoprene is the base material that virtually all wetsuits are made of. It is a type of rubber foam, typically laminated with other materials depending on the desired function.
• Standard nylon - A standard nylon outer lining is very durable against normal wear and tear. Take care to prevent snagging, abrasion, and cuts.
• Skin material - "Skin" material may be used either inside or outside of your wetsuit, often around the wrists, ankles, and neck. It has a rubber-like appearance, either smooth or textured, and is commonly referred to as "skin-in" or "skin-out". It is typically used where a watertight seal is desired. Take extra care to prevent cutting or abrasion of this material, as sharp fingernails can damage it.
• Thermo-skin - This material may be used inside your wetsuit. It has a silver-coloured smooth surface with heat-reflective properties and provides a sealing surface similar to standard skin materials. Again, take care with fingernails.
• X-Flex or Iso-Flex neoprene - These are special materials designed to have a much higher rate of stretch than conventional neoprene. Due to the looser knit required to achieve this stretch, they may be more prone to snagging. Hook-and-loop fasteners may also cause light snagging and pilling.

Care before the dive

1. Do not place your suit on rough surfaces to avoid cuts or holes.
2. Avoid placing your wetsuit on or near any hot surfaces.

Care during the dive

1. Abrasions against sharp rocks, coral, or other sharp objects can cut or puncture the exterior nylon surface. Avoid these areas and don't get too close.
2. Small cuts or tears can be easily repaired with wetsuit glue.
3. Take extra care when penetrating a wreck, as sharp metal edges can catch or snag your suit and cause holes and tears.
4. If you pee in your wetsuit, make sure to rinse it thoroughly afterwards. Saltwater alone won't remove the smell.

Care after the dive

1. When removing your wetsuit, first unzip all zippers completely. Then remove one section at a time, taking care not to puncture any skin surface panels with a fingernail.
2. Do not stand on the wetsuit to pull it off. Sit down and ask your buddy to gently remove the legs.

Wetsuit cleaning

1. Saltwater and especially chlorine can dry out neoprene, causing it to lose flexibility. Thoroughly soak and rinse your wetsuit in fresh water after every dive.
2. Soak the wetsuit in a tub of warm fresh water with wetsuit shampoo for at least 15–20 minutes.
3. After soaking, thoroughly rinse the wetsuit with fresh water.
4. Place the suit on a thick hanger with all zippers open to ensure maximum air circulation and complete drying.
5. Do NOT zip up your suit while drying. This prevents proper drying and can cause zippers to stick.
6. Hang the suit inside out.

Storage

1. Wetsuit material can develop a permanent crease if left folded for an extended period. Store your wetsuit flat if possible. If not, hang it on as thick a hanger as possible to support the weight of the suit. The thicker the suit, the thicker the hanger should be.
2. Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
3. Do not store your wetsuit in a garage used to park vehicles - exhaust emissions can deteriorate neoprene over time.
4. Do not store the suit while still damp, as it will become mouldy and smelly.
5. Store or hang the suit inside out.

Zipper care and maintenance

1. Apply wax along the zipper teeth to help them slide more easily and prevent sticking.
2. Ask for assistance with a back zip. Trying to zip or unzip it yourself can damage the zip.

Chemicals and solvents

1. Avoid any contact with oil, gasoline, aerosols, or chemical solvents.
2. Do not expose any part of your wetsuit to aerosol spray — some propellants attack or degrade rubber and plastic materials.
3. Do not store your equipment near oil, gasoline, chemicals, or solvents.

Written by Amy-Sarah Lottering