How to wash, clean and care for your wetsuit
You've invested in a quality wetsuit — now let's make sure it lasts. Whether you're pulling on a springsuit for a day of wakeboarding or suiting up in a steamer for a cold morning on the river, proper wetsuit care is the difference between a suit that lasts one season and one that lasts many. Here's everything you need to know.
Rinse your wetsuit after every single use
This is the most important habit you can build. Rinse your wetsuit thoroughly in fresh, cool water after every session — river water, lake water, and sweat all break down neoprene over time if left to sit. Turn the suit inside out and rinse both sides, paying attention to the zip, seams, and any Velcro areas. Never use hot water as it degrades the neoprene and causes the suit to lose its stretch and insulation.
How to properly wash your wetsuit
For a deeper clean, use a dedicated wetsuit shampoo or a very small amount of mild soap — never regular laundry detergent, fabric softener, or bleach as these will destroy the neoprene. Fill a tub or large bucket with cool water, add your wetsuit cleaner, and gently work it through the suit by hand. Pay extra attention to the inside of the suit where body oils, sunscreen, and sweat accumulate. Rinse thoroughly until all soap is removed.
· Never put your wetsuit in a washing machine
· Never put your wetsuit in a dryer
· Never dry clean your wetsuit
Drying your wetsuit correctly
Always dry your wetsuit inside out first in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Direct sunlight causes UV damage that breaks down neoprene rapidly — even a few hours of direct sun exposure repeatedly will shorten the life of your suit significantly. Once the inside is dry, turn it right way out and allow the outside to dry completely before storing. Use a wide, thick wetsuit hanger — never a thin wire coat hanger, which will crease and permanently distort the shoulders of the suit over time.
Storing your wetsuit
Store your wetsuit flat or loosely folded in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Avoid folding it tightly or leaving it crumpled in a bag for extended periods as this causes permanent creasing in the neoprene. Never store it on a thin hanger long-term as the weight of the suit will stretch and distort the shoulders. If storing for the off-season, ensure it is completely dry before putting it away to prevent mould and odour.
Dealing with wetsuit odour
If your wetsuit has developed an odour, a dedicated wetsuit deodoriser or a soak in a diluted white vinegar solution (around 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water) for 30 minutes can help neutralise bacteria. Rinse thoroughly afterwards. The best prevention is simply rinsing the suit inside out immediately after every use — don't leave it balled up in a bag in a hot car.
Repairing small tears and neoprene damage
Small tears, punctures, or seam separations can be repaired at home with neoprene cement or wetsuit repair glue, which is widely available. Apply to both surfaces, allow to become tacky, then press firmly together and hold. For larger damage or delaminating panels, bring it in to see the team at Elite Ski Boats for advice.
Quick wetsuit care checklist
· Rinse in cool fresh water inside and out after every use
· Wash with dedicated wetsuit shampoo as needed
· Dry inside out in the shade — never in direct sun
· Hang on a wide hanger or store flat
· Keep away from heat, sunscreen, and sharp objects
· Never use a washing machine, dryer, or hot water
Shop wetsuits at Elite Ski Boats, Adelaide
Looking for a new suit? We stock a full range of wetsuits including steamers, springsuits, wetsuit tops, wetsuit bottoms, and buoyancy suits for men, women and kids. Visit us at 130 Sir Donald Bradman Drive, Hilton SA — South Australia's longest running Malibu & Axis dealer and your one-stop shop for all things watersports.
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