A good swimming wetsuit is a real investment, and how you treat it after each swim decides whether it lasts a couple of seasons or many years. Neoprene is durable, but it is also sensitive to heat, sunlight, chlorine, and salt, all of which can quietly break it down over time. The good news is that keeping your wetsuit in top condition takes only a few minutes of care after each use. This guide walks you through a simple, practical routine for rinsing, drying, and storing your wetsuit so it holds onto its flexibility, warmth, and fit for as long as possible.
Why Wetsuit Care Matters
Looking after your wetsuit properly pays off in several ways. Good care preserves the neoprene’s flexibility and buoyancy, prevents unpleasant smells and material breakdown, and protects the money you spent on it. Neglect, on the other hand, leads to cracking, stretching, stubborn odours, and a much shorter lifespan. A wetsuit that is well cared for continues to perform the way it did on day one, while a neglected one deteriorates fast. A few good habits make all the difference.
After Every Swim: Rinse It Properly
The single most important habit is rinsing your wetsuit in fresh, cool water after every use. This removes the salt, chlorine, sand, and bacteria that would otherwise sit in the neoprene and degrade it. Make sure you rinse both the inside and the outside, since sweat and residue build up on the interior as well. One key point is to avoid hot water, which damages neoprene and shortens the suit’s life. Cool, clean water is all you need to keep it fresh.
How to Dry Your Wetsuit Correctly
Drying is where many people go wrong. Start by drying the wetsuit inside out, then flip it once the interior is dry to finish the outside. Always dry it in a shaded, well-ventilated spot, well away from direct sunlight and any heat sources. Sun and heat are the biggest enemies of neoprene, as they degrade the material and fade the colour over time. Never use a tumble dryer, and keep the suit off radiators and heaters entirely. Patience here protects the suit enormously.
The Right Way to Hang and Store It
How you hang your wetsuit matters just as much as how you dry it. Use a wide or padded wetsuit hanger, or fold the suit gently over a thick, rounded bar. Avoid thin wire hangers, which crease the neoprene and stretch out the shoulders. For longer-term storage, keep the wetsuit either lying flat or loosely folded in a cool, dry place out of the sun. Storing it correctly prevents permanent creases and keeps the shape and fit intact for the next season.
Common Mistakes That Ruin a Wetsuit
Some habits will shorten a wetsuit’s life dramatically, and they are easy to avoid once you know them. Watch out for the following:
- Leaving it wet or scrunched up in a bag after a swim.
- Drying it in direct sunlight or on a heater.
- Hanging it on a thin wire hanger that stretches the shoulders.
- Machine washing or tumble drying it.
- Storing it damp or tightly folded for months at a time.
Avoiding these mistakes is the fastest way to protect your investment. And if your current suit is already past its best, it may be worth looking at a quality swimming wetsuit built to handle regular use, then caring for it properly from the start.
Dealing With Smells and Deep Cleaning
Even with regular rinsing, a wetsuit can develop a smell over time, so an occasional deep clean helps. Use a dedicated wetsuit shampoo or a mild cleaner, and soak the suit rather than scrubbing it, which is gentler on the neoprene. This tackles the bacteria responsible for odours and freshens the material. Steer clear of harsh detergents, as these strip and damage the neoprene, doing more harm than good. A gentle soak every so often keeps things fresh without any downside.
Handling and Putting It On Without Damage
A little care when putting your wetsuit on and taking it off extends its life too. Ease it on gently using your fingertips rather than your nails, which can nick or tear the material. Avoid overstretching the shoulders and seams, as these are common failure points, and take care around the zips. These small habits prevent the tears and stress damage that often cut a wetsuit’s life short, and they cost you nothing but a moment of attention.
A Quick Wetsuit Care Routine
To make it easy, here is the whole routine at a glance. Rinse the suit in fresh water after every swim, dry it inside out in the shade, hang it on a proper wide or padded hanger, and store it in a cool, dry place. Follow these four steps consistently and your wetsuit will reward you with years of reliable use. It really is that simple.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you machine wash a wetsuit?
No. Machine washing and tumble drying damage neoprene. Rinse by hand in cool fresh water, and deep clean occasionally with a dedicated wetsuit shampoo.
How do you get the smell out of a wetsuit?
Soak it in cool water with a mild wetsuit cleaner rather than scrubbing. This targets odour-causing bacteria without harming the neoprene.
Can you dry a wetsuit in the sun?
It is best not to. Direct sunlight degrades and fades neoprene. Always dry your wetsuit in a shaded, well-ventilated spot instead.
How should you store a wetsuit long term?
Keep it clean, dry, and either lying flat or loosely folded in a cool, dark place. Avoid thin hangers and tight folds that cause permanent creases.
Bringing It All Together
Caring for a swimming wetsuit comes down to a few simple habits: rinse it after every swim, dry it in the shade, store it on a proper hanger in a cool dry place, and steer clear of the common mistakes that ruin neoprene. Just a few minutes of care after each swim can add years to the life of your suit. If you are ready to upgrade or want the right gear to look after, explore a quality wetsuit range and give your next suit the care it deserves from day one.
