How to Clean Your SCUBA Octopus

Scuba diving requires lots of gear to keep the oxygen pumping through the hoses and into your lungs. An octopus is a back-up regulator that gets its name from the radiating hoses out of its center. Because the scuba gear is crucial to safety and survival it needs proper cleaning and care after each use. The octopus gets cleaned along with the other gear and primary regulator.

Things You'll Need

  • Tub of warm water
  • Scrub brush
  • Scuba tank
  • Towels
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fill a tub with warm water. Dip the octopus into the water and leave it in the warm, fresh water between 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the amount of salt crust.

    • 2

      Scrub the hoses and connections gently with the scrub brush.

    • 3

      Take out the octopus and dry the hoses and the main center with a towel. Leave it on a towel after dabbing it off to dry thoroughly.

    • 4

      Check for any remaining salt once dry and turn all the knobs; also, press the regulator button in the center of the octopus. Check that the knobs and button work with no grit or crepitus caused by salt. If salt is present, re-soak.

    • 5

      Attach the octopus to the scuba tank, turn the knob dial to “On,” press the button and listen for air coming through as normal. Hold the purge valve (the button) under the water and look for air bubbles indicating there are leaks in the line. If no air bubbles are present, remove and dry off.