How to Wash a Wetsuit

Divers, swimmers and surfers use wetsuits to keep their skin warm and dry while submerged in cold water. Proper, regular cleaning of a wetsuit is essential to avoid interference with the suit's wicking and insulating abilities. With a few easy steps, wearers can remove salt, debris and dirt from the neoprene fabric to preserve the integrity of their wetsuits.

Things You'll Need

  • Bathtub
  • Baby shampoo
  • Wetsuit cleaner
  • Wooden coat hanger
  • Fine-mesh bathtub drain strainer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place a fine-mesh bathtub drain strainer (available at most drug stores) in the bathtub drain. Remove the drain plug and position the strainer on top of the drain opening.

    • 2

      Fill the bathtub with lukewarm water.

    • 3

      Add two capfuls of baby shampoo to the water.

    • 4

      Add one capful of wetsuit cleaner to the water.

    • 5

      Submerge the wetsuit completely in the bath water.

    • 6

      Allow the wetsuit to soak in the bathwater for two to three minutes.

    • 7

      Move the wetsuit sideways in the water, using your hands to slough off any sand or salt.

    • 8

      Dunk the wetsuit several times, moving it vertically in the water.

    • 9

      Turn the wetsuit inside out and dunk it in the water while clearing debris away with your hands.

    • 10

      Drain the bathtub, allowing the fine-mesh drain strainer to collect loose particles of sand and sea salt.

    • 11

      Run lukewarm water in the bath to rinse the wetsuit.

    • 12

      Remove the wetsuit from the bathwater and shake off excess water from the suit.

    • 13

      Slip the wooden coat hanger into the top of the wetsuit and hang it to air-dry for two to eight hours, until the suit is dry to the touch.

    • 14

      Empty the drain strainer into the garbage after the bathtub has drained.