How to Care for a Wet Suit

A wet suit is one of the more expensive pieces of water sports equipment. Taking proper care of it is easy and will allow you to enjoy your purchase for many years. Follow the steps below, and you can keep your wet suit in prime condition.

Things You'll Need

  • Wet suit
  • Fresh, warm water
  • Bathtub or other large basin
  • Wetsuit conditioner
  • Baking soda
  • Baby shampoo
  • Plastic wetsuit hanger
  • Wetsuit cement
  • Neoprene patches
  • Beeswax
  • Large plastic trash bag
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Instructions

    • 1

      Soak your wet suit in warm, fresh water. You will get best results by rinsing it several times, preferably in a bathtub or a large basin.

    • 2

      Add a commercial wetsuit conditioner to your final rinse. Buy it online or at a scuba shop. If you do not have any available, baking soda, along with a few squires of baby shampoo, will reduce odors and keep your wetsuit smelling fresh.

    • 3

      Inspect the wetsuit to see if there are any cracks or holes in the neoprene. Note where the imperfections are so you can repair them after the wetsuit has dried.

    • 4

      Allow the wetsuit to air dry in the shower stall on the large plastic hanger specially built for them. These hangers allow air to circulate and are strong enough to hold the wetsuit. They are much heavier and thicker than normal plastic clothes hangers.

    • 5

      Patch up any holes or cuts. Small ones can be taken care of with wetsuit cement. Larger ones will require neoprene patches.

    • 6

      Rub beeswax or another similar lubricant on the zippers. This will keep them from snagging and tearing the suit.

    • 7

      Store your wetsuit away from sun, heat and smog. Gently place a trash bag over it for extra protection.