Embarking on aquatic adventures, whether it's surfing, diving, or snorkeling, always brings a sense of excitement and connection with the water.
Central to these experiences is your wetsuit – a vital piece of equipment that keeps you warm and protected in various water environments. However, like any investment, a wetsuit requires proper care and maintenance to ensure it continues to function at its best.
Understanding how to effectively clean and care for your wetsuit not only extends its lifespan but also improves your comfort and safety in the water. In "Wetsuit maintenance 101: expert tips on care and cleaning," we delve into the essential steps every water enthusiast should know.
From basic rinsing techniques to deep cleaning and proper storage, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to keep your wetsuit in top condition, ensuring many more memorable water adventures.
Putting a wetsuit on and taking it off: more important than you think
This seems like a no-brainer, but how you treat your wetsuit before and after your session really impacts its wear and tear.
Dry wetsuits usually are a little stiffer, at first. This makes it more susceptible to stress on panels and seams than necessary when putting it on. On the other end, wet wetsuits can be more difficult to take off. Let's be honest, who hasn't struggled getting their feet out after a session?
Not all wetsuits are created equal. A spring suit is far different from a full on steamer. The latter is more difficult to put on or to take off. This is why it's important to give you some hot tips and reminders on how to handle this part of wetsuit care.
Putting a wetsuit on
As mentioned above, a dry wetsuit can feel a bit tight at first. Don't worry, once it gets wet, it'll feel more comfortable. Just make sure you're putting it on correctly.
- Stand on a surface without rocks, twigs or other sharp material. Sometimes this can be a changing mat, wetsuit bag, but even your board bag will do.
- Now, open up your wetsuit as far as you can. This might be a bit trickier with a horizontal chest zip wetsuit, but the goal is to find the first leg hole. With a spring suit, this will all be easier, but with a steamer, it's also a bit trickier.
- Found the hole? Good. If you want, put your foot in a recycled plastic bag. Whether you do that or not, position your foot like a ballerina and push it slowly but firmly through the leg hole. A recycled plastic bag could make this process smooth like butter, but after a bit of practice, you might not need it anymore.
- At this point, if you're standing stable, do the same for the other foot.
- Then, position the end of the wetsuit leg around your ankle bone. Follow it up by slowly pulling the leg of the wetsuit until your knee and position the kneepad accordingly. Do the same for the other leg.
- From here, you can start pulling the wetsuit up to your bum. Check if the legs are well positioned on your body. Then, you can pull it up over your bum so it's situated on your waist. Make sure you adjust so it fits well and there's no weird empty spaces or tension in the groin area of the suit.
- Now, you can pull the suit up to your armpits.
- If it's difficult for you to get your arm through, take the recycled plastic bag again. It should make it easier to slide through the sleeve of the wetsuit. Just make sure you don't overstretch the arm panels. This is why putting the wetsuit up to your armpits is important. After it's through, follow up with the other arm.
- Depending on what kind of suit you have, you can start closing it up. If you have a horizontal chest zip wetsuit, make sure to pull the neck piece over your head. The same applies if you have a back zip wetsuit with a flush guard system.
- Zip it up.
- Check if everything is positioned well. Adjust the wetsuit with firm but slow pulls so it aligns with your body. You can check if it's positioned well by moving around, twisting, squatting, whatever's necessary. As mentioned before, a dry wetsuit feels a bit uncomfrotable, but if there seems to be too much strain, you might have to reposition some parts. Just make sure you're careful with nails, some rubber panels can rip because of it.
- Go have fun!
Taking it off
In a way, taking a wetsuit off is the same as putting it on, but in reverse. This means you have to do it step by step. Just take your time!
- Most important is that you stand on a flat and stable surface.The same as you used when putting it on. Think wetsuit bag, board bag or changing mat. Just ensure that there's no rocks or other sharp stuff where you're standing.
- Ensure you don't pull too much on panels to get your head, limbs and torso out. Unfortunately, the recycled plastic bag trick doesn't work here.
- After you pop your head out, make sure to free up one shoulder.
- Once your shoulder is out, you can start by trying to take your arm out. You can roll it out slightly, sometimes with some folds even. Just make sure these rolls or folds don't become so thick that you can't get it over your elbow. Once you made it over your elbow, it should be relatively easy to get your entire arm out.
- Sometimes, it's still too tight, in those cases you can also opt to get both shoulders out first and then proceed with step 4.
- Once both arms are out, you can pull the wetsuit down to your waist.
- Then, pull it over your bum and down to your knees. At this point, sitting down sometimes makes it easier. Whatever you do, don't kick your legs out. This creates too much tension on the leg panels and seams, and can make the ankle parts rip sooner than necessary.
- Follow by pulling it down over one knee and again fold or roll it down to your ankle. By now, you should be able to get a finger in through the leg hole so you can pry your heel out of it. You can use your other hand too, from the foot side, to create some more space.
- Once one foot is out, you can do the same with the other.
- Now that you're finally free, take a deep breath and cheer. You did it!
- Make sure your wetsuit is inside out and chuck it in a wetsuit bag or a tub.
- Don't forget to take it out of your car when you get home.
Rinsing: TLC in wetsuit care
After a fulfilling day in the water, the first and most crucial step in wetsuit maintenance is a thorough rinse. Rinsing your wetsuit properly after each use is essential to remove saltwater, chlorine, sand, and other environmental residues that can degrade anu rubber over time. Now, we prefer a natural rubber in a wetsuit of course, but the same applies to neoprene, geoprene (limestone neoprene), and any other type of wetsuit rubber out there.
Why rinsing is important:
- Saltwater and chlorine removal: Salt and chlorine can dry out the rubber panels of a wetsuit, causing it to lose flexibility and eventually crack. Immediate rinsing helps prevent this damage.
- Residue removal: Sand and other particles can get trapped in the wetsuit's material, leading to abrasion and wear.
How to rinse your wetsuit effectively:
- Use fresh, cold water: Hot water can harm the rubber. Always use cold or lukewarm fresh water for rinsing.
- Gentle rinsing: Turn the wetsuit inside out and rinse thoroughly. Using a hose or a shower, gently flush out all areas of the suit, paying special attention to zippers and seams.
- Avoid soaking: Long soaks can cause certain types of rubber, both natural and neoprene, to swell and lose shape. A quick, thorough rinse is sufficient.
- Repeat if necessary: If you’ve been in heavily chlorinated water or dirty environments, consider a second rinse to ensure all contaminants are removed.
Post-rinse care:
After rinsing, gently squeeze out excess water without wringing the suit. Wringing can damage the material and affect the wetsuit's fit.
Frequency of rinsing:
Make it a habit to rinse your wetsuit after every use, regardless of whether you’ve been in a pool, freshwater, or the ocean.
Incorporating this simple yet vital step into your routine can significantly extend the lifespan of your wetsuit. Regular rinsing not only maintains the wetsuit's condition but also ensures it's ready for your next adventure.
Deep cleaning: techniques and solutions
While regular rinsing is essential, periodically your wetsuit will require a more thorough deep cleaning to remove built-up salts, oils, and odors. Deep cleaning your wetsuit is a straightforward process that can be done at home with some basic care.
Choosing the right cleaning solution:
- Mild soap or wetsuit cleaner: Use a mild soap or a specialized wetsuit cleaner that's designed to be gentle on natural rubber or neoprene. Avoid detergents, which can be too harsh and damage the material.
- Natural alternatives: If you prefer natural options, a solution of baking soda and water can be effective for odor removal.
Steps for deep cleaning your wetsuit:
- Fill a tub with cool water: Use enough water to submerge the wetsuit fully.
- Add cleaning solution: Mix in the mild soap or wetsuit cleaner. Just make sure to read the instructions.
- Submerge and soak: Turn the wetsuit inside out and submerge it in the solution. Let it soak for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Gentle agitation: Gently agitate the water to help loosen any dirt or oils.
- Rinse thoroughly: After soaking, rinse the wetsuit thoroughly with fresh, cold water to remove all soap residues.
- Repeat if needed: For heavily soiled wetsuits, a second soak might be necessary.
Drying after deep cleaning:
After cleaning, hang the wetsuit to dry in the shade or indoors. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources, which can degrade the neoprene.
Frequency of deep cleaning:
The frequency of deep cleaning depends on how often you use your wetsuit. For regular users, deep cleaning every few months is advisable. For less frequent users, once or twice a season should suffice.
Deep cleaning your wetsuit is an integral part of its maintenance. It not only keeps the wetsuit in good condition but also ensures hygiene and comfort for your next water adventure.
Drying and storage: best practices
Proper drying and storage are crucial for maintaining the integrity and extending the lifespan of your wetsuit. Incorrect practices can lead to material degradation, mold growth, and unpleasant odors. Here's how to do it right:
Drying your wetsuit:
- Avoid direct sunlight: While sunlight quickly dries a wetsuit, it can also damage wetsuit rubbers. Dry your wetsuit in the shade or indoors.
- Hang correctly: Use a wide hanger designed for wetsuits to avoid stretching the shoulders. Alternatively, drape the wetsuit at its waist over the hanger.
- Air circulation: Ensure good air circulation around the wetsuit for even drying. Do not leave it bunched up or folded.
- Turn inside out: After the outside is dry, turn the wetsuit inside out to ensure the interior dries completely.
Storing your wetsuit:
- Dry completely before storing: Store your wetsuit only after it’s completely dry to prevent mold and mildew.
- Use a proper hanger: Store the wetsuit on a wide hanger or lay it flat. Avoid using thin hangers, which can deform the shoulders. Preferably, don't hang it on its shoulders at all, just hang it over the waist.
- Cool, dry place: Keep your wetsuit in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Avoid folding: Folding can create creases and weaken the neoprene. If you must fold it for travel, do so loosely and unpack it as soon as possible.
Long-term storage:
If you won’t be using your wetsuit for an extended period, check it periodically to ensure it’s in good condition and adjust its position on the hanger. Remember, hang it across the waist, but preferably lay it flat or roll it up when storing for longer.
By following these drying and storage guidelines, you can significantly extend the life of your wetsuit, ensuring it remains in good shape for your next water adventure.
Repair and professional care: when to seek help
Even with meticulous care, wetsuits can undergo wear and tear. Understanding when and how to repair your wetsuit, as well as when to seek professional help, is vital for extending its life and maintaining its functionality.
Identifying common wetsuit damage:
- Small tears or holes: Caused by fingernails, sharp objects, or simply occurring over time. Be extra careful with smoothskin panels in a wetsuit, they're very fragile.
- Seam rips: Stress from pulling on the wetsuit or improper storage can lead to seam damage. The result is water flowing in through seams, making you feeld cold quicker.
- Zipper issues: Broken or stuck zippers are common issues that can often be repaired.
DIY repairs:
- Wetsuit glue: Small tears and holes can be fixed at home using special natural rubber or neoprene glue. Apply the glue to both sides of the tear, let it dry briefly, and then press the sides together. Just make sure the glue you use is suited for the type of rubber in your wetsuit.
- Patch kits: For larger tears, neoprene or rubber patch kits are available. Follow the instructions carefully to ensure a watertight seal.
- Zipper maintenance: Regularly clean and lubricate the zipper to prevent issues. If it's stuck, gently use a lubricant to loosen it.
When to seek professional Help:
- Large rips or damaged seams: These require precision and expertise to ensure a watertight and durable repair.
- Severe zipper damage: If the zipper track or teeth are damaged, a professional replacement may be needed.
- Material degradation: Over time, the rubber in a wetsuit can degrade. It's normal. Heavy use in heavy conditions equals loss of performance over time. If your wetsuit is significantly losing flexibility or showing extensive wear, it might be time for a new one. If you're not sure, ask us or the shop you bought it at.
Maintaining your wetsuit’s warranty:
Some repairs, especially on newer wetsuits, may be covered under warranty. Always check your wetsuit's warranty terms before attempting DIY repairs.
Knowing how to address minor damage and recognizing when professional care is needed can save you time and money while ensuring your wetsuit remains a reliable companion in your water activities.
