How To Clean A Neoprene Wetsuit
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Divers and surfers enjoy their lives in the water, and they generally wear neoprene wetsuits to best protect them when they are in the water. It is important that these wet suits are well taken care of and kept clean to prevent them from developing unpleasant odours. oneHOWTO has put together a short guide on neoprene wetsuit care, where we explain the best ways to clean your neoprene wetsuit to make sure it stays fresh and in the best condition.
Give It a Full Rinse
Once you have finished surfing and taken your wetsuit off, it is always important to give it a good rinse as soon as possible. Wetsuits should be rinsed off immediately after use with fresh water. This will get any residue from the ocean off of your wetsuit. If you do not rinse the salt water off of your wetsuit, it could cause it to build up and could ruin it. It can also cause your wetsuit to stink! This is the most important step!
In addition, rinsing the wetsuit helps in maintaining the flexibility of the neoprene material, which can degrade over time if not properly cared for. Regular rinsing also helps to remove any sand or small debris that might have gotten trapped in the fabric, ensuring the longevity of your wetsuit.
Soak in some soap and water
After you have given your wetsuit a good rinse, it is a great idea to soak it in some soap and water. Make sure that you use warm water and some baby shampoo works really well. Let it soak for about 15 minutes.
Adding vinegar to the soak can also help in neutralizing any odors and breaking down any salt residues that might have been left behind after rinsing. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and can assist in keeping your wetsuit hygienic.
Drying out your wetsuit properly
After you have allowed your wetsuit to soak for about 15 minutes, it is now time to hang it up to dry. There are wetsuit hangers that you can buy to ensure that you will allow it to dry properly. If you do not have a proper hanger, simply use a plastic hanger, but try to ensure that all parts of the suit have a good airflow so that every part of the wetsuit is allowed to dry out.
Avoid hanging it out in the sun because that will dry out the wet suit completely and damage the neoprene. Instead, opt for a shaded, well-ventilated area. This method helps in preventing the wetsuit from becoming brittle and cracking over time due to UV exposure.
It should be noted that turning the wetsuit inside out halfway through the drying process can help in ensuring that both the inside and outside dry evenly and thoroughly.
How to take good care of your neoprene wetsuit
You should always make sure that your neoprene wetsuit is taken care of properly. If you follow all of these steps, you can be sure to keep your wetsuit smelling fresh. Remember how important it is to take good care of your wetsuit, and be careful how you store it, as sharp objects could damage the neoprene.
In addition, when storing your wetsuit, make sure it is completely dry to prevent mold or mildew from forming, which can cause a musty smell and degrade the material. Folding it loosely or hanging it in a cool, dry place is ideal.
Similarly, avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach-based products when cleaning your wetsuit, as these can break down the neoprene material and reduce its effectiveness over time.
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