How to wash and care for your wetsuit

Dernière mise à jour le 24 December 2023

You know as well as I do that our trusty wetsuit is like our second skin in the water. And if you're as addicted to surfing as I am, you naturally want to extend the life of your precious armor. So how do you keep it in good condition for as long as possible? Let's find out.

Habits to adopt to extend the life of your suit

The first thing to understand is that a wetsuit needs to be maintained. You don't just throw it carelessly into the corner after a session epic. No, no, no, my friends. Here are a few good habits to get you started.

Use of shampoo made for combinations: we're not talking about your hair shampoo! It's essential to use a special wetsuit soap. Why should you? To reduce unpleasant odours and dirt build-up. Here's a tip: soak your suit in a mixture of fresh water and this special soap for ten minutes or so, once a month. After that, you can gently wring it out. And voilà, your suit will smell fresh!
Rinse your wetsuit after each session: It may sound basic, but how many of us actually do it? After each session, a good rinse with cold water is imperative.
Never wash in hot water Hot water and neoprene are like oil and water - they don't mix! Hot water can deteriorate the properties of neoprene, so be careful.
Never leave the combination with salt: salt is the enemy of neoprene, and can seriously damage it. Rinsing is therefore essential after every sea outing.
Never use a wire for storage instead of a hanger: hanging your suit on a wire can deform it. A good old-fashioned coat hanger is much better.
Dry the suit in the center: When drying your suit, fold it in half at the waist and hang it on a hanger. This prevents distortion.
Avoid drying the suit in direct sunlight: The sun is great for tanning, but not so great for your wetsuit. UV rays can damage neoprene. So be careful!
Do not fold the suits during long periods of storage: Folding your suit can distort it or create creases that will be difficult to remove. Instead, find a place for it to hang quietly.
Do not expose the suit to prolonged sunlight: I repeat, the sun's rays are your enemy! A little sun for a quick dry, why not. But prolonged exposure is a no-no!
Store the suit in a room at room temperature : the attic where it's too hot or the garage where it's too cold are not ideal places. Find a place with a stable temperature to store your suit.
Never use a washing machine or tumble dryer for your suit: washing machines and tumble dryers are too aggressive for neoprene, so don't take the risk.

Cleaning and drying your suit

We've talked about good habits, but how do you put them into practice? Let's go !

1. How to remove your combination

Preferably use a mat, bin or other solution to remove your suit from the parking lot, for example. Wetsuit bags are a very good solution, practical for removing your wetsuit without getting water in the car or elsewhere.

Changing on the ground will pick up pebbles, sand, twigs, dust and other small objects that will damage the neoprene and make the wetsuit less comfortable.

2. Cleaning your wetsuit

The inside of the suit is often neglected. But it needs love too! A good rinse on both sides is essential. Start with the inside, then the outside, using clear, room-cold water.

3. Drying your wetsuit

Inside out: the inside of the suit should be on the outside to allow drying. The suit should also be placed on a hanger at mid-height (waist level), to reduce the tension generated by the weight imbalance between the top and bottom of the waterlogged suit.
Shade and wide hanger: the wetsuit should ideally be kept in the shade to reduce the negative effect of the sun on the neoprene. UV rays break down the neoprene material. But you can put the suit in the sun temporarily to speed up drying.
Indoor and outdoor drying : Once the inside is dry, turn the suit inside out to dry the outside. This ensures complete drying.

Now you can put your suit on a wide hanger for your next session!

Tips for speeding up the drying of your wetsuit

Use two hangers: Put one hanger on the shoulders and another on the legs. This prevents the top and bottom of the suit from touching, speeding up drying.
Ideal location: find a place that's sheltered from the wind, but well ventilated. During winter, keep the suit indoors.
Gentle spin : You can also speed up drying by gently wringing out the suit from the center to the ends, every hour for example.
Special drying hangers : Use electric drying hangers - yes, they do exist!

4. How to put on your suit

Starting with the legs, pass your feet through the legs of the suit and slowly work your way up to the knees. Do the same for the upper body, adjusting each part as you go.

Thread the first arm completely, then the second sleeve. Finally, if you have a zip-front, put the loop around your head. You're done!

→ For your information, combinations that have been stored for long periods shrink, and this is also the case when you buy them. So you'll have a little difficulty at first.

Storing your suit

Inter-session storage

Unsurprisingly, you'll need to put the suit on a waist-level center in a dry, dark place. A cupboard inside your home would be perfect!

Long-term storage

Avoid damp areas and make sure the suit is completely dry before storing. Never fold.

Be careful how dry your suit is: storing it while still damp increases the risk of mildew and fungus.

Also, don't ball or fold the suit, as this will distort it.

The lifespan of a wetsuit

By following these tips, you'll be able to enjoy your suit for around 1-2 years if you use it frequently. For occasional use, expect up to 5 years.

To extend the life of your equipment, consider buying several to rotate through. You'll also be able to put on a dry suit after each session - and that's a real luxury!

Maintaining your wetsuit is not just a matter of prolonging its life. It's also a way of respecting the sea, our favorite playground. A clean, well-maintained wetsuit is your passport to unforgettable sessions. So take care of it, just as it takes care of you in the waves.