Wetsuit Care and Maintenance Checklist for Divers
Your wetsuit is an investment, but it won't last if you treat it the way most new divers do — quick rinses, crumpled storage, and too much sun exposure. In this episode, Camila Reyes shares the exact maintenance routine that destroyed her first wetsuit in under a year and the checklist that's kept her current suit in great shape for over three years. Whether you're a new diver wondering why your suit already smells funky or an experienced diver looking to extend your gear's lifespan, this episode breaks down the simple habits that make all the difference.
Key Takeaways
- Rinse your wetsuit thoroughly after every dive, inside and out. Salt and sand hide in the seams like crumbs in couch cushions. A quick splash won't cut it — you need at least two minutes of fresh, cool water running through the whole suit to prevent crusty buildup that breaks down the material.
- Never wring, twist, or hang your wetsuit on a thin hanger. Twisting the neoprene is like bending a rubber band over and over — it creates weak spots that eventually tear. Wire hangers leave permanent dents in the shoulders, so use a thick hanger or drape it over a rail instead.
- Keep your wetsuit out of direct sunlight while drying and storing. UV rays damage neoprene the same way sun fades a car's dashboard. Dry it in the shade and store it somewhere cool to prevent that weird color change and cracking.
- Deep clean your suit monthly during dive season to kill odor-causing bacteria. Regular rinsing handles surface grime, but bacteria can live inside the neoprene like germs hiding in a sponge. A wetsuit cleaner or vinegar soak tackles smells that soap alone can't fix.
- Store your wetsuit completely dry in a breathable space, never in a sealed plastic bag. Trapped moisture leads to mold and mildew, like leaving wet gym clothes in your locker. Let the neoprene breathe and treat the zippers with wax to prevent corrosion during the off-season.
Show Links
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