Care for your wetsuit
Keeping your wetsuit in perfect condition is essential to extend its lifespan and ensure comfort during every session. From rinsing after each outing to proper storage, here are the best practices to enjoy your gear longer and maintain a pleasant feel in the water.
Table of Contents
After each session
Rinsing: an essential step
After a sea outing, it's crucial to rinse your wetsuit with clean, cold water to remove salt, sand, and impurities. Absolutely avoid hot water, which could weaken the glues and neoprene. No tumble dryer, no washing machine: these methods accelerate wear. Manual rinsing with cold water remains the safest and most durable solution.
Drying: preserving neoprene flexibility
To dry effectively, forget thin hangers that deform the shoulders. Opt for a wide hanger or one specifically designed for neoprene, allowing air to circulate inside, especially when the wetsuit is turned inside out. Always dry in the shade, away from UV rays.
Deep Care
Cleaning: Hygiene and Freshness
Regular rinsing isn't enough. It's recommended to disinfect your wetsuit once or twice a year with a specific product like wetsuit shampoo. Dilute it in a basin or bathtub, let it soak, rinse thoroughly, then wring it out by hand. This treatment eliminates bacteria and bad odors, and helps keep your wetsuit clean longer.
UV Protection
UV rays and heat accelerate discoloration and weaken the neoprene. To preserve its qualities, always store your wetsuit away from the sun. When drying, choose a ventilated but shaded area to protect the glues and the material's flexibility.
Actions that Preserve Neoprene
Beware of Velcros
Velcros located at the ankles or collar can damage the outer jersey or inner lining. After each session, securely close the Velcros on their designated areas to prevent them from snagging everywhere and damaging the wetsuit.
Putting On and Taking Off: Gentleness and Patience
Don't pull roughly on your wetsuit to put it on or take it off, and avoid digging your nails into the neoprene. These actions can cause irreversible tears. Take the time to handle the neoprene with care.
Prevention on the Spot
When you take off your wetsuit, be mindful of where you change. Asphalt or abrasive surfaces can damage the neoprene. A dedicated changing mat bag is practical for changing in complete safety and transporting your wetsuit afterward.
Storage and Lifespan
If you're not using your wetsuit for a while, store it flat or on a suitable hanger in a dry place, away from light. Prolonged storage in poor conditions can weaken the neoprene and reduce the wetsuit's comfort.
By following these best practices, you'll significantly extend your wetsuit's lifespan and enjoy optimal comfort during every session. Nothing beats a clean, flexible, and well-maintained wetsuit for fully enjoying your Surf, Kite, or wingfoil sessions.
FAQ: Neoprene Care
How to rinse your wetsuit?
With clean, cold water after each session, to remove salt, sand, and impurities. Never use hot water, a washing machine, or a dryer.
How to dry it?
On a wide or neoprene-specific hanger, turning it inside out to allow air circulation, always in the shade and away from UV rays.
Does it need deep cleaning?
Yes, once or twice a year with a wetsuit shampoo: let it soak, rinse thoroughly, wring by hand to eliminate bacteria and odors.
How to store it?
Lay it flat or on a suitable hanger, in a dry place away from light, to prevent weakening the neoprene.
Take care of your wetsuit, it will last longer
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Guide written by the GlissEvolution team. These care tips are applicable to most wetsuits on the market.
