How to Care for Your Wetsuit to Make It Last Longer

A good wetsuit is an investment whether you’re surfing, diving, snorkelling, or swimming in colder waters, your wetsuit plays a crucial role in performance and protection. To keep it functioning at its best and extend its life, it’s essential to care for your wetsuit properly. Improper care can lead to deterioration, bad odours, and reduced insulation. This guide will walk you through how to care for your wetsuit so you can enjoy more time in the water and get more value from your gear.

Why Wetsuit Care Matters

Wetsuits are made from neoprene, a flexible, insulating material that’s sensitive to heat, chemicals, and stress. Poor handling, like tossing it into a hot car or scrunching it into a gear bag, damages the neoprene over time. With the right maintenance, you can prevent unnecessary wear and keep your wetsuit in great condition for years to come.

Rinse Your Wetsuit with Fresh Water After Every Use

The first and most important rule? Always rinse your wetsuit after every session.

Salt, chlorine, and even lake water can deteriorate neoprene and cause odours. As soon as possible, rinse your wetsuit thoroughly with cold water. Be sure you’ve rinsed your wetsuit inside and out to remove all residue. Never use hot water, as it can affect the flexibility and shape of the suit.

Use Wetsuit Shampoo Occasionally

While fresh water works for a basic rinse, you should wash your wetsuit with wetsuit shampoo every few uses—especially after sessions in chlorinated pools or polluted water. This watersports wash cleanser is designed to remove oils, bacteria, and salt without harming neoprene.

To clean:

• Fill a tub or large bucket with cold or lukewarm water.

• Add the appropriate amount of wetsuit shampoo.

• Submerge your wetsuit and gently agitate it.

• Let it soak for 5–10 minutes.

• Rinse thoroughly with fresh water.

Gently Squeeze—Don’t Wring Out

Once clean, give your wetsuit a gentle squeeze to remove excess water. Avoid twisting or wringing it out, as this stretches and weakens the neoprene. Think of it like a sponge—squeeze gently and let gravity do the rest.

Drying Your Wetsuit the Right Way

Drying your wetsuit incorrectly can lead to bad smells, creasing, or cracking. Here’s how to do it properly:

• Turn it inside out first. This helps the inner layer dry completely.

• Hang your wetsuit over a wide hanger or wetsuit hangers specifically designed to support the shoulders.

• Don’t leave it in direct sunlight, as UV rays damage neoprene.

• Air dry in a shaded, ventilated area. Flip it right-side-out once the inside is dry.

Never put your wetsuit in a washing machine or tumble dryer—this damages the neoprene and reduces flexibility.

Avoiding Creases and Crushed Neoprene

Avoiding creases is important, especially if you need to store your wetsuit for long periods. Folding or cramming it into a small space can create permanent damage to the material.

When not in use:

• Lay it flat or hang your wetsuit properly.

• Use a wide hanger to maintain shape and avoid pressure points.

• Never put your wetsuit in a tight bag or under heavy items.

Don’t Leave Your Wetsuit in the Car or Sun

It might be tempting to toss your wetsuit into the back seat after a session, but don’t leave it in the car—especially on hot days. Extreme heat breaks down the glue that holds the suit together and damages the neoprene. The same goes for sun exposure.

If you're not drying it straight away, keep it in a cool, shaded area, and dry it properly as soon as you get home.

Store Your Wetsuit Properly

When the wetsuit season ends or you won’t be in the water for a while, proper storage matters. To store your wetsuit:

• Wash and dry it completely.

• Hang your wetsuit on a wide hanger in a dry, dark place.

• Avoid folding it to prevent creases or stress on the seams.

If space is tight and hanging isn’t an option, gently roll (not fold) your wetsuit and place it in a breathable bag.

Bonus Tips: Wetsuit Don’ts

• Don’t use regular laundry detergent or bleach.

• Don’t stretch your wetsuit too much when putting it on—avoid sharp fingernails.

• Don’t use hot water to rinse or soak.

• Don’t leave it bunched up in your gear bag for days.

Final Thoughts: Make It Last with Simple Care Habits

It doesn’t take much to care for your wetsuit, but the benefits are huge—better performance, greater comfort, and a longer-lasting suit. Whether you're getting ready for a surf trip, diving holiday, or weekend kayaking, these habits will help you get the most out of your gear.

At Sharkskin Australia, we know how important it is to protect your watersports investment. Our collection of thermal protection gear, wetsuits, and accessories is designed to perform and endure. Explore our full range of wetsuit for men and women and watersports gear collections to stay warm, comfortable, and protected in any aquatic adventure.