How to Wash a Wetsuit Properly (Without Damaging It)

Knowing how to wash a wetsuit correctly is essential for anyone who spends time in the water. Whether you're surfing, diving, snorkelling, or swimming, your wetsuit is exposed to salt, sweat, sunscreen, and chlorine. Over time, these elements can cause damage, odour, and wear if not cleaned properly.

This guide will walk you through how to clean your wetsuit without damaging the neoprene, how often to wash it, and whether it is safe to use a washing machine. With proper wetsuit cleaning habits, your gear can stay fresh, flexible, and functional for years.

Why Washing Your Wetsuit Matters

Neoprene is a durable material, but it is sensitive to chemicals, heat, and UV rays. Saltwater can cause the material to dry out and crack, chlorine can degrade adhesives, and sweat and body oils build up bacteria that lead to unpleasant smells.

Washing your wetsuit regularly helps preserve its flexibility, remove buildup, and prevent odour. It also extends the life of zips and seams, reduces the chance of mould growth, and ensures your suit performs well in and out of the water.

For more general care advice, see our full guide on how to care for your wetsuit.

When Should You Wash vs Rinse?

You should always rinse your wetsuit with cold, fresh water after every use. This helps remove salt, sand, sunscreen, or pool chemicals. However, rinsing only goes so far.

It is recommended that you wash your wetsuit properly using a wetsuit shampoo likeWatersports Wash every four to five uses, or sooner if it's been used in a chlorinated pool, hot spring, or polluted water. A full wash is also ideal when storing your suit for the season.

Step-by-Step: How to Wash a Wetsuit with Shampoo

1. Fill a Tub or Bucket with Cool or Lukewarm Water
   Use cold or lukewarm water only. Avoid hot water, as it can damage the neoprene and weaken seams.
   

2. Add Wetsuit Shampoo
   Use a cleaner specifically formulated for neoprene, like Watersports Wash. The recommended dilution is 25 ml per 5 litres of water. Do not mix with detergents or household cleaners.
   
   

3. Submerge the Wetsuit
   Turn the wetsuit inside out and place it in the solution. Let it soak for 10 minutes to help break down salt, sweat, body oils, and bacteria.
   
   

4. Gently Agitate
   Swish the wetsuit around gently by hand. Focus on areas that see the most use, such as underarms, the collar, and zip seams.
   
   

5. Rinse Thoroughly
   Remove the wetsuit from the solution and rinse with clean, cold water until no shampoo residue remains.
   
   

6. Dry and Store Properly
   Hang your wetsuit to dry in a shaded, ventilated area. Never dry it in direct sunlight or near a heat source. For best results, use a wide wetsuit hanger and store it flat or hung, not folded, to avoid creases.
   
   

For drying tips, read our article on how to dry a wetsuit fast.

What About Chlorine, Sweat, and Salt Buildup?

Rinsing with fresh water helps, but it does not remove everything. Salt crystals can stiffen neoprene, chlorine breaks down adhesives, and sweat causes bacteria and odour. These build up over time and shorten your wetsuit’s lifespan if not properly washed out.

A full wash with wetsuit shampoo breaks down these residues and refreshes your gear.

Can You Put a Wetsuit Through the Washing Machine?

No. Even on a delicate cycle, a washing machine can damage the neoprene and cause seam separation, creasing, and distortion. Similarly, do not tumble dry your wetsuit.

Always wash and dry your wetsuit by hand and air dry only, following the steps above. Machine washing is one of the most common mistakes that lead to early wetsuit failure.

Odour Removal Tips (Natural vs Product-Based)

To remove strong odours, always start with a proper wetsuit wash using a purpose-made cleaner. Avoid using vinegar, baking soda, or general laundry detergents, which can dry out or damage neoprene.

Other tips include:

• Wash your wetsuit inside out

• Allow it to fully dry between uses

• Never leave your wetsuit wet in a sealed bag

• Store it in a well-ventilated, cool space

Do Wetsuits Shrink in the Wash?

Wetsuits do not shrink in the traditional sense, but improper washing techniques can cause the neoprene to warp or become less flexible. This may make the wetsuit feel tighter or lose its shape.

Always wash in cold water and air dry out of direct sunlight to maintain the suit's structure and fit.

Do’s and Don’ts of Wetsuit Washing

Do:

• Use cold or lukewarm water

• Wash your wetsuit with wetsuit shampoo every 4–5 uses

• Hang it to dry on a wide hanger in the shade

• Store it flat or hung, not folded

• Inspect zips, seams, and fabric during cleaning

Don’t:

• Use hot water or harsh chemicals

• Put your wetsuit in a washing machine or dryer

• Leave it wet in your car or gear bag

• Use bleach or detergent

• Fold the wetsuit sharply or hang it by the neck

Keeping Your Wetsuit Fresh and Flexible

Washing your wetsuit properly is a simple but essential part of gear maintenance. A few extra minutes of care after each session will help your suit stay clean, comfortable, and performing its best for years to come.

At Sharkskin, we offer high-quality wetsuits, rashies, and thermal layers designed for lasting performance in all kinds of conditions. Our Watersports Wash is a trusted solution for gentle, effective wetsuit cleaning, helping to preserve flexibility and comfort between sessions.

Whether you're gearing up for diving, paddling, or ocean swims, explore the full Sharkskin collection and experience technical water sports apparel that’s built to perform and made to last.

Keeping Your Wetsuit Fresh and Flexible

Washing your wetsuit properly is a simple but essential part of gear maintenance. A few extra minutes of care after each session will help your suit stay clean, comfortable, and performing at its best for years to come.

The washing method outlined in this guide is safe for the full Sharkskin™ range, including our Chillproof, T2 Chillproof, Rapid Dry, Performance Wear, Thermal Flex, and R-Series Compression garments. Whether you’re rinsing down after a saltwater session or giving your gear a deeper clean, following these care instructions helps preserve the advanced materials and technologies embedded in each piece.

At Sharkskin, we’re proud to design and manufacture technical watersports apparel here in Australia. Our products are built to perform across all conditions, from paddling and diving to offshore adventures. Explore our full collection of thermal wear, wetsuits, rashies, and accessories to stay warm, protected, and ready for anything.