How To Store A Wetsuit

How often have you tried to put away your wetsuit only to realize that it has shrunk or even split apart?

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If you’ve ever had this problem, then you know how annoying it can be to try to get your wetsuit back into shape.

Wetsuits are designed to keep you warm during cold-water activities such as surfing, diving, fishing, kayaking, etc. They are also useful for keeping you dry when swimming or snorkeling.

Wetsuits come in various sizes and styles depending on the type of sport you plan to participate in.

Wetsuits are used to keep water away from your skin, but they can get wet themselves.

If you don’t take care of them properly, they can become damaged and even leak. Here are some things to consider when storing your wetsuit.

How To Dry A Wetsuit

Before you can store your wetsuit, you will need to rinse and dry it. The best way to do this is by hanging it up to dry.

You should hang your wetsuit in a place where there is no direct sunlight. This will help prevent mold growth.

If you live in an area with high humidity, you may want to use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air.

We also recommend using a wetsuit hanger, as these have been specifically designed to bear the weight and size of the damp material.

It’s important to make sure that your wetsuit is completely dry before putting it away. If you leave any wet spots on the inside of your wetsuit, they could cause mold to grow.

When your wetsuit has dried out, you can store it in a cool and dry place. It’s recommended that you store your wetsuit in the same location where you store your other outdoor gear.

When storing your wetsuit, we recommend that you lay it flat on a towel or blanket. Don’t fold or roll it up because this can damage the fabric.

You should avoid placing your wetsuit in plastic bags. Plastic bags can retain moisture which can lead to mold growth.

Also, if your wetsuit does not fit well in its original packaging, you might find yourself having to buy new ones.

You should never store your wetsuit near heaters or fireplaces. Heat can accelerate the rate at which water evaporates from the surface of the wetsuit.

This can result in condensation forming on the outside of the wetsuit, which can lead to mold.

It is also possible to hang your wetsuit on a hanger and leave it until your next session. However, it will still need to be stored in a cool and dry place. Whether that be a wardrobe, shed, or garage.

How To Clean A Wetsuit

Wetsuits require general maintenance to ensure their quality and longevity.

For example, regular cleaning helps to protect against mildew and bacterial build-up. In addition, cleaning removes dirt and debris that can accumulate over time.

However, the amount of maintenance will depend on how often you use your suit and the type of water you wear it in.

For example, if you use your wetsuit a lot, then it will probably need more frequent cleaning than if you only use it occasionally.

There are many ways to clean your wetsuit. Some people prefer to use commercial products while others prefer to use household items.

Whichever method you choose, it is important to follow the instructions carefully. Otherwise, you risk damaging your wetsuit.

For the best results, we recommend using a wetsuit shampoo. These shampoos help to remove salt and chlorine from the wetsuit. They also help to loosen dirt and grime that has built up over time.

When using a wetsuit shampoo, you will only need a small amount. So to make things easier, place your wetsuit in a bucket or container with a cap of shampoo and water.

Once the wetsuit is clean, make sure to rinse off the suds before leaving it to dry.

Why Do Wetsuits Smell?

If you’re wondering why your wetsuit smells after a swim, there are several reasons. The most common reason for this is sweat.

Sweat contains natural bacteria that can produce odors. Another reason could be the bacteria in the water, although this mainly applies to rivers and lakes.

Of course, it’s no secret that some people also urinate while wearing their wetsuits, which can also lead to powerful and unwanted odors.

Fortunately, there are many ways to get rid of these odors. You can try washing your wetsuit as soon as you’ve finished swimming.

This involves soaking the wetsuit in clean water and using an odor eliminator.

There are various odor eliminators available online. So we recommend trying one out first before buying a large quantity.

If you do decide to purchase a product, make sure to read the instructions carefully. This ensures you don’t damage your wetsuit by using too much.

What Are The Best Odor Eliminators?

The following list includes the top three odor eliminators based on customer feedback and our own personal experience:

Rip Curl Piss Off – This is our recommended odor eliminator. It works well on both synthetic and neoprene wetsuits.
O’Neill – This is another popular choice among customers. It comes highly rated and is easy to use.
Gear Aid – This is a great option for those who want something less expensive but still effective.

All of these products can be purchased from Amazon. However, they are also available on other online platforms.

Things To Avoid

When cleaning and storing your wetsuit, there are certain things you will need to avoid. These include:

Using harsh chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, and alcohol.
Not rinsing your wetsuit thoroughly after each use.
Leaving your wetsuit outside overnight.
Balling up your wetsuit and leaving it on the floor.
Using a washing machine and dryer to clean your wetsuit. (Do not do this!)
Leaving your wetsuit in direct sunlight or warm areas.
Storing your wetsuit in plastic bags or containers.
Keeping your wetsuit in damp conditions.
Storing your wetsuit near sharp or pointed objects.

Conclusion

Storing your wetsuit is as easy as hanging a coat on a hook. However, if you follow the tips above, you should have no problems keeping your wetsuit looking good and smelling naturally fresh.

We hope this guide helps you store your wetsuit properly. Just remember to keep it clean and dry!