How to Care for Your Wetsuit (Complete Guide to Cleaning, Drying & Storage)
How to Care for Your Wetsuit (Complete Guide)
Good wetsuit care can extend your suit’s lifespan, support performance, and help you avoid replacing it too soon. Good wetsuit care also helps your suit stay reliable for longer.
Whether you surf, kite, or wing foil, the right routine helps keep your gear flexible, warm, and ready for the next session.
Why Wetsuit Care Matters
Neoprene is flexible and insulating, but saltwater, UV exposure, and poor drying habits can break it down surprisingly quickly.
Without proper care, your wetsuit can:
- Lose flexibility
- Develop bad odours
- Wear out faster
- Lose insulation performance
A simple routine can help your suit stay comfortable, supportive, and in better condition for much longer. Strong wetsuit care habits can also reduce avoidable wear.
“The easiest way to improve wetsuit drying is using a proper hanger designed for neoprene.”
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Step 1: Rinse Your Wetsuit After Every Use
Always rinse your wetsuit with fresh water after every session.
Salt, sand, sunscreen, and dirt can build up on neoprene and gradually affect how it feels and performs.
- Use cold or lukewarm water
- Rinse inside and outside thoroughly
- Avoid hot water (it damages neoprene)
This step is quick, but it is one of the most useful habits in any wetsuit care routine.
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Step 2: Dry Your Wetsuit Properly
Drying is one of the most important parts of looking after your suit.
Incorrect drying can stretch panels, stress seams, and shorten the life of the neoprene.
How to Dry a Wetsuit Correctly
- Turn it inside out first
- Hang it in a shaded, well-ventilated area
- Avoid direct sunlight (UV damages neoprene)
Let the inside dry first, then turn the suit back the right way round to finish drying the outer layer.
Using a proper wetsuit hanger makes a big difference. Some people also look for a wet suit dryer, but airflow and shade are still important.
Wide hangers reduce stress on the shoulders and can help the suit dry faster and keep its shape better.
👉 Check out our wetsuit accessories, including specialist hangers designed for faster drying.
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Step 3: Avoid Common Wetsuit Care Mistakes
Many suits get damaged by simple habits that seem harmless at first.
- ❌ Hanging on thin hangers (causes shoulder stretch)
- ❌ Drying in direct sunlight
- ❌ Leaving crumpled in a bag
- ❌ Using heaters or radiators
These mistakes can affect fit, flexibility, and drying time.
Instead, dry your wetsuit naturally with good airflow and give it space to hang properly.
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Step 4: Store Your Wetsuit Properly
Storage matters just as much as rinsing and drying.
A poorly stored wetsuit can lose shape, develop creases, and feel less comfortable over time.
- Hang on a wide wetsuit hanger
- Store in a cool, dry place
- Avoid folding for long periods
Once the suit is fully dry, store it somewhere out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.
If you're travelling or short on space, a foldable wetsuit hanger is a great solution.
Consistent storage is a key part of long-term care and helps protect the suit between sessions.
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Step 5: Clean Your Wetsuit Occasionally
Every few weeks, give your wetsuit a deeper clean.
This is especially helpful after heavy use or if the suit starts to hold odour.
- Use wetsuit cleaner
- Soak in cold water
- Rinse thoroughly afterwards
This helps remove bacteria, salt buildup, and odours.
Regular cleaning supports better maintenance by keeping the material fresher and reducing residue left in the neoprene. It also supports better long-term upkeep over time.
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How to Dry Wetsuit Accessories (Boots, Gloves & Hoods)
Accessories are often the hardest items to dry properly.
Poor airflow can leave boots, gloves, and hoods damp for days.
That can make them unpleasant to use and slower to warm up next time.
Using a wetsuit accessories hanger allows boots, gloves, and hoods to dry faster by improving airflow.
This also helps keep the rest of your setup simple and organised after each session.
👉 Explore our wetsuit care range for solutions designed to dry your gear efficiently.
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Final Thoughts
Taking care of your wetsuit does not take long, but the results add up over time.
A simple routine of rinsing, drying properly, cleaning occasionally, and storing correctly will help it perform better for longer.
Good maintenance also helps preserve comfort, warmth, and flexibility, which matters every time you get on the water.
Investing in the right accessories, like proper hangers, is one of the easiest ways to improve your routine.Drop in to Boardworx for great wetsuit hangers,