Wetsuit cleaners / Shampoo / washes / Conditioners
What Matters In A Wetsuit Cleaner?
Choosing a wetsuit cleaner ultimately comes down to personal preference. I prefer concentrated cleaners, as this allows for more uses, and I like them to be pretty thick, similar to the consistency of a suitable liquid soap. This thickness makes the cleaner versatile for various washing environments.
It’s also essential that the products are all-natural and biodegradable, especially for a leave-in conditioner, since some of it will inevitably end up in the ocean the next time I wear my wetsuit. All the products featured here are biodegradable and non-toxic, which is a must.
Additionally, the scent is significant; the cleaner should effectively mask unpleasant odours, which you likely understand if you’re reading this. Therefore, it is wise to select a product with a fragrance you enjoy.
How Should I Use My Wetsuit Cleaner?
To effectively tackle wetsuit odor, it's best to be proactive and prevent it before it starts. While it's not necessary to clean your wetsuit after every surf session, doing so every few sessions is a good practice.
My preferred method is to turn my wetsuit inside out and place it at the bottom of my shower. I then turn on the cold water, sprinkle my chosen wetsuit cleaner on both sides (paying extra attention to the crotch area), and scrub it against itself. After scrubbing, I rinse it thoroughly until no suds remain, or I skip rinsing altogether if I'm using a leave-in wetsuit conditioner. Finally, I hang the wetsuit up to dry.
For particularly stubborn odors, soaking the wetsuit for a longer period can also be very effective.
Rip Curl Piss Off Wetsuit Cleaner Review
Pros:
- Effective Cleaning: This cleaner does an excellent job of removing dirt, oils, and other residues from your wetsuit.
- Non-Ionic Surfactant: The cleaner uses a non-ionic surfactant that creates a protective shield, preventing further dirt and oil from penetrating the material.
- Easy to Use: The instructions are straightforward, making it easy to use.
- Biodegradable: It's environmentally friendly, as it's biodegradable and free from harmful chemicals.
Convenient Size: The 250ml bottle is a good size, providing around five washes.
Cons:
- No Bubbles: The cleaner doesn't produce bubbles during the cleaning process, which some users might miss.
- Temporary Scent: While it smells great during cleaning, the scent doesn't linger on the wetsuit once it's dry.
Verdict
Overall, Rip Curl's Piss Off Wetsuit Cleaner is a solid choice for keeping your wetsuit in top condition.
Gear Aid Revivex Wetsuit and Drysuit Shampoo Review
Pros:
- Effective Cleaning: This shampoo does an excellent job of removing salt, chlorine, and organic residues like algae and bacteria from neoprene gear. Keypoint chroline remover, so ideal if you do a lot of pool swiming.
- Dual Function: It cleans and conditions, helping to extend the life of your wetsuit or drysuit by keeping the material supple and colors bright.
- Multipurpose: Safe to use on a variety of gear including wetsuits, drysuits, triathlon suits, life jackets, fishing waders, booties, and gloves.
- Concentrated Formula: A little goes a long way, with one 250ml Bottle providing up to 8/9 wash treatments.
Environmentally Friendly: The formula is biodegradable and free from harmful chemicals.
Cons:
- Scent: While it does a great job of cleaning, some users might find the scent to be too strong or not long-lasting.
- Price: It's slightly more expensive compared to some other wetsuit cleaners on the market.
Verdict
- Overall, Gear Aid's Revivex Wetsuit and Drysuit Shampoo is a reliable choice for maintaining your watersports gear. It's effective, easy to use, and environmentally friendly, though the price and scent might be a consideration for some.
O'Neill Wetsuit Cleaner and Conditioner Review
Pros:
- Effective Cleaning: This cleaner does a great job of removing salt, chlorine, and organic residues from your wetsuit, keeping it fresh and clean.
- Conditioning Properties: It not only cleans but also conditions the neoprene, helping to maintain its flexibility and extend the life of your wetsuit.
- Easy to Use: The instructions are straightforward, making it easy to use even for beginners.
- Value for Money: The 250ml bottle provides good value, offering around five washes per bottle.
- Biodegradable: It's environmentally friendly, being biodegradable and free from harmful chemicals.
Cons:
- Lack of Scent: Unlike some other wetsuit cleaners, it doesn't leave a long-lasting pleasant scent on the wetsuit.
- Packaging Issues: Some users have reported issues with the bottle's top cracking and leaking.
Verdict
- Overall, O'Neill's Wetsuit Cleaner and Conditioner is a solid choice for keeping your wetsuit in top condition. It's effective, easy to use, and provides good value for money, though the lack of a lasting scent and potential packaging issues might be a consideration for some.
Comparative Verdict on Wetsuit Cleaners
When it comes to choosing the best wetsuit cleaner, all three products—Rip Curl's Piss Off Wetsuit Cleaner, Gear Aid's Revivex Wetsuit and Drysuit Shampoo, and O'Neill's Wetsuit Cleaner and Conditioner—have their unique strengths and minor drawbacks.
Rip Curl Piss Off Wetsuit Cleaner stands out for its strong cleaning capabilities and environmentally friendly formula. It's a bit on the pricier side, and while it does a great job, the lack of a lingering scent might be a minor disappointment for some.
Gear Aid Revivex Wetsuit and Drysuit Shampoo impresses with its dual cleaning and conditioning action, making it a versatile choice for a variety of neoprene gear. It's concentrated and effective, though its stronger scent and higher price might not appeal to everyone.
O'Neill Wetsuit Cleaner and Conditioner offers great value for money and excellent cleaning and conditioning performance. However, some users might find the lack of a long-lasting scent and occasional packaging issues less appealing.
Overall Recommendation
- Best for Thorough Cleaning: Rip Curl Piss Off Wetsuit Cleaner
- Best for Conditioning and Versatility: Gear Aid Revivex Wetsuit and Drysuit Shampoo
- Best Value for Money: O'Neill Wetsuit Cleaner and Conditioner
In the end, the choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize effective cleaning, conditioning, or overall value, any of these products will help keep your wetsuit in great condition.