Whether you're diving, surfing, swimming or doing a pool session, your wetsuit is an expensive piece of gear that needs proper care. We get a lot of questions of how to best take care of your wetsuit, and wanted to create a useful guide for you. It's the small actions that can ensure you extend the life of your equipment and ensure its maximum performance.

Here's your complete guide to wetsuit care - from rinsing and drying to deep cleaning, storage, and travel tips.

• Rinse your wetsuit with cool or lukewarm fresh water — never hot
• Rinse both inside and outside, especially after saltwater or pool use
• Gently hand-wash - do not twist, scrub, or wring out the wetsuit
• If you use zinc sunscreen, try and remove it before taking off your wetsuit to prevent stains on the lining or glide skin.

How to Dry a Wetsuit (Without Damaging It) 

Drying your wetsuit correctly is crucial. Improper drying can cause cracks, stiffness, and even mold growth.

• Turn it inside out and hang it until the inner layer is dry
• Then flip it right-side-out to finish drying the exterior
• Use a wide hanger or drape it over a wide hanger bar avoid thin wire hangers
• Dry in the shade, never in direct sunlight - UV light destroys neoprene and smoothskin
• If you dry indoors ensure its a well-ventilated room and consider placing a fan nearby to help airflow
• Avoid dryers, heaters, or any heat sources.

Note: it's important to dry your wetsuit properly in tropical and warmer climates, mold will likely develop, which is very difficult to remove.

Deep Cleaning: How to Wash Your Wetsuit 

Even with regular rinsing, your wetsuit needs a deep clean every few weeks. Here you'll need to buy specialized wetsuit-specific shampoo and follow the directions closely as each brand differs slightly. A good clean will remove salt buildup, body oils, and yes other contaminants especially for those of you that pee ;)

• Fill a tub or large bucket with lukewarm water
• Add a wetsuit-specific shampoo or cleaner (follow the product s dilution instructions)
• Soak for 10 15 minutes
• Rinse thoroughly with cool fresh water
• For smoothskin suits, wipe gently with your hand only no scrubbing
• Hang dry in the shade, as outlined above

How to Store Your Wetsuit 

Proper storage is key to preventing creases and neoprene damage. Whether you re hanging it between sessions or packing it away for the season, follow these best practices.

• Always store in a cool, dry and dark place
• Use a wide hanger or store flat (fold at the waist if needed)
• For wetsuit pants, treat them the same way - fold them in half and hang them on a separate, wide hanger to keep their shape
• Avoid folding tightly - creases can damage if you have smoothskin wetsuit If your wetsuit has velcro, keep the Velcro covered with the attached fabric patch at all times

How to Pack a Wetsuit for Travel 

Traveling with your wetsuit? Protect it from creases and damage by following these simple tips.

•  For smoothskin wetsuits - turn it inside-out so the lining faces outward (this protects the smooth exterior)
• For lined/fabric wetsuits - fold gently as normal
• When you arrive remove your wetsuit from your bag immediately 
• Lay it flat or hang it as described earlier to let it breathe and regain its shape.