Wetsuits require specific care that most surfers, divers, and open water swimmers handle inconsistently. Neoprene is a durable but particular material, and the combination of salt water, sun exposure, and improper storage degrades wetsuits faster than proper care would allow — while also affecting the skin conditions discussed throughout our open water swimming content.
Post-Session Rinse: The Non-Negotiable Step
Salt water and sand left on a wetsuit after a session accelerate neoprene degradation and create the friction conditions that contribute to the chafing discussed in our open water swimming skin care content. Rinse wetsuits thoroughly with fresh water immediately after every use, inside and out, before salt has a chance to crystallize in the neoprene.
A proper wetsuit rinse addresses both the material longevity concern and the skin contact concern — salt residue left in a wetsuit contacts skin again during the next wear, compounding whatever irritation occurred during the previous session.
Natural Wetsuit Cleaning
Periodic deeper cleaning beyond a fresh water rinse should use natural, fragrance-free products specifically formulated for neoprene rather than general detergent, which can degrade the material's flexibility over repeated use. A diluted natural soap solution, similar to the gear care approaches discussed throughout our content, provides gentle cleaning without the harsh chemical exposure that affects both material and skin.
Proper Drying
Wetsuits should be dried inside out first, then right side out, on a wide hanger that doesn't crease or fold the neoprene at a single point — folding over a thin hanger or line creates permanent creases that weaken the material over time. Avoid direct sunlight for extended drying periods, which degrades neoprene through UV exposure similar to the material concerns discussed in our ski boot care content.
Storage Between Uses
For wetsuits used regularly, storage on a wide hanger in a well-ventilated area prevents the mildew and odor buildup that folding a still-slightly-damp wetsuit into a bag produces. This is the same moisture-trapping principle discussed throughout our gear care content, particularly relevant given neoprene's tendency to retain moisture in its cellular structure.
Skin Care at Wetsuit Contact Points
As detailed in our open water swimming content, the neck, wrist, and ankle areas where wetsuits create friction benefit from pre-session anti-chafe preparation and post-session antibacterial attention. Our Tea Tree Antibacterial Bar Soap addresses any friction irritation at these contact points, while thorough rinsing of both skin and wetsuit prevents the compounding salt and bacterial exposure that repeated open water sessions can create.
Beyond Clean, Beyond Ordinary.